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2ND DRAFT
being developed in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany
and Italy, receives high priority in the aircraft programme. The
swing-wing design will give the aircraft great operational
flexibility; its advanced electronic equipment will enable it to
deliver weapons accurately, in all weather conditions and at night,
at altitudes which will minimise its vulnerability to defensive
systems.
13. The first part of the development phase was completed in
September 1974 after the aircraft had made a successful first
flight on 14 August 1974. The second part of the development phase
has now begun, and will last until the end of 1975, with a progress
review around the middle of the year. Preparation work for
production has been authorised.
Project definition is under way
in the United Kingdom of an air defence variant for the Royal Air
Force, equipped with an advanced new radar and air-to-air guided
weapons. To be updated nearer finalisation date to reflect latest
state of play on proposal to reduce rate of delivery to Royal Air
Force, and the Central Committees' decisions which are due before
finalisation date on the air defence variant_7.
Lynx
14.
The Lynx twin-engined helicopter is at an advanced stage of
development, and production work has now begun. First delivery to
the British Services is expected in 1976. The Lynx is notable for
its speed and range and will improve the operational capabilities
of the Royal Navy's new classes of frigates and destroyers, enabling
them to attack submarines with light-weight torpedoes and patrol
vessels with the Skua missile (see paragraph 23 below)7. Lynx will
also carry out surveillance and reconnaissance.
A utility version
90
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