...
In evidence MinDP stated that no payments had been to General Dynamics in this calendar year. Please give details of previous payments made to General Dynamics and other suppliers under the contract, including the date of payment, amount and milestone achieved to activate the payment. (Q102-106)
Is cancellation a realistic option considering the amount already spent and the potential impact on the supply chain? What are the legal options available to cancel the project? Please provide details of payments made using "the additional £850 million for other elements", including date of payment, payee and service supplied/milestone achieved. (Q132-134)
The £6.354 billion whole life budgeted cost until end of the manufacture phase includes £802 million beyond the £5.552 billion General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) -UK firm price contract for equipment Demonstration/Manufacture and Extended Initial In-Service support Solution.
The milestone payments made to GD under the contract to date are detailed in the tables attached to this letter. In addition to payments under the GD contract, related payments have also be made (including in this financial year) to suppliers under the Armoured Cavalry Programme including in respect of the cannon (to Cased Telescopic Ammunition International) and Bowman Equipment purchases (to GD Mission Systems). However, owing to the range of payments across the breadth of the Armoured Cavalry programme and the ten-year period involved, we have not provided a detailed breakdown of all related payments.
As at the end of the 20/21 Financial Year, £253 million of payments have been made to contractors (other than GDUK) as part of the Vehicle Demonstration, Manufacture and In Service support phases. The additional payments have been made for those elements of the programme which fall outside the “AJAX Contract” with GDLS-UK.
...
Once a target is engaged, 40mm ammunition achieves a significantly greater effect than 30mm against a range of peer threats and as a complete weapons system, this provides a significant advantage. The 30mm RARDEN Cannon is not stabilised and, to be accurate, must be fired from a static position which also leaves the vehicle more vulnerable to counter-attack. The 30mm cannon is fired in a 3-round burst with greater dispersion than 40mm, whereas 40mm has a far greater degree of accuracy. Therefore, typically, a 40mm mission should require only 25% of the ammunition required for a 30mm mission. Whilst the 40mm is more expensive compared to 30mm on a round by round basis, considering the step change in capability, higher lethality, and the greater effectiveness and survivability of our platforms, this round represents value for money.
...
Tal y como decía Lepanto unos post atrás, el total de los pagos hechos hasta ahora se eleva a 3.167.423.848,64 libras. También salen los problemas del ruido y las vibraciones, entre otros.
