HC Deb 22 January 1964 vol 687 cc1062-3
10. Mr. Paget

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the weight of the walkie-talkie wireless set at present used by the infantry; and what would be the weight of an equivalent transistorised set.

Mr. Ramsden

Infantry platoons use a VHF manpack radio which weighs 10 lb. Its replacement, which will use transistors, is expected to weigh about 8 lb.

Mr. Paget

When are the transistors likely to come?

Mr. Ramsden

It will be some time before this, particular pack is replaced by a transistorised one, but I emphasise that there is not very much difference in the weight. Another set used by the infantry is due to be replaced before long by a transistorised model and again the weights will be about the same, but the use of transistors will enable other characteristics such as longer range to be built in.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Can my right hon. Friend explain why this is such a heavy article? My impression, having seen the civilian equivalent, is that it should weigh about 2 lb. or 2½ lb. How does my right hon. Friend whip it up to 8 lb.?

Mr. Ramsden

This tends to be the way with military equipment which has to have qualities of robustness of construction which entails added weight to stand up to Service conditions.

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