In line with its business strategy to enhance the scope of its defence business right up to frontline combat, Tata Motors has revealed a new Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle (MBPV) at the ongoing DefExpo India 2012 exhibition at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. This highly mobile combat vehicle is designed to assist the country’s elite forces in indoor combat inside airports, railway stations and other such infrastructure.
Tata Motors launched four other defence vehicles – the 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier, Light Armoured Vehicle, Mobile Bunker and 6x6 7kl Refueler – and displayed a range of other concept vehicles, such as the Tata Quick Deployment Mobile Communication Terminal (QDMCT).
Speaking on the occasion, P M Telang, managing director - India Operations, Tata Motors, said: “The launch of our new combat and tactical vehicles and equipment, leveraged from our strength in design and development of a wide range of commercial vehicles, now enables us to cover the entire defence mobility spectrum. Tata Motors defence solutions already covers the complete range of logistics and armoured vehicles that have also been popular in supporting the police and paramilitary forces in counter insurgency operations.”
Some of the highlights of the company’s products showcased at the DefExpo are:
Tata Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle (MBPV): The designed-for-indoor-combat MBPV has special features like bullet-resistant panels for protection, compact dimensions, with 4-wheel-assisted turning for easy movement within indoor confines and a high power-to-weight ratio. Firing ports have also been incorporated and it has an added capability of climbing stairs as well.
Tata 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier: This indigenous high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive LPTA 5252-12x12 vehicle is specifically for missile launcher-cum-carrier applications like integration of Prahar, BrahMos and Nirbhay Missiles, in close coordination with R&DE – DRDO.
Tata Light Armoured Vehicle: This vehicle is designed to aid troops in counter insurgency operations, as well as for patrolling the hinterland.
Tata Mobile Bunker: It is designed on the LPA 713 4-wheel-drive platform to ensure fast and safe movement of troops in Naxal-infested states and to act as a platform for retaliatory action. The vehicle is protected against gunfire, corresponding to ballistic protection of NIJ Level III.
Tata 6x6 7kl Refueler: This indigenous high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel-drive refueler vehicle is designed for the Indian Armed forces, paramilitary, State police, DPSUs and the aviation industry.
Tata LSV – QDMCT (Quick Deployment Mobile Communication Terminal): This is a shelter- based, self-contained vehicle-mounted communication system that provides wide area IP network. It provides reliable and secured IP connectivity for data, voice and video, between various nodes.
Tata 8x8 Water Purification System: Tata Motors has developed a mobile water decontamination system on the LPTA 3138 8x8, for all-terrain, all weather operation in collaboration with M/s. WEW (Germany). This application is especially developed keeping the drinking water contamination problem, faced by the armed forces. This water decontamination system is capable of purifying the most impure forms of water and makes it portable through Reverse Osmosis (RO) process.
Tata Motors also has on display its Safari Storme GS 800 4x4 aimed at transporting officers across locations in India. There is also the Safari Storme Armoured which is equipped with latest state-of-art technology, additional armouring, strengthened chassis and suspension system, and enhanced braking efficiency to cater to VVIP movements. There is also the Xenon Recce 4x4 developed for off-road patrolling usage by the armed forces.