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Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 October 2007. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the (a) total UK military helicopter fleet and (b) the helicopter fleet deployed in (i) Iraq and (ii) Afghanistan are considered (A) fit for service and (B) fit for purpose, broken down by helicopter type.
Answer

The percentage of the total number of military helicopters in the Forward Fleet and considered 'fit for purpose' is detailed in the following table. Fit for purpose is defined as helicopters that are available, reliable, airworthy and capable of carrying out their planned missions on a given date. The term 'fit for service' is not recognised in this context.

Helicopter type Fit for purpose (Percentage)
Agusta A109 75
Apache 50
Chinook 2/2a 67
Gazelle AMI 81
Lynx MK 3 and 8 69
Lynx MK 7 and 9 57
Merlin MK 1 41
Merlin MK 3 50
Puma 64
Sea King MK 3/3A 64
Sea King MK 4/6C 52
Sea King MK 5 54
Sea King MK 7 44

These numbers will vary from day-to-day. The figures shown are the average for the month of August 2007.All UK helicopters deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are considered fit for purpose, but not all will be available for operational flying each day due to routine maintenance requirements. However, operational capability is measured in terms of flying hours rather than the number of airframes available, and sufficient helicopters and helicopter hours are provided to meet essential operational commitments. We continue to review these operational requirements and do adjust as necessary.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
158358; 465 c971-2W
Session
2006-07
Subjects
Deployment Iraq Helicopters Peacekeeping operations
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk