TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 131

CONFIDENTIAL

2ND DRAFT

105mm Abbot SP gun, the 155mm M109 and possibly the 175mm M107

The FH 70 will replace the 5.5 inch medium gun.

equipments.

Main Battle Tank

34. [Concept studies of the future main battle tank are being

undertaken in co-operation with the Federal Republic of Germany;

the studies include unconventional designs. It is planned to

agree in due course a single concept for joint development.

Development of the gun is more advanced, and it is hoped largely

to standardise tank guns and ammunition within NATO as a result

of a tripartite evaluation of British, American and German designs

at trials which began in February this year].

Other Combat Vehicles

35.

Prototypes of the combat engineer tractor are undergoing

trials. This equipment will enable the Royal Engineers to perform

many of their tasks protected by armour; it will dig, bulldoze

and winch, lay trackway, handle pallets, and launch pontoons. It

is amphibious, and it has a rocket-propelled anchor, allowing it

to winch itself up steep banks: it should provide considerable

help to mechanised units in river-crossing operations.

36. Other projects in progress include:

a. a mechanised infantry combat vehicle, which will

replace the FV 430 series;

b.

a new range of vehicles for battlefield logistic

support; and

C.

improvements for Chieftain including an advanced

fire-control system.

Mines

37.

Development is well advanced of a new anti-tank mine, with

increased lethality, and of an associated anti-personnel mine.

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CONFIDENTIAL