Apache Helicopter (Hansard, 8 January 2003)

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he expects the Apache AH Mk l's UK-specific secure communications system to have the ability to share voice and data information with other UK aircraft types and ground troops. [87976]
221WS

§ Mr. Ingram
The timescales for enhancements to enable Apache AH Mk 1 to share voice and data information with a range of United Kingdom aircraft and with ground forces are being defined but the aim is to introduce them as soon a possible.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made to ensure that the Longbow fire-control radar allows the Apache AH Mk 1 attack helicopter to deal with surface threats. [87977]

§ Mr. Ingram
The Longbow fire control radar is being tested and evaluated, along with other sub-systems, as the Apache helicopter is brought into service. Any necessary modifications will be made to ensure that Longbow is able to deal consistently with the threats for which it was designed.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what actions have been taken to ensure that the Apache AH Mk 1 attack helicopter achieves its planned initial operating capability in August 2004. [87978]

§ Mr. Ingram
To ensure that an initial operating capability for the Apache of August 2004 is met, action is being taken along six lines of development: delivery of the equipment; development of appropriate organisation structures and infrastructure; development of concepts and doctrine for how the equipment will be used; delivery of the required training; recruitment and retention of manpower; and supporting and sustaining the new capability once the equipment has been introduced into service.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the problems experienced with the Apache Mk 1 attack helicopter; and when he expects each of these to be rectified. [87980]

§ Mr. Ingram
The report by the Comptroller and Auditor General: 'Building an Air Manoeuvre Capability: The Introduction of the Apache Helicopter' published on 31 October 2002 reflected the outstanding issues relating to the Apache helicopter. Action is in hand to address the issues highlighted in the report and to ensure the delivery of an initial operating capability in August 2004.