§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to purchase Allied Signal Incorporated upgraded gas turbine engines for the Chinook helicopter fleet; and when the Royal Air Force will lift the reduced weight limit on British Chinooks. [55467]
§ Mr. SpellarWe have no plans to upgrade the Allied Signal 712F engines fitted to the RAF's Chinook HC Mk2 fleet, but we are pursuing the procurement of minor modifications to improve commonality, thereby reducing spares holdings, with the 714A engines fitted to the eight Chinook HC Mk3 aircraft to be delivered to the RAF in early 2001.
890WThe Chinook HC Mk2 was cleared to operate to its full flight envelope at an all up mass of 24,500 kg under an amended Controller Aircraft Release which was signed on 30 September.