The numbers of aircraft of each type which are in service, in the forward fleet and fit for purpose are provided in the following table. The figures shown are the average for February 2009 and have been rounded to the nearest aircraft.
“In service” has been taken to mean the effective fleet, which covers all aircraft barring those which are redundant, declared as surplus or awaiting disposal.
The number of aircraft in the forward fleet comprises aircraft which are serviceable and those which are short term unserviceable. Short term unserviceable aircraft are undergoing minor works, forward maintenance or any other unforeseen rectification work that can arise on a day-to-day basis. Serviceable aircraft available to the front-line commands for operational and training purposes are termed fit for purpose.
Aircraft type In service fleet Forward fleet Fit for purpose BAe 146 2 1 1 BAe 125 6 4 4 C-17 6 5 4 Dominie 9 7 5 Harrier 74 49 44 Hawk Tl 132 90 59 Hercules CI30K 15 11 6 Hercules CI30J 24 19 12 Nimrod MR2 14 10 4 Nimrod Rl 3 1 1 Sea King 25 17 10 Sentinel 5 3 2 Sentry 7 5 4 Tornado F3 69 33 29 Tornado GR4 138 84 66 Tristar 8 6 4 Tucano 55 55 40 Typhoon 53 35 20 VC10 16 13 8 Vigilant 64 63 44 Viking 65 65 60