Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 June 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 10 June 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of (a) the Typhoon's capability as a single seat fighter in all conditions and in all combat roles and (b) the need for a second crew member for certain operations.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of (a) the Typhoon's capability as a single seat fighter in all conditions and in all combat roles and (b) the need for a second crew member for certain operations. [176478] Mr. Ingram: Typhoon, as with all new military aircraft, is undergoing a rigorous and incremental series of testing and evaluations to gradually expand its flight parameters to bring it up to an operational capability for front line service. Typhoon is performing extremely well at this stage of the development programme as it moves towards achievement of its full, single seat, Multi Role capability.

Secondary information