HC Deb 28 November 2000 vol 357 c491W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent representations he has received from the manufacturer of Lynx helicopter rotorheads concerning the sufficiency of their staff involved in the programme of rectification work on the helicopters' rotorheads; [139238]

(2) how many Lynx helicopters, grounded due to problems with rotorheads, have been returned to service; [139234]

(3) what plans he has for the completion of the rectification work on Lynx rotorheads; when this work will be completed; and what representations he has received on this matter; [139242]

(4) what payment has been made to the manufacturer of Lynx helicopter rotorheads for the programme of rectification work on the helicopters' rotorheads; [139241]

(5) what his estimate is of the total cost of rectification work on Lynx helicopter rotorheads. [139235]

Mr. Spellar

Monobloc main rotorheads, withdrawn as a result of the reduced service life announced in April, are being replaced with new heads of an alternative bolted design. Replacement main rotorheads are being procured through GKN Westland Helicopters, with components sourced from a number of different manufacturers. Long lead times for certain materials means that the recovery programme will take some time.

We are in close contact with GKN Westland to ensure that replacement heads are available as quickly as possible. First deliveries are expected in the next month and will continue over the following two years. All available main rotorheads are being managed as a single pool, being fitted to either Navy or Army helicopters as required. Main rotorheads are currently available for around two thirds of the Lynx operational fleet allowing us to meet all our priority commitments. Previous plans already assumed the procurement of new bolted heads as part of a normal replacement programme. These plans have how had to be brought forward. In total, we expect to spend some £40 million on new Lynx main rotorheads in the next two years. Contract negotiations for these heads are ongoing and payments will be linked to deliveries.

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