§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Hercules Cl30J are in service with the RAF; when they received military aircraft release; and if he will make a statement. [157641]
§ Mr. SpellarAs at 6 April, 15 of the 25 Hercules C-130J aircraft ordered were in service with the RAF, and a further two aircraft were in the process of being accepted from the Contractor. Initial Military Aircraft Release was issued on 17 January 2000. The aircraft are currently cleared for strategic (cargo transportation) operations. A revised Military Aircraft Release covering tactical operations (cargo and paratroop aerial delivery) is planned for mid 2002.