TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 198

CONFIDENTIAL

3RD DRAFT

co-operation with the Federal Republic of Germany and with

Italy.

When these weapons are introduced, 155mm will be

the standard calibre for close and general support guns.

The SP 70 will replace the 105mm Abbot SP gun, the 155mm

M109 and possibly the 175mm M107 equipments. The FH 70

will replace the 5.5 inch medium gun.

Main Battle Tank

32. Concept studies of the future main battle tank are being

undertaken in co-operation with the Federal Republic of

Germany. Development of a new tank 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 have now begun.

Other Combat Vehicles

33. 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 has a rocket-propelled anchor,

allowing it to winch itself up steep banks: the combat

tractor should provide considerable help to mechanised units

in river-crossing operations.

34. Other projects in progress include:

b.

a mechanised infantry combat vehicle, which

will replace the FV 430 series;

a new range of vehicles for battlefield

logistic support; and

VII-11

CONFIDENTIAL