§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Bowman project; and if he will list the project milestones. [68510]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 3 February 1999]: Project Bowman will provide the Armed Forces with a new tactical combat radio communications system to replace the Clansman system, with a planned In Service Date of March 2002. The Prime contractor is Archer Communications Systems Ltd., who are currently completing system definition, including initiating key development work with sub contractors, commencing system integration, and demonstrating technical progress. On current plans, MOD intend to commit to the production and supply of the system towards the end of this year. The Bowman Project will be included in the first wave of Integrated Project Teams from 1 April 1999.