§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Eurofighter Typhoons have been delivered to No. 17 Squadron, Royal Air Force; [156951]
(2) how many Eurofighter Typhoons he plans to be delivered to No. 17 Squadron, Royal Air Force; when the squadron will receive the final aircraft of its intended complement; and if he will make a statement. [156952]
§ Mr. IngramIt is planned that four aircraft will be delivered to No. 17 Squadron, Royal Air Force. The final aircraft of its intended complement is expected to be received by April this year. To date, two have been delivered.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to re-form No. 29 Squadron, Royal Air Force to conduct the first Eurofighter Typhoon pilot training course at RAF Coningsby; when the first Typhoon pilot training course will start; and if he will make a statement. [156953]
§ Mr. IngramThe Eurofighter Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit is currently being re-formed as 29 Squadron at the BAE System facility at Warton, Preston, Lancashire. Re-formation of 29 Squadron will be complete when it moves to RAF Coningsby next year. Present plans are for initial instructor pilots to commence training this summer.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Eurofighter Typhoons delivered to No. 17 Squadron, Royal Air Force have refuelling probes fitted and ready for use; and if he will make a statement. [156954]
§ Mr. IngramThe Typhoons delivered to date do not have refuelling probes fitted. Early aircraft delivered without probes will be retro-fitted.