CLAIMS that RAF pilots are too scared to fly the new wave of Hercules aircraft have been fiercely denied by the Ministry of Defence.

Norman Lamb, a Liberal Democrat backbencher, has alleged the planes, which are based at RAF Lyneham, have been dogged by technical faults.

Mr Lamb, the MP for North Norfolk, claimed some pilots were so concerned by problems surroundig the planes' the centre of gravity they were refusing to take off.

But in a series of written Parliamentary answers, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram insisted all was well with the fleet of 10 aircraft, called the C-130J C Mk 5.

Mr Ingram released figures showing the C-130J Mk 5 had been flown for a total of 436.5 hours over the last 12 months.

And, asked specifically what reports he had received of squadron pilots refusing to fly the short-fuselage planes, he replied: "None."

Mr Ingram said: "The centre of gravity of the Mk 5 is a known limiting factor in certain configurations and is overcome by the use of ballast."

But Mr Lamb urged the MoD to "come clean" about the problems surounding the aircraft which, he claimed, were common knowledge in military circles.

He said: "The information that's been given to me is that the short-fuselage Mk 5 version has serious problems and that pilots are refusing to fly it."

James Gray, Tory MP for North Wiltshire, whose constituency includes RAF Lyneham, also poured scorn on the allegations made by Mr Lamb.

RAF Lyneham spokesman Flight Lieutenant John Makinson-Sanders said he was aware questions were being raised about the aircraft but was unaware of pilots refusing to fly the new Hercules.But he added the RAF's Strike Command had tended to use the Mk 4 version during the missions in the Gulf due to its improved capability.