§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what problems have arisen with the propellers of RAF C130Js when landing on non-concrete runways; and if he will make a statement. [71715]
§ Dr. MoonieNo RAF C130J aircraft have landed on non-concrete runways. The first rough strip landing trial is scheduled for later this year.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have been made on troop seating on RAF C130Js; and if he will make a statement. [71713]
§ Dr. MoonieNo changes have been made to the configuration of troop seating in the RAF C 130J aircraft. A maximum of 128 personnel can be accommodated in the C-Mk 4 and 91 people in the C-Mk 5. At present, however, passenger seating in the cargo compartments of both C130J marks is restricted while an investigation is carried out into the cause of noise and vibration within the compartment and its effect on passengers. This has temporarily reduced the seating capacity by 22 seats on the C-Mk 4 and 23 seats on the C-Mk 5.