In 2009 the government announced a $1.2 billion program to purchase upwards to 500 new Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV) for the Canadian Armed Forces. The contract was awarded to Textron, a U.S. based firm, which has since set up offices in Ottawa to help facilitate the purchase.
The CAF was supposed to begin delivery of the Armoured Vehicles in 2014, but testing delays in the vehicles caused an initial delay. Now, a further delay, will add another 15 months to the time table before the CAF begins to take delivery.
The TAPV's are experiencing significant technical problems when it comes to manoeuvrability and handling, which has halted the vehicles testing. That was in August of 2014.
According to information released by the Ottawa Citizen through access to information laws - there are still problems with the vehicles suspension, steering and other items vital to the vehicle.
This is a major problem when the TAPV was purchased to give troops an increase in protection, and a high level of mobility on any battlefield.
The contract allows Canada to decide to purchase an additional 100 TAPV's if we choose. The contract includes building infrastructure for the vehicles, support, and ammunition for its weapons systems.
DND provided no further details, other than the challenges Textron faces redesigning the suspension, and steering of the vehicle so it can provide what is necessary to keep troops safe while keeping a high level of mobility in various environments.
No comments:
Post a Comment