HC Deb 21 July 1998 vol 316 c478W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what options he is assessing for the Future Carrier-Borne Aircraft. [51067]

Mr. Spellar

No decisions have yet been taken on a future carrier borne aircraft but a version of the Joint Strike Fighter programme currently underway in the United States remains a strong contender. We are currently participating in the concept demonstration phase. Several other possible solutions are also under consideration. These include Short Take Off but Arrested Landing; conventional carrier aircraft with steam catapult assisted take off and arrested landing; and a further development of the Harrier aircraft.