Written question asked by Madeleine Moon (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 June 2011. It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Friday, 10 June 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Guided Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of repair to Apache helicopters attributable to the firing of Hellfire missiles has been in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: According to available records there have been three reported incidents of damage to the Apache helicopter attributable to the firing of Hellfire missiles. Each incident occurred in 2009. Two involved panel damage and the third was to the aircraft's horizontal stabilator. All repair work was carried out at squadron level by army personnel. Apart from labour costs, the only other cost of repair was that of a panel which was scrapped and replaced costing £19,000. The aircraft with damage to the horizontal stabilator was fitted with a new composite horizontal stabilator which was in the process of being embodied across the Apache fleet.

Secondary information