§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific reliability and ergonomic factors have led to the requirement for improved Tornado nose landing gear cable harness assembly as advertised as future purchase number SMC 11 aR/273 in MOD "Contracts Bulletin" Vol. 11, No. 7; and if continued use of existing assemblies is affecting serviceability of the Tornado fleet. [9592]
§ Mr. SoamesThe Tornado nose landing gear cable harness assembly dates back to the original aircraft design. The assembly has been found to be susceptible to water and grit ingress which can give rise to false readings on the cockpit instruments and system unserviceability. There is no significant impact on aircraft availability and no adverse effect on airworthiness.