Summary: A documentary about QAD(Ord) - the Ministry of Defence's Quality Assurance Directorate (Ordnance).
Description: The responsibilities of QAD(Ord), an arm of the MOD's Procurement Executive based at Woolwich, are to test weapons used by the armed forces for endurance, reliability and accuracy. A brief history, from 1887 report demanding independent testing of weapons through the two world wars to the NATO-related Defence Standards 0570 in 1973 which gave QAD(Ord) its remit. All weapons are "tested and proved relentlessly". Weapons testing: test rig of the "Vulcan" rotating gun (some slow motion footage), the Royal Ordnance Factory's 105mm shell, the FH-70 field howitzer. Vehicle tests: new type of tank track put through its paces, Scammell tank transporter (laden with Chieftain) tested on track and also undergoing engine tests. QAD(Ord) also assesses contractors, regularly visiting sites (Rank Pullin factory shown here). Tests are also made of testing equipment! Prototype SP70 SPG is shown being put through its paces. Film concludes by stressing once again that quality is the deciding factor - making sure the forces get what they ask for.
Production Details: Ministry of Defence (Production sponsor)
Central Office of Information (Production sponsor)
William Stuart Television (Production company)
Morrison, Ian (Production individual)
Morrison, Ian (Production individual)
Morrison, Ian (Production individual)
Rosenberg, John (Production individual)
Lawton, David (Production individual)
Anscombe, Tony (Production individual)
Van Hoyten, Piet (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Quality Assurance Directorate (Ordnance) (regiment/service)
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 931 ft; Running time: 10 mins
