Mahindra Defence's AXE 4 x 4 FAV

During DEFEXPO 2008 last February, India’s three principal automotive giants—TATA Motors, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS)—unveilled several new wheeled armoured vehicles that are being offered to the armed forces of both India as well as several other African countries. TATA’s 1.2-tonne light specialist vehicle (LSV) has been designed as a single platform capable of undertaking diverse missions such as reconnaissance, counter-insurgency operations for special forces and even as an ambulance. The LSV has an adaptive automatic transmission, 60% gradeability, 300mm vertical obstacle climbing ability, 45% approach angle, 45% departure angle, 255mm ground clearance, can operate in a temperature range of –20 degree to +55 degree Celsius, and has a maximum speed of 105kph. The light armoured troop carrier (LATC) with RCWS (remote-controlled weapon station) is designed for movement of troops of Section-level strength for counter-insurgency operations. The vehicle protects the troops against small arms fire and is fitted with bulletproof glass. The LATC’s floor is protected against hand-grenade blasts. The vehicle also has a split-air conditioning unit for crew comfort, is fitted with suspended seats and has seat belts for additional safety. The fuel tank is filled with explosive suppression material. The 8 x 8 developed by TATA is capable of being configured to a host of military applications for missile/weapon carriage/towing stations; housing surveillance equipment, communications and electronic warfare platforms, and bridge laying kits; carrying MBTs; serving as medium recovery vehicles; housing mobile specialist workshops; and serving as hook loaders and load carriers. The vehicle comes powered by a powerful 380-420hp diesel engine and a versatile 9-16 speed gearbox, with heavy-duty transfer cases driving the hub reduction tandem axles to address the requirements of high speeds and severe gradients. An optional automatic transmission is also available in this range. The compensating bogey suspension, capable of operating under severe terrain conditions with full air brakes having optional ABS, takes on a heavy-duty frame. The vehicle is also fitted with a tiltable military cabin with good all around visibility, and is compatible to up-armouring.

Ashok Leyland’s competing 4 x 4 LSV is an all-wheel drive, multi-purpose vehicle with a power-to-weight ratio in excess of 25kW/tonne. The fixed windscreen on the driver’s side enhances driver comfort without being exposed to the vagaries of nature, while the drop-down windscreen on the left side enables the commander to fire the LMG in a wide arc from his command post. A conveniently located trap-door facilitates easy operation of the LAW launcher. This aircraft/helicopter transportable vehicle also has a collapsible tent on the right side. Communications is ensured by a radio with its own power source. The LSV can carry a crew of four besides the driver and the commander, and can be made self-contained with sufficient rations, water, utensils, stove, bedding, etc. A night vision system using a thermal imaging camera offers the driver vision enhancement during night and the ability to detect, recognise and identify the objects on road in zero-light conditions. The electronic image can be viewed on a display screen conveniently positioned so that the driver does not have to take his eyes off the road to navigate. It also facilitates manoeuvrability in the most severely degraded visual conditions caused by smoke, fog, dust and such like for carrying out logistics as well as frontline operations. The LSV is currently undergoing trials at the Vehicle Research & Development Establishment in Ahmednagar, and also at Leh for high-altitude, peak winter trials. The Stallion 6 x 6 is a high-mobility alternative to the popular Stallion 4 x 4 in desert and sandy conditions. It is an all-wheel-drive version that meets Indian Army GSQR requirements in terms of power-to-weight ratio and other parameters. It is powered by an 8-litre engine developing 260hp at 2,500rpm. It has a maximum torque of 745NM at 1,500rpm. The transmission comprises a hydraulically operated 380 dia Valeo clutch and a 6-speed synchromesh ZF gearbox (6S 850). A fully-built vehicle, it comes with a suitable load body and gives excellent mobility in extremely difficult underfoot conditions, including deserts. The Integral Power Steering reduces driver fatigue. The vehicle also has a hydraulic hoist for self-loading and unloading of ammunition, apart from a winch that can be used for self-recovery. It has a mud tracking capability of 330mm and can attain maximum speeds in excess of 90kph. Provision for external starting of the engine is available. Following rigorous trials over varied terrains and climatic conditions, the Stallion 6 x 6 has been approved for induction into the Indian armed forces. The 6 x 6 field artillery tractor (FAT) is a common gun tower and is designed to meet the future needs of the armed forces. The FAT is ideal for towing 155mm field artillery howitzers. The continuous all-wheel drive ensures high mobility across various terrains, including sand. A centralised tyre inflation mechanism enables the driver to vary the tyre pressure to suit different terrain. There is also the option of run-flat tyres. The FAT is powered by a 430hp engine, but engine options of up to 500hp are available. It is fitted with cab and crew cabs (with air conditioning as optional) that have been indigenously developed by Automotive Coaches & Components Ltd (ACCL), an associate company of Ashok Leyland. The option of an armoured cab is available too. The FAT has a hydraulic crane for self-loading and unloading. It is also fitted with a 16-tonne winch for recovery and self-recovery.

MDS’ AXE 4 x 4 fast attack vehicle, or FAV, has a 2,700cc Ssangyong engine, which generates 173bhp at 4,000rpm and a healthy 340NM of torque at 1,800rpm. It also has fully independent suspensions on all four wheels and comes in a petrol-engined variant as well. It is being offered to meet an Indian Army requirement for an initial 228 LSVs that are meant for the Reconnaissance Platoons of the mechanised infantry battalions. The Marksman is India’s first armoured capsule-based light bulletproof vehicle and is designed to provide protection against small arms fire and under-belly grenade attacks. It can also be used for conventional roles such as armed reconnaissance and convoy protection. The Mahindra Striker is a new-generation general-purpose light military vehicle, while the RG-31 mine-protected vehicle—being offered by Mahindra jointly with BAE Systems, is built to protect personnel against small arms and mines/IEDs. MDS is now at an advanced stage of setting up a special military vehicles (MSMV) facility at Faridabad. This facility will have advanced facilities for in-house R & D, prototype fabrication and systems integration of vehicles for military use.--

Prasun K. Sengupta