C-17s (Hansard, 6 December 2001)

§ Mr. Gray
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if C-17s have the capacity to drop cargo by parachute. [20392]

§ Mr. Ingram
The C-17 aircraft is capable of dropping cargo by parachute and it is used in this role by the United States Air Force. However, the UK does not currently envisage using the aircraft in this role and has not sought the clearances necessary to do so.

§ Mr. Gray
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if paratroop insertion for C-17s is possible. [20394]

§ Mr. Ingram
The C-17 aircraft is capable of dropping paratroops and it is used in this role by the United States Air Force. However, the UK does not currently envisage using the aircraft in this role, and has not sought the clearances necessary to do so.

§ Mr. Gray
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flying hours are permitted per annum for C-17s. [20393]

§ Mr. Ingram
Our lease contract for the RAF's four C-17s does not restrict flying hours. However, the contracted support package is based on an assumed annual fleet usage rate of 3,000 hours. Additional flying hours will give rise to an additional charge for the associated support

§ Mr. Gray
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the operation of the C-17s is constrained by the Health and Safety regulations; and if he will make a statement. [20395]

§ Mr. Ingram
C-17 aircraft have been in service with the United States Air Force for several years. Nevertheless, prior to the aircraft entering service with the Royal Air Force, the Ministry of Defence contracted an independent safety assessor to undertake a risk-based458W safety analysis in relation to UK Health and Safety legislation. This analysis contributed to the overall safety case on the basis of which the aircraft was cleared for operational service.