TATA Kestrel

Last updated

TATA Kestrel
WHAP During Defence Expo 2018.jpg
TATA Kestrel prototype with BMP-2 turret
TypeWheeled armored personnel carrier
Place of origin India
Service history
In service2017-Present
Used by Indian Army
CRPF
Production history
Designer
Manufacturer Tata Advanced Systems
Mahindra Defence Systems
Ashok Leyland
Produced2014-Present
No. built30
Specifications (TATA Kestrel)
Mass24 tonnes (26 tons)
Length7.85 metres (25.8 ft)
Width3.00 metres (9.84 ft)
Height2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in)
Crew3+ 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 III

Contents

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/weight23hp/ton
Transmission Allison 4500SP automatic transmission
SuspensionLive axle with independent hydropneumatic suspension
Ground clearance0.45 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]

History

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]

Exports

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]

Design

Muntra, a predecessor of WhAP MUNTRA-S.jpg
Muntra, a predecessor of WhAP

First generation

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.

WhAP undergoing high speed maneuver test. WHAP During Defence Expo 2108.jpg
WhAP undergoing high speed maneuver test.

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). Series production is scheduled to begin after operational start-up. 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]

Weapons

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]

Second generation

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]

Service history

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]

Variants

Planned variants include ambulance, NBC recon, Command Post and engineer vehicle. [14]

Operators

Current operators

Flag of India.svg  India

Future operators

Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.motorindiaonline.in/ashok-leyland-partners-with-cvrde-to-develop-600hp-engine/
  2. 1 2 3 DRDO, Technology Focus. "WHAP SPECIFICATIONS" (PDF).
  3. ↑ "Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  4. ↑ Ghoshal, Adreesh (10 September 2020). "The Tata Kestrel- All You need To Know". Medium. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  5. ↑ Linganna, Girish (20 August 2024). "WhAP 8x8 will keep Indian Army ready for anything, anytime, anywhere". English.Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  6. ↑ https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/wheeled-armoured-platform-whap
  7. 1 2 https://motoroctane.com/news/12463-tata-two-suvs-codenamed-kestrel-and-goshawk-exlcusive
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  10. ↑ "Army Wants 200 Wheeled Armoured Vehicles For Pak Border". Live Fist Defence. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
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  12. ↑ Philip, Snehesh Alex (28 September 2024). "Morocco signs pact with Tata for joint manufacture of WhAP Infantry Fighting Vehicle". ThePrint. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  13. 1 2 "Tata to build 150 DRDO-developed WhAP armoured vehicles for Morocco". ANI. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
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  34. ↑ "Exclusive: Tata Advanced Systems likely to bag 100 wheeler armor vehicle platform order from Indian Army, say sources". Zee Business. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
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  40. ↑ "Terrorists Beware! The WhAP Is Here!". 28 August 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
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