§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the speed limits for each aircraft type while low-flying over the United Kingdom at(a) 100 ft and (b) 250 ft; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which these speeds may be exceeded during interceptions or the run-up of simulated targets.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonFor military aircraft flying at 250ft in the United Kingdom low-flying system the normal maximum cruising speed is 450 knots, except for F-111s which, for aircraft handling reasons, are allowed to fly at speeds up to 480 knots. At this height aircraft may increase their speed to maxima ranging from 480 knots to 550 knots, depending on aircraft type, in special circumstances such as the run-up to simulated targets or during mock interceptions. The maximum speeds for aircraft flying at 100 ft above ground level are as follows:
Knots Jaguar 520 Tornado 500 Hawk 480 Harrier GR 5/7 420