JFZ90
The coroner did not ask outright what issues where outstanding, instead he questioned the fact that QinetiQ had produced a report which stated the FRS couplings were cause for concern due to the fact of degradation in the seal and that when not held in a constant fuel supply they would be more prone to leaks. They advised tests be completed on the seals and an inspection performed more often than which is in place and that the tests performed at present are not suitable.
Group Captain Hickman said he did not agree with that report and so had disregarded it, instead he was taking advice from BAe. The manufacturer of the couplings, Eaton Aerospace, also stated the couplings were not suitable for some of the systems in which they are in place and that they are not designed for systems which do not have constant fuel submersion, he was concerned at the fact they are being used in this way, again Hickman said he disagreed with this and instead of taking advice from the couplings manufacturer he would discuss with BAe.