§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number and respective ages of Wessex helicopters assigned to the Queen's flight; what other helicopters are in service with the flight; and what plans he has for replacing these aircraft.
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§ Mr. FreemanThere are two Wessex helicopters assigned to the Queen's flight, both of which are 19 years old, which is relatively young compared to other Wessex helicopters in service. There are no plans for replacing the Queen's flight Wessex helicopters in the immediate future. There are no other helicopters in service with the Queen's flight.
§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number and respective ages of Wessex helicopters assigned to search and rescue duties within the United Kingdom, listing their home-bases.
§ Mr. FreemanThe in-service dates of the Wessex aircraft currently assigned to search and rescue (SAR) duties within the United Kingdom are as follows:
- RAF Chivenor–1965 x 1, 1966 x 1
- RAF Leuchars–1964 x 1, 1968 x 1
- RAF Manston–1965 x 1, 1966 x 1
- RAF Valley–1968 x 2
- RAF Valley (SAR helicopter Training Unit)
- 1963 x 2
- 1964 x 1
- 1968 x 2
- RAF Finningley (SAR helicopter Maintenance Unit)
- 1963 x 1
- 1964 x 1
- 1966 x 2
- 1967 x 1
In addition, one SAR Wessex helicopter (in-service date 1966) is currently with the manufacturer for maintenance.