MOD to look at claims Army vehicles ‘break down in heat’

MILITARY chiefs will consider a redesign for a fleet of £1million armoured vehicles amid embarrassing claims they keep breaking down in the heat.

An Army sergeant responsible for overseeing maintenance of Foxhound vehicles has alleged they do not work in Iraq in the summer weather. The sergeant, who is understood to be retiring, said the Foxhounds required modifications to cope. “At 50 degrees, the engine cooks out,” he claimed.

The senior mechanic said he had altered the bonnets to allow more air into the engine to keep it cool. He said he had submitted his changes to the Ministry of Defence. The MOD insisted the Foxhounds were reliable but said if the sergeant’s concerns were raised through the right channels they would be looked into. A spokesman said: “The project team would of course consider any improvements on a piece of equipment if they are properly flagged up.”

The Army bought 400 Foxhound vehicles, costing £370 million, after being criticised over its predecessor – the notorious “Snatch” Land Rover. The “Snatch” Land Rover was dubbed the “mobile coffin” by soldiers because of its vulnerability to roadside bombs.

The sergeant told the BBC the Foxhound was “a massive waste of money”. The claim was disputed by the MOD which said the vehicle was hugely effective. Sources suggested the mechanic was a “disgruntled user” who was due to leave the Army shortly.