§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the variation in maintenance costs between the engines on the Harrier GR8 and the GR8a. [70161]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 16 July 2002]: There are no variants of the Harrier designated GR8 or GR8a.
Currently the Harrier GR7 fleet is fitted with the Pegasus Mk105 engine. However, in a programme which is due to commence in February 2003 and be completed by the end of 2005, 30 aircraft will be upgraded to GR7a standard by the integration of the Pegasus Mk107 engine.
In addition, all Harrier GR7 and GR7a aircraft will receive avionics and weapons upgrades to provide the aircraft with a much improved capability, in particular, the ability to deliver the new generation of smart weapons that are about to enter service. These aircraft will be designated Harrier GR9 and GR9a.
The information requested for the Pegasus Mk105 and Mk107 engines is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the 755W Mk107 engine will have lower support costs due to increased reliability and reduced scheduled maintenance requirements, and over the planned in-service life of the Harrier GR7a and GR9a, it is expected that the resulting cost savings will be in the order of £2 million per year.