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reduce the Wessex force level immediately.
Expansion of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force (RHKAAF) has been slower than predicted in either CDS 7/87 or CDS 13/89. Crucially, with a total fleet of 5 S-76 in the support helicopter role, each capable of carrying only 8 IS equipped police; the lift capability is less than expected. This fact and normal serviceability rates suggest a larger fleet will be needed to meet the task, but the option to buy more S-76 will not be considered by HKG until early 1992. It is relevant also that the aircrew establishment is still undermanned and it is unlikely
that the volunteer aircrew will be able to cope with the
complexity of the S-76 and the SH role. Thus a change to an all professional unit may be required. With these uncertainties it
would be prudent to maintain 6 + 2 Wessex until the RHKAAF has developed a proven capability to support the RHKP. Nevertheless, Wessex task flying hours should be reduced as the RHKAAF takes over helicopter support from the RHKP.
Nor would
C. Even when the border is handed over to the RHKP a smaller
Wessex force could not meet the basic requirements of the current Concept of Operations which is likely to remain largely unaltered
until the withdrawal of the second battalion.
reinforcement be a sufficiently timely option. Any decision, therefore, to cut the Wessex force level from 8 airframes should be delayed until a new Concept of Operations is written which takes account of the most up to date factors; this will probably
be redrafted to coincide with the withdrawal of the second
battalion. The Wessex force level should therefore remain
unaltered and be reconsidered during the 1993 Biennial Review
when the long term levels should also be addressed.
89.
Scout.
a.
The operational requirement for Scout helicopters in Hong
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