Mr. DuncanSmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the Lynx helicopters that have been grounded due to serious technical faults will be back in service within(a) six months, (b) 12 months, (c) 18 months and (d) 24 months. [121602]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 11 May 2000]: A number of steps are already being taken to increase the number of main rotor heads available for our Lynx helicopters, including bringing forward heads unaffected by fatigue problems from other airframes in routine maintenance, and improving repair and overhaul times. These will generate a steady improvement in Lynx availability with full fleet recovery being achieved after the delivery of new rotor heads in 18 months to two years. There are sufficient Lynx helicopters already available to meet all primary operational tasks.
§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the remaining Lynx helicopters have been converted to Mark 8 standard. [121600]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 11 May 2000]: 31 Mark 3 Lynx helicopters have been converted to Mark 8 standard, six are currently undergoing conversion at the Defence Aviation Repair Agency. We are currently examining whether to convert the final 12 Mark 3s as originally planned in light of the remaining fatigue life of the aircraft.