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Hercules Aircraft

Volume 486: debated on Tuesday 20 January 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircraft in the Hercules C-130 fleet are currently unfit for operational use; and if he will make a statement. (248052)

The numbers of Hercules C-130J and C-130K that are not fit for purpose (FFP) are provided in the following table. The figures shown reflect the position on 13 January 2009.

Aircraft type

Total fleet

Numbers of Hercules not FFP

C-130J

24

7

C-130K

19

111

1This figure includes 4 retired aircraft which are awaiting disposal.

Aircraft are classed as not FFP if they are undergoing scheduled maintenance, modification programmes and any other unforeseen rectification work that can arise on a day to day basis or awaiting disposal. The figures do not reflect the fact that an aircraft assessed as not FFP may be returned to the front line at very short notice to meet the operational need.