TNAG-1638-FCO40-2282-Future-of-Hong-Kong-withdrawal-of-the-British-garrison-1987 — Page 133

COS

LOCSEN

SECRET

UK EYES A

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

H2 2

UK EYES A

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