TATA Kestrel | |
---|---|
Type | Wheeled armored personnel carrier |
Place of origin | India |
Service history | |
In service | 2017-Present |
Used by | Indian Army Central Reserve Police Force |
Production history | |
Designer |
|
Manufacturer | Tata Advanced Systems Mahindra Defence Systems Ashok Leyland |
Produced | 2014-Present |
No. built | 30 |
Specifications (TATA Kestrel) | |
Mass | 24 tonnes (26 tons) |
Length | 7.85 metres (25.8 ft) |
Width | 3.00 metres (9.84 ft) |
Height | 2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in) |
Crew | 3+ 9 passengers |
Armor | Applique and composites along with welded steel Modular armour for ballistic protection ranging between stanag level I to IV And Mine protection of level IIIContents |
Main armament | 30mm automatic cannon (not included for CRPF variant) |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun |
Engine | Cummins ISXe 600 diesel engine CVRDE 600hp engine [1] 600 Hp @ 1800-2000RPM / 2508nm torque @ 1100-1600RPM |
Power/weight | 23hp/ton |
Transmission | Allison 4500SP automatic transmission |
Suspension | Live axle with independent hydropneumatic suspension |
Ground clearance | 0.45 meters |
Operational range | 500km (Onroad) 250km (Offroad) |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) on road 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in water |
References | [2] |
The TATA Kestrel, also known as the IPMV (Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle), [3] a variant of DRDO developed WhAP, is a family of armoured personnel carriers developed by Tata Advanced Systems and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was developed to replace Soviet-era BMP-1 and BMP-2 and APCs in service with the Indian Army. [4]
The development of a specialized version of WhAP for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) function is being carried out by Mahindra Defence Systems. [5]
The Indian Army currently has large fleet of BMP-2 IFVs and APCs of Soviet origin. Over time, these vehicles have become obsolete and incapable of taking on the challenge of modern-day warfare.DRDO originally started the development with WhAP(Wheeled Armoured Platform). WhAP is a common platform for multiple variants such as Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, unmanned armored vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle. [6] Tata Motors along with collaboration of DRDO developed the Kestrel, an Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), a variants of the WhAP for optimised survivability, all-terrain performance and increased lethality. [7] Tata Motors developed another vehicle called LAMV with technical inputs from Supacat of the UK based on WhAP platform. [7] [8]
Development of WhAP 8 × 8 Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle was taken up to provide common platform for various vehicle type like Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle based on the same chassis of Kestrel. [9]
In October 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence cleared the Kestrel for production and export to friendly nations. The Indian Army planned to acquire 200 Kestrels. [10]
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces will get 150 WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles from TATA Advanced Systems. The project, which is scheduled to be finished in 36 months, will begin with a local integration rate of 35% and is anticipated to rise to 50%. It is anticipated to create 250 indirect jobs in addition to 90 direct positions. Ministers from National Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry, and Investment, as well as representatives from the FAR General Staff and the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), signed the agreement, which offers financial, fiscal, and customs incentives. [11] [12] To contribute to vehicle modifications during the supply period, the manufacturers will collaborate closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation. [13]
Kestrel is designed for modern day warfare keeping in mind the crew survivability, protection against small arms fire, mobility and protection against concealed explosives. The armour is made up of applique and composites along with welded steels. Additional armour kit can be applied in heavy firing zones. The hull floor is further strengthened to defeat mines and similar explosives. The seats are attached to the roof for improved blast protection. Fuel tanks are placed outside the troop compartment for additional safety.
The 8×8 wheel configuration is set on a hydropneumatic suspension utilizing double wishbone arrangement. All wheels have run flat capability to allow the vehicle to move even after suffering punctures. There are four axles, the front axle is steerable which minimizes the turning radius of the vehicle.
The glacis plate is very shallow, and the fuel tank is mounted outside the vehicle to improve survivability. A standard operating crew of two including driver and commander, with a full mechanized squad of 12 members. [2] Anti-blast seats are installed to absorb any shocks and secondary slams, reducing brain and spinal injuries. [14]
Engine is placed at front left. Passengers are placed in the centerline in a back-to-back fashion, each facing a firing port.The Kestrel has high power-to-weight ratio for mountainous terrain and is powered by a 600 hp turbocharged diesel engine. The vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled by two waterjets. [15] It can reach up to 100 km/h. [16]
As reported in December 2021, Ashok Leyland has partnered with Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under the DRDO to design, develop and produce a 600-hp indigenous engine for the DRDO WhAP. As per the reports the prototype engine has been manufactured and will undergo rigorous testing in the lab and will be qualified for application in armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). Serial production would beign post-induction of the design. The testing was inaugurated in the Engine Development Centre, Ashok Leyland, Vellivoyalchavadi, near Chennai. [17]
The vehicle has been designed to provide protection against land mines. It ranges from Stanag 4569 Level I to Level IV [14] with the hull being designed with protection up to Stanag Level III. [18] The hull configuration evolved follows a 'V’-type bottom with double configuration consisting of an inner panel and bottom panel. The bottom panel is designed to deflect the blast energy and get deformed to minimize the blast effects. [2]
Snap-on modules are used in the Kestrel in order to easily configure it according to needed roles in the field. [18]
The vehicle has been fitted with INS and GPS as its primary navigation equipment and is also fitted with Modular (UHF, VHF, HF) communication systems. [19]
The Kestrel has been unveiled in 2 weapon configurations which were shown in DefExpo 2014 and DefExpo 2016 respectively.
In 2014, the WhAP was showcased equipped with a roof-mounted remote controlled Kongsberg Protector MCT-30R (RWS), which is outfitted with a 30×113 mm autocannon and 7.62×51 mm coaxial machine gun. The autocannon has an effective range of 3,000 m. [20] [21] The RCWS adds a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and has an option for adding up to two anti-tank guided missile launcher in quick fire mode. So, the vehicle is capable of countering enemy infantry, light armoured vehicles even main battle tanks. [22]
In DefExpo 2016, a Kestrel was seen outfitted with the BMP-2 turret. The turret includes a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun (2,000 rounds) mounted to the left of the cannon. The version is also fitted with an ATGM launcher. [23]
During a Defence Exhibition held at Pune on 24 February 2024, Mahindra Defence unveiled a second generation Amphibious 8×8 CBRN variant of WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform) developed with DRDO. As of August 2024, the vehicle is undergoing trials with the Army on various terrains.
The design is compact includes a 600 hp diesel engine and enhanced armour. It implements a STANAG II level protection from blast as well. The crew configuration is 3+8. While the TATA variant employs a 30 mm turret, this variant is fitted with 7.62 mm calibre remote controlled machine guns. It has a maximum speed of 95 km/h on road, 35 km/h off road and 8 km/h in water (using hydrojets). It has a range of 500 km and power-to-weight ratio of 24 hp/tonne. [24] [25] [26]
As tensions continue to escalate between India and China over the de facto Line of Actual Control, DRDO-TATA Kestrel (WhAP), landed at Ladakh to undergo cold-weather trials. [27] The first batch of WhAPs were inducted into the army on 12 April 2022 at Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre, Pune by the then Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane. [28] [29] [30] [31]
WhAP was inducted into Central Reserve Police Force's 110 Battalion at Pulwama, Kashmir in August 2023. [32] [33]
Reportedly, as of August 2024, the Army is planning to order another batch of 105 WhAPs from Tata Advanced Systems Limited. [34] [35]
Planned variants include ambulance, NBC recon, Command Post and engineer vehicle. [14]
The BMP-2 is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle introduced in the 1980s in the Soviet Union, following on from the BMP-1 of the 1960s.
The Patria Pasi is a Finnish-made six-wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) originally designed for Finnish Defence Forces. The first variant was produced in 1983 and serial production began in 1984. It was designed to operate with ease of use, simple structure and low-cost maintenance. The basic appearance and configuration of the Pasi is similar to most other wheeled APCs. The XA-180 and XA-185 are fully amphibious, while other variants are not.
The Patria AMV is an 8×8 multi-role military vehicle produced by the Finnish defence industry company Patria.
The Mowag Piranha is a family of armoured fighting vehicles designed by the Swiss company Mowag.
The Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) is an armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) developed by ST Engineering of Singapore and Timoney Technology of Ireland, and produced by ST Engineering Land Systems for the Singapore Army as well as by Turkish auto-maker Otokar as the Yavuz (AV-82) for the Turkish military.
The véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie or VBCI is a French Infantry fighting vehicle designed and manufactured by GIAT Industries and Renault Trucks Defense to replace the AMX-10P. The first units entered active service with the French Army in 2008. 630 units were ordered and full delivery was completed in 2018. They are available in two core variants, the VCI infantry fighting vehicle and the VPC command post vehicle.
The Pandur II is an improved modular all-wheel-drive version of the Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armoured vehicle. It was developed as a private venture by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge. Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeuge is part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), which is also the parent company of MOWAG of Switzerland and Santa Bárbara Sistemas of Spain.
Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Located at Avadi, in Chennai, India. It is the main DRDO lab involved in the development of armoured fighting vehicles, Tanks, Automotive electronics and many other.
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) located at Vahannagar near Ahmednagar. Its primary function is research and development of various light tracked, wheeled and specialised vehicles for defence applications.
Abhay was an Infantry Combat Vehicle created under a tech-demonstration program started in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO. As its first IFV project, Abhay was designed to provide experience in the construction of AFV components to DRDO, serve as a replacement to India's vast BMP fleet used in its Mechanised Infantry Regiments, and serve as a test bed for weapons and systems to be used on future vehicles, as well as to be a reference for the designs of future vehicles.
The Piranha V infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is the fifth generation variant of the Mowag Piranha family of vehicles. It was designed by General Dynamics European Land Systems - Mowag GmbH. The first prototype was completed in 2008. It was first introduced during the Eurosatory exhibition in 2010.
FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş. is a Turkish defense manufacturer founded in 1988. It is owned 51% by Nurol Holding of Turkey and 49% by British–American firm BAE Systems Inc., and operates facilities located in Gölbaşı, Ankara.
Ordnance Factory Medak (OFMK), previously called Ordnance Factory Project Medak (OFPM) while in its development stage, is a factory owned by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, a company that manufactures armoured vehicles and was one of the 41 Indian ordnance factories under the erstwhile Ordnance Factories Board of the Ministry of Defence, controlled by Government of India.
The Type 08 is a Chinese family of modern eight-wheeled, amphibious, modular armored vehicles developed by Norinco for infantry fire support, battlefield logistics, and quick reaction operations. Developed in the early 2000s, the vehicle family were produced for more than 6,000 hulls and widely deployed by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force and People's Liberation Army Marine Corps.
The ATOM is a heavy 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) jointly developed by the Russian company Petrel and the French company Renault Trucks. The vehicle is established on the basis of the French Véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie (VBCI) IFV which is produced by Renault. The prototype of the ATOM was first unveiled during the 2013 Russian Arms Expo at Nizhny Tagil, equipped with a unique fighting module.
The Tata LPTA is a military truck family developed and produced by Indian manufacturer Tata Advanced Systems. The trucks are available in 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 10×10 and 12×12 configurations. With extreme off-road capabilities, they are proposed as replacement for Czech-designed Tatra trucks currently used by Indian Armed Forces.
The Kalyani M4 is a mine-protected, high-mobility infantry mobility vehicle produced by Kalyani Group's Bharat Forge. It is a Kalyani-Paramount partnership developed variant of the Mbombe 4 built by South Africa's Paramount Group.
Mahindra Armored Light Specialist Vehicle is a light-weight four-wheel drive air transportable tactical armoured specialist vehicle designed by Mahindra & Mahindra for the Indian Army and the Indian Special Forces. It's a modular type vehicle built to be maintenance friendly, and can be upgraded and configured for wide range of roles.
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVANI) is an Indian public sector defence company, headquartered in Avadi, Chennai established in 2021 as part of the restructuring and corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven different Public Sector Undertakings. AVANI primarily manufactures Armoured fighting vehicles, Main battle tanks and their engines for the use of the Indian Armed Forces and foreign militaries.