The theme of this lecture on Helicopter All-Weather Operation is a discussion of the equipment requirements for the helicopter in the transport role.

I have to say at the outset and possibly somewhat provocatively, that I believe that there are no real problem areas left, as far as the equipment means are concerned, between us and the realisation of a good all-weather capability in a transport helicopter. By this I mean that virtually all the basic work has been done in the main fields of guidance and control. Much of the equipment is already produced or in an advanced stage of development and most of that outstanding has already been defined and the feasibility of meeting the requirements examined. Thus, I believe, all that is required is a determination to achieve all-weather operation and to set in hand the processes of procuring the equipment. This means that the requirement has to be firmly stated and the price paid to meet it. It is idle to think that an all-weather capability can be achieved without an adequate equipment standard. However, it is reasonable to expect that its achievement should cost no more in the transport helicopter than for an equivalent standard in the transport aeroplane.