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01-26-2004, 09:50 AM
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1075072209327
Truck fleet concerns military officials
OTTAWA—The Canadian army truck fleet could experience "catastrophic" failure at any time due to poor brakes and steering systems and must be replaced within four years or safety will be compromised, defence department officials say.
The trucks, known in military jargon as Medium Logistic Vehicle Wheeled (MLVW) are the backbone of army transportation.
But the 22-year-old vehicles, commonly seen on highways near military bases, are becoming more difficult and costly to maintain, according to defence documents obtained by the Ottawa Citizen.
Serious safety issues include the potential for failing brakes and steering columns.
"We are at a critical stage in the life of the MLVW where unpredicted catastrophic failures could occur without warning," one document notes. Catastrophic failure is used to signify accidents that could involve serious injuries or death.
Col. Bob Gunn, who helps determine army equipment needs, acknowledged the problems with the trucks. He said the military is working on getting replacements by 2010.
The trucks were sidelined four years ago because of rusted wheel rims. "We replaced them all, so that's good for now," said Gunn. "We were extremely fortunate."
Various options in the meantime include continuing with costly repairs, driving the trucks less, replacing them earlier than planned, or accepting the risks posed.
Replacing the trucks would cost a little more than $1 billion.
CANADIAN PRESS
Truck fleet concerns military officials
OTTAWA—The Canadian army truck fleet could experience "catastrophic" failure at any time due to poor brakes and steering systems and must be replaced within four years or safety will be compromised, defence department officials say.
The trucks, known in military jargon as Medium Logistic Vehicle Wheeled (MLVW) are the backbone of army transportation.
But the 22-year-old vehicles, commonly seen on highways near military bases, are becoming more difficult and costly to maintain, according to defence documents obtained by the Ottawa Citizen.
Serious safety issues include the potential for failing brakes and steering columns.
"We are at a critical stage in the life of the MLVW where unpredicted catastrophic failures could occur without warning," one document notes. Catastrophic failure is used to signify accidents that could involve serious injuries or death.
Col. Bob Gunn, who helps determine army equipment needs, acknowledged the problems with the trucks. He said the military is working on getting replacements by 2010.
The trucks were sidelined four years ago because of rusted wheel rims. "We replaced them all, so that's good for now," said Gunn. "We were extremely fortunate."
Various options in the meantime include continuing with costly repairs, driving the trucks less, replacing them earlier than planned, or accepting the risks posed.
Replacing the trucks would cost a little more than $1 billion.
CANADIAN PRESS