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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Apache operating manuals there are in the UK; if Apache operating manuals may be consulted by non- military personnel in the UK; and if DERA personnel are authorised to use Apache operating manuals. [14351] Dr. Moonie: The Apache operating manuals are all computer-based Interactive Electronic Technical Publications (IETPs), which may be loaded onto any computer with the appropriate current user licence. The Ministry of Defence has purchased in the region of 465 laptop computers to receive the software. Within the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), both military and non-military personnel are currently authorised to consult the Apache IETPs. The non-military personnel are either civil servants or employees of Westland Helicopters Ltd. (WHL), who are assembling the aircraft under licence from Boeing. Prior to the vesting of part of the former DERA as QinetiQ plc on 1 July 2001, DERA personnel at the Aircraft Testing and Evaluation (AT&E) facility Boscombe Down, as part of MOD, had access to the Apache operation manuals. However, when these staff transferred to QinetiQ, they were temporarily unable to have access to such proprietary information pending the amendment of WHL's licence with Boeing. The licence amendment was submitted in July and US State Department approval was given on 1 October 2001. Once this approval is implemented, QinetiQ personnel will again be authorised to use the manuals, in support of MOD work.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

14351; 374 c632-3W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Access Software Helicopters Training Handbooks Apache helicopters

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk