FINDINGS OF INVESTIGATION
Authorities said earlier this week that the tank lost steering and braking power after a technical issue with an “isolated component”.
Providing more details of the investigation, MINDEF said on Friday that an internal component within the transmission – specifically the conduit for the transmission fluid to the service brake – had malfunctioned.
This resulted in a loss of transmission oil pressure, causing the tank to experience a partial loss of its steering and braking power in the service brake.
The tank operator, a full-time national serviceman, responded by activating the parking brake to bring the tank to a stop.
The parking brake operates independently of the service brake, said MINDEF, adding that the tank operator responded with the appropriate standard operating procedure.
The transmission’s original equipment manufacturer, German company Renk, indicated that this malfunction was previously unknown, the ministry said.
It added that the manufacturer will work with the Singapore Army on a maintenance regime for the affected component to prevent a recurrence of the issue.
“Additional checks have been conducted across the L2SG fleet as a precautionary measure, and established that all their transmissions are in good working order,” said MINDEF.
