§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which RAF units are currently equipped with helicopters capable of operating in all-weather conditions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyAll helicopters are limited in some respects by weather conditions. RAF Chinook and Sea King helicopters have a full capability to operate under instrument flight rules. Furthermore, RAF search and rescue Sea Kings have a capability to operate in reduced visibility.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to replace the helicopters used by the Royal Marines Brigade air squadron; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Lynx helicopter armed with TOW missiles will provide both the Army and the Royal Marines with effective anti-armour capability for some time to come. We plan to replace Lynx/TOW with a modern attack helicopter system by the end of the decade, and this will offer a substantial increase in capability. We have yet to 905W decide on total numbers and deployment. The Royal Marines also currently operate Gazelle helicopters in the communications and battlefield support role. Options for the replacement of these latter aircraft are under consideration.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide details of his plans to introduce the Merlin helicopter into service, including a timetable setting out the numbers to be introduced in each year for the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyWe currently have 44 EH101 Merlin ASW helicopters on order. The first of these is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 1996. Initial aircraft will be allocated to operational proving trials. It is planned that the first operational aircraft will be deployed around the turn of the century.