§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what have been the(a) highest and (b) lowest monitored mission readiness rates for RAF C130 aircraft of each type in the past three years. [134484]
§ Mr. IngramThe required Readiness States for C130 Force Elements in each of the last three years have been met.
As monitored mission readiness rates is not a term with a precise military definition, I have interpreted this as serviceability rates, figures for which arebased on a snapshot of serviceability taken at 8:00 am each day. For the C-130J, these figures start from May 2002, when all aircraft had entered service; for the C-130K, they start from November 2001, as prior to this time a number of aircraft were out of service but awaiting return to Lockheed Martin.
Highest serviceability rate (percentage) Lowest serviceability rate (percentage) C-130J 69 46 C-130k 76 37
§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what problems have been experienced with the engines of the RAF's C130J aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [134485]
§ Mr. IngramThe Hercules C-130J aircraft is powered by the Rolls-Royce Allison turbo prop engine. Some problems with the engine turbine blades have been identified when the engine is operated at maximum continuous power for long periods. Work is continuing with Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce to identify a solution.