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C.
The Relationship Between Aircraft Establishment (AE) and Unit Establishment (UE). The study should review the
following considerations:
(1) AE. The initial reduction to 6 helicopters of each type would probably be against normal peacetime flying rates (250 hours per month for the Wessex fleet
and 340 hours for Scouts) and so these airframes would
be fully established along with a normal UE. Subject to the flying task, there may be scope for taking advantage of the 'AE+ IUR' concept. Both the Wessex and Scout may be surplus to Service requirements. elsewhere by the mid-1990s, and so airframes could be
held in Hong Kong, both against an IS requirement and
as attrition reserves. As the flying task reduces it may be possible to move from 6 AE of each type to 4 AE + 2 IURS. Such a level could probably support a monthly flying task of over 100 hours for each type as well as ensuring the necessary airframes for a
simultaneous platoon lift in an IS situation.
(2)
UE. The UE would logically be directly related
to the flying task and the ratio of AE to IUR. However,
although reinforcements could be flown-in to enable
intensive rates to be flown during an IS situation, they would lack experience of local conditions;
it would therefore be sensible to retain sufficient
air and ground crew in theatre to respond to a no-notice
IS emergency. It is assessed that the aircrews should not drop below 6 on each aircraft type; groundcrew UE will require more study because of the possibility of
'dual qualifying' certain tradesmen should the two
units amalgamate at some point into a joint RAF/AAC
Sqn.
d.
Financial Implications.
A reduction in aircraft numbers
and consequent reductions in personnel will result in some
savings in manpower and operating costs. Under the terms
of the DCA, the HKG would be entitled to a refund in respect
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