HC Deb 25 October 1993 vol 230 cc489-90W
Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the highest speed achieved by the USAF F-16 aircraft during noise measurement runs at RAE West Freugh in June 1990; and what plans he has for further measurements of the noise levels generated by this type of aircraft.

Mr. Hanley

The highest speed the F-16 achieved during the noise measurement trials at RAE West Freugh in June 1990 was 453 knots. There are no plans at present for further noise trials of the F-16 aircraft, which is not based in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 13July, Official Report, column 466, what was the result of the rearranged tests analysing the noise generated by the F-15E aircraft at low level; at what location the tests were held; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

The trial to measure the noise generated by the F-15E rearranged for July did not take place, again due to the poor weather conditions. The trial was however conducted successfully at RAE West Freugh during September. The results are at present being analysed.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current status of the conventionally armed stand-off missile programme.

Mr. Aitken

We are currently revising and updating our requirement paper. We expect to issue a formal request for proposals against a cardinal points specification to interested United Kingdom and overseas companies early in the new year.

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