In providing logistic support to UK military helicopters, the focus is moving from spares availability to guaranteed aircraft availability. Merlin, Sea King and Chinook spares support is already contracting through availability contracts with industry.
The percentage of spares demands satisfied direct from MOD stocks in June 2007 have been listed in the table.
Spare parts availability for all of these aircraft has been sufficient to meet operational commitments.
Aircraft platform Owner service Spares satisfaction rates (percentage) Attack Helicopter Army 77 RTM322 engine — 94 Chinook RAF 94 T55 engine — 96 Gazelle Army 96 Astazou 3N2 engine — 99 LynxMk3/Mk8 RN 192 LynxMk7/Mk9 Army 192 Gem engine — 99 Merlin Mk1 RN 180 Merlin Mk3 RAF 180 RTM322 engine — 94 Puma RAF 96 Turmo engine — 92 Sea King Mk3 RAF 192 Sea King Mks4, 6, 6c and 7 RN 192 Gnome engine — 95 1 Across this aircraft type.
The information requested is shown as follows:
1997 (as at 1 April) 2007 (as at 30 June) Army Air Corps 295 289 Royal Navy 225 232 Royal Air Force 142 132 Armed Forces Total 662 653
The figures for 2007 do not include the six RAF Merlin helicopters recently acquired from Denmark or the eight RAF Chinook Mark 3 helicopters that are being converted to a Battlefield Support role, as announced by the Secretary of State on 30 March 2007.