November 5, 2012: Ashok Leyland Defence Systems (ALDS), which is engaged in the manufacture of specialised tactical and armoured vehicles, has unveiled the Stallion Kavach, an Armoured Troop Carrier (ATC), at the IFSEC and Homeland Security India Exhibition at Greater Noida. The Stallion Kavach will add to the range of tactical and armoured transport solutions from ALDS.
“It is a fact that insurgency and the threat of terrorism in several parts of our country means that there is a need for high-performance, specialised tactical and armoured vehicles and Ashok Leyland Defence Systems is well positioned to leverage technologies and partnerships to address these requirements,” said Dr V Sumantran, chairman, ALDS. The new ATC has been customised for the country’s para-military and police forces.
Built on the tested and proven Stallion platform and indigenously developed, the Kavach has protection levels of NIJ Level III for the crew compartment and 2 HE grenades under the floor. Configured as a 4x4 all-wheel drive, the Stallion Kavach is powered by a 135kW engine. Safety is addressed through a solid blast protection body to protect troops against a blast of 5kg of explosives from a distance of 30 metres and can seat at least 12 personnel, including the driver, on special fragment-protected seats. The ATC is provided with 12 self-locking gun ports, a 360deg rotatable turret with view port and gun mount, one rear roof hatch for emergency exit and specialised lighting and communication systems.
The Kavach, which is built on the Stallion platform, can be modified into a command post, communication vehicle, an ambulance or even a bomb disposal vehicle.
SHOBHA MATHUR