Soldiers had to go to hospital this summer because of hearing and other issues after trialling the British Army's Ajax armoured vehicle, raising fresh fears about the problem-plagued platform.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a "small number" of troops had reported noise and vibration concerns following trials on three variants of the 40-tonne, tracked vehicle.

A spokesperson said an investigation was carried out and "no systemic issues were found".

However, sources signalled that worries remain over the safety of personnel who are required to operate for long hours inside the army 's new war-fighting machine.

"Soldiers are still being hurt," one source said.

Image: The Ajax - long delayed, but finally here. Pic: Ministry of Defence

The revelation comes after Luke Pol

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