§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what speed restrictions have been placed on Tornado aircraft since 7 June 1994; and on what dates have such speed restrictions been lifted. [5413]
§ Mr. SoamesAs a precautionary measure, varying speed limits were imposed on the Tornado fleet in July 1994 to keep engine pressure within acceptable limits. Following modification of the engine, the Tornado F3 speed restrictions were lifted in April 1995.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the circumstances of the damage caused to Tornado GR-1A serial number ZG726 on 17 May. [5175]
§ Mr. SoamesOn 17 May 1995 the aircraft concerned was subject to a birdstrike while flying over the sea north of RAF Lossiemouth. As a precaution, the crew diverted into Lossiemouth, but no damage to the aircraft was found.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been introduced to provide a permanent solution to the problems that caused the RB199 engine failure in the Tornado accident of 7 June 1994. [5394]
§ Mr. SoamesThe loss of Tornado ZE809 on 7 June 1994 was caused by a faulty engine seal. A technical solution to the failure has been identified and the intended seal modification is currently being trialled. If these trials are successful, modification of the engine fleet is expected to start in April 1996.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current standing instructions to the Royal Air Force Tornado F3 crews concerning the execution of(a) air combat manoeuvring and (b) combat air patrols within advisory route airspace. [5167]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are no standing instructions to RAF Tornado F3 aircrew specific to the conduct of air combat manoeuvring and combat air patrols within advisory route airspace. Aircrew are, however, required to follow all normal flight procedures.