Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the regulations governing the practice of air-to-air refuelling in the United Kingdom low flying system; and what distinctions there are in the application of these regulations.
§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisle[holding answer 18 July 1990]: There is no requirement to carry out air-to-air refuelling within the United Kingdom low flying system.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what action he is taking to put on-stream, low-flying flight simulators; how many the RAF currently have operational; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will list by NATO air force, the number of low-flying flight simulators they have operational.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThere are currently no low-flying simulators in service with the RAF or, so far as we know, with other NATO air forces. With the introduction of more sophisticated types of simulators, such as the Harrier GR7 simulator in 1991, there will be a significant improvement in synthetic low-level training capability. However, even though advanced, this type of simulator will still be unable to replicate with sufficient fidelity the complex environment of a fast jet aircraft at low level. "Live" flying will continue to be necessary. Developments in simulator technology may eventually result in simulators with the requisite capacity, and we shall continue to keep abreast of developments in this area.
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§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings would be made to his Department's budget from a 60 per cent. reduction in low-level military jet flights and their replacement by flight simulators.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe flight simulators currently in service with the Royal Air Force do not provide a realistic alternative to low-level training sorties.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the approved targets for toss and dive manoeuvres carried out by military jet aircraft.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe point raised is the subject of recommendations by the House of Commons Defence Committee whose report on low flying (HC 120) is currently being considered by the Government and to which a response will be made in due course.