Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what action has been taken to rectify problems associated with the chain gun as fitted to the Challenger Tank.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action has been taken to rectify problems associated with the chain gun as fitted to the Challenger Tank. [204948] Mr. Ingram: A single case of undemanded firing of the chain gun on Challenger 2 occurred in Iraq in April 2003. There were no injuries as a result of the incident and investigations revealed that it resulted from a short circuit in the firing system. A modification has subsequently been designed and manufactured, which has now completed trials by the Design Authority, BAE Land Systems (formerly Alvis Vickers Ltd.). The modification is due to be considered for acceptance before Christmas and, subject to acceptance, will proceed to implementation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 204948; 428 c1569W;428 c1567W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Defence Design Iraq Equipment Safety measures Weapons Tanks Challenger tanks
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk