Much of the information came from computer memory sticks found at the home of alleged ringleader Assad Sarwar. He was said to be in contact with terrorist leaders overseas and to have visited Pakistan a month before his arrest as preparations for the airline attacks were being finalised, the Times of London said.

Prosecutor Peter Wright told the court that Sarwar, who is on trial with seven other men accused of the airline plot, was not meant to be a suicide bomber.

'Mr Sarwar's responsibility within this terrorist network was far too precious. It is the Crown's case that he was one of those engaged in this plot with direct links to those overseas who may have a clear interest in the success of any such terrorist outrage struck in the name of Islam.'

The jury was also told that the men arrested had been under surveillance for some weeks and appeared to be in the final stages of planning. The plotters were unaware that the authorities had installed audio and video devices in their flat in north-east London, and were observing them, the Times said.

Two defendants, Abdulla Ahmed Ali and Umar Islam, allegedly discussed whether to take along their wives and babies when they embarked on their missions.

Islam, asked whether his wife might consider going with him on the 'operation', said: 'I think if I was to say to her that this was a significant operation she might even find it in herself to do that.'

Ali asked: 'What about the babies?...Maybe she'll take them with her?'

Islam replied: 'Maybe, you know what I mean. She'd like to do it though.'

The jury also heard that information had been gathered on the 1986 Chernobyl meltdown, the world's worst nuclear disaster, and the plotters may also have intended to bring down the Internet by hitting Britain's main Web server.

The court has already been told that up to 18 suicide bombers were allegedly to be used to simultaneously bring down seven or more flights bound for the US and Canada from Heathrow Airport.

All eight men on trial deny conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit an act of violence likely to endanger an aircraft. The trial continues.

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TERROR TARGETS

The alleged plotters considered attacking other targets in Britain. They are:

Canary Wharf in London;

The electricity grid;

A gas pipeline between Britain and Belgium;

Airports, including Heathrow's new control tower;

Oil and gas refineries at Bacton, Fawley, Correton and Kingsbury;

Several power plants, including nuclear stations; and

Companies which store and process hydrogen peroxide.