§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Who is the senior responsible owner for the new aircraft carrier project. [HL718]
§ Lord BachThe senior responsible owner for Carrier strike capability is Rear-Admiral N C F Guild. As SRO for carrier strike he is not only responsible for the new aircraft carrier programme but has wider responsibility for the joint expeditionary air capability represented by joint combat aircraft and for the associated enabling systems.
§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
What factors would need to be taken into account in decisions to extend the decommissioning date of HMS "Invincible" from 2010 to 2015 and that of HMS "Illustrious" from 2012 to 2017. [HL720]
§ Lord BachThere are currently no plans to extend the service lives of any of the Invincible class aircraft carriers (CVS) beyond those scheduled. However, in considering the possibility of extending the service life of any ship a number of factors would need to be taken into account. These include certification (fire safety, stability and hull structural strength) of the ship concerned, legislative compliance, general engineering issues (e.g. the viability of extending the life of ship systems), risk and cost.