§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken to increase the reliability of the Challenger and Warrior armoured vehicles; and what the future replacement of these vehicles will be. [72536]
§ Dr. MoonieThere are no specific reliability problems with either the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) or the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle. We are, however, always looking for opportunities to improve.
For Challenger 2 specific measures include work to prolong the life of the gearbox, the engine and the track. Trials are also planned to take place in the Autumn to look for ways to reduce dust ingestion. Warrior reliability and safety has already been improved through ammunition feed and transmission modifications and measures are being taken to improve the life of the engine, gearbox and track. Warrior is also due to receive a major upgrade in 2010 which will result in a new turret, an improved cannon and a more sophisticated gun control system.
Challenger 2 and Warrior are due to remain in service until around 2025 and as such the future replacement of these vehicles is only at the very early concept stage.