Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions are in place in relation to the operation of Lightning II aircraft in or near lightning. [205680]

Mr Dunne, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology (including Defence Exports): A flight restriction to avoid lightning by 25 nautical miles has been placed on all variants of F-35 until associated design tests have been successfully completed. Lightning testing is scheduled to be completed in 2015. This incremental test programme has been developed to align with the aircraft’s planned capability development and will be completed well ahead of UK Initial Operating Capability in 2018.

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Lightning II's Onboard Inert Gas Generation System to be certified. [205681]

Mr Dunne: The Lightning II Onboard Inert Gas Generation System has already been certified to fly under a Military Flight Test Permit; this is an initial certification. Full certification will take place in mid 2016 when the aircraft transitions from a Military Flight Test Permit to a Release to Service clearance.

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