Mr. Ingram: 26 Typhoon aircraft have been delivered to the RAF to date. In common with all aircraft types, the availability of Typhoon varies from day-to-day to take into account planned maintenance and issues arising during flying sorties. As an example, on 25 April 2006 two of the 26 aircraft were out of service as part of
a pre-planned retrofit programme being conducted at BAES Warton (seven and 77 days), and one aircraft was undergoing routine technical maintenance (14 days) for which a near-term solution is in prospect. A further three aircraft were awaiting longer-term logistic support solutions that are being addressed as the fleet grows incrementally (30 days, 57 days and 12 months). Finally, one aircraft is awaiting repair following a controlled emergency landing in January 2006.
RN Helos:
In service /Fit for purpose
Sea King (Mk 4, Mk 5, MK 7) 51/ 27
Merlin (Mk 1) 24/ 11
Lynx (Mk 3, Mk
47/ 23
In service aircraft are those located at front line and training units. "Fit for Purpose" describes an aircraft that is available, reliable, airworthy and capable of carrying out its planned mission on a given date. The numbers of fit for purpose aircraft can vary, depending on operational requirements.