METAL BEHEMOTHS: The Best Battle Tanks in the World

As a young man, apart from worshiping exotic super cars, battle tanks were my other stellar indulgence. The 1971 Indo-Pakistan introduced me to actual tank warfare, when I got to hear about the battle of Longewala which was fought between assaulting Pakistani forces and Indian defenders at the border post of Longewala, in the Thar Desert of the Rajasthan, India. It exposed me to the fact that possessing the best tanks in the world was not good enough to win battles. The Battle was fought between India and Pakistan, in which just 120 Indian Soldiers with 1 jeep mounted M40 recoilless rifle held the fort against 2,000 invading Pakistani forces backed by 45 tanks and 1 mobile infantry brigade. Despite being so heavily out-numbered, the Indian soldiers held their ground throughout the night and with the help of the Air Force, were able to completely rout the aggressors.

The Battle of Longewala is considered by many military historians as one of the greatest field battles ever fought (including all wars until 1971) principally because the mighty odds the Indian Army confronted. This legendary valor of our armed forces held me in awe for decades right up to the recent Kargil war with Pakistan which was contrary to the battle of Longewala was fought using mainly field guns. And so I thought it was high time I wrote a piece dedicated to these awesome heavyweights, before we dwell into what the current crop has to offer let us look into a brief history of these behemoths.

BRIEF HISTORY

British Mark V Tank

It is frequently claimed that Richard Lovell Edgeworth created a caterpillar track in 1770 which he patented as a "machine, that should carry and lay down its own road". His own account in his autobiography is of a horse-drawn wooden carriage on eight retractable legs, capable of lifting itself over high walls. The Mark V was originally invented in World War I as a means of infantry support, tanks quickly evolved over the ensuing decades to become a distinct and fearsome weapon of war.

French Renault FT-17

The Renault FT was a French light tank that was among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. The FT was the first production tank to have its armament within a fully rotating turret. It had a crew compartment at the front, engine compartment at the back, and main armament in a revolving turret, which became and remains to this day the standard tank layout. Over 3,000 tanks were manufactured during the year 1918. 

German A7V

Germany fielded very few tanks during World War I, and started development only after encountering British tanks. The A7V, the only type made, was introduced in March 1918 and only 20 were produced. However, captured British Mk IVs formed the bulk of Germany's tank forces during WW I; about 35 were in service at any one time. Plans to expand the tank program were under way when the War ended.

THE TOP LIST

France: AMX Leclerc

Named in honor of General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, the General had been the commander of an Armored Division during the Second World War.

Designed during 1983, the Leclerc is in the same league as other NATO tanks and is certainly one of the top three best modern MBT’s but it is also renowned for being the most expensive tank in history. The Leclerc is all about speed. Its the lightest modern NATO tank weighting 56tons, as it has a much smaller hull and turret, giving it an added bonus of excellent Strategic mobility. It carries a SACM V8X-1500 4-stroke liquid cooled V8 diesel engine, which generates 1500hp mainly due to its Hyperbar process. It is also equipped with a computerized automatic gearbox. With its light weight, the Leclerc is one very fast machine. Unlike other MBTs of its generation, the Leclerc comes with an autoloading system which reduces the crew to three and its work burden, and has an ammo capacity of 40 rounds. Its capable of carrying 1,300 litres of diesel fuel giving it a 550km fighting range. The Leclerc has a top road speed is 72 km/h and can go up 55 km/h off road thanks to its hydrogas suspension.

India: Arjun MBT

The Arjun MBT is named after the main protagonist and world’s greatest archer from the Indian epic, "The Mahabharata". Despite the countless flak it has received during its formative phases, the Arjun today remains as one of the most potent and technologically advanced MBTs in the world, this is acknowledged by several defense analysts and technology experts across the spectrum.  Design of the tank began officially began in 2004 as a way of providing the Indian Army with an indigenously-designed and built tank main battle tank.

The Arjun sports a 120 mm main rifled gun with indigenously developed Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) ammunition, one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm machine gun. The tanks is protected by the modular composite Kanchan armor that is composed of layers of composite alongside rolled homogenous steel, and a new honeycomb design of non-explosive and non-energetic reactive armor (NERA) is reportedly being tested as well. Kanchan is made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA). This helps in defeating APFDS and High Explosive Anti Tank Warhead (HEAT) rounds. Trials conducted in 2000, showcased the ability of Kanchan armour to protect the tank, even when hit at point blank range by a T-72. It also demonstrated the capability to defeat HESH and APFSDS rounds, which included the Israeli APFSDS rounds. An advanced laser warning countermeasure system and a mobile camouflage system have been developed. The new advanced camouflage system will provide multi-spectral signature management, in order to protect the vehicle against all enemy sensors and smart munitions.

Like most MBTs of its generation, the Arjun has a four-man crew, including the commander, gunner, loader and a driver. It is powered by a single MTU multi-fuel diesel engine rated at 1,400 hp, and can achieve a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). 

An extensive comparative trial was conducted by the Indian Army in March 2010, in which the Arjun was pitted against the T-90. Arjun emerged a conclusive winner from its showdown with the Russian tank and it demonstrated excellent performance under various circumstances, such as driving cross-country over rugged sand dunes, detecting, observing and quickly engaging targets, accurately hitting targets – both stationary and moving, with pin pointed accuracy. It displayed accurate and quick target acquisition capability during day and night in all types of weather and shortest possible reaction time during combat engagements. An army officer remarked that the Arjun could have performed even better, had it been operated by experienced crewmen. Nevertheless, the result was heartening vindication of DRDO technological capabilities, the Arjun MBT out-gunned and outran the T-90 on every crucial parameter.

The Arjun Mark II is an advanced third generation main battle tank and an upgraded version of the Arjun main battle tank with a total of 93 upgrades, including 13 major improvements. The Mark-II version completed most user trials in 2012 and 2013 and displayed impressive performance. The new features of the modified tank received favorable responses from defense sources.

The Arjun entered service with the Indian Army in 2004. The tanks were first inducted into the 43 Armoured Regiment, Indian Army Armoured Corps while the latest induction has been into the 75 Armoured Regiment on 12 March 2011.

Italy: C1 Ariete

The C1 Ariete is the main battle tank of the Italian Army, developed by a consortium formed by Iveco-Fiat and Oto Melara (aka CIO, Consorzio Iveco Oto Melara). The chassis and engine were produced by Iveco, while the turret and fire-control system were supplied by Oto Melara. The vehicle carries the latest optical and digital-imaging and fire-control systems, enabling it to fight day and night and to fire on the move.

It is equipped with a Oto Melara 120mm smooth-bore cannon, with thermal sleeve, a fume extractor and a muzzle reference system. It fires standard Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) & High Explosive Anti Tank Warhead (HEAT) rounds and can store 42 rounds, 15 rounds in the turret and 27 in the hull. 

Mounted on the front of the tank is the BAE Systems Italia manufactured RALM laser warning receiver. The system gives the tank a 360° detection of laser guided ATM and warning. It carries the standard smoke grenade dischargers (x4 either side) on the turret. It also has a standard Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense system manufactured by Sekur SpA and supported by a 7.62mm co-axially mounted machine gun, the commander has a 7.62mm machine gun mounted on his cupola, which doubles up as an anti-aircraft gun and can store 2500 rounds. The C1 uses a superior composite armor system.

UK: Challenger II

Challenger 2 is a heavily armoured, highly mobile Main Battle Tank, designed for use in the direct fire zone. Its primary role is to destroy or neutralise armour. However it has the ability to engage both hard and soft targets and can operate across a spectrum of high intensity conflict, counter insurgency and peace keeping roles. 

The vehicle is equipped with an L30 120mm rifled tank gun, firing both long rod penetrator and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) ammunition natures. Secondary armaments are provided with a 7.62mm co-axial chain gun and a 7.62mm pintle mounted General Purpose Machine Gun.

Optical and thermal imager sights are provided for both the Commander and Gunner, including an independent 360 degree panoramic sight for the Commander. The sighting systems, turret and gun are fully stabilised enabling rapid target engagement when static and on the move. Mobility is provided through a 12-cylinder, 1,200hp Perkins CV12 diesel engine with a David Brown TN54 gearbox, providing six forward and two reverse gears. A double pin track with Hydrogas suspension and a Hydraulic Track Tensioner provide platform stability covering flat road surfaces through to rough cross country terrain.

South Korea: K2 Black Panther

The K2 Black Panther is an advanced main battle tank (MBT) featuring state-of-the-art technology developed by South Korea. It was developed to replace the various models of the aging M48 Patton tanks and complement the K1 series of MBTs currently fielded ones. 

The South Korean Army plans to deploy about 680 Black Panthers, yet the full-scale mass-production of the tank has currently been suspended due to concerns over its transmission and main engine systems. These issues may lead to a delay of service entry until March 2014. The K2 Black Panther, estimated to cost about US$8.5 million per unit, is certified as the  most expensive MBT in world by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Black Panther is armed with a Rheinmetall 120-mm/ L55 smoothbore gun. This gun is license-produced in South Korea. This is complemented by an autoloader, similar to that designed for Leclerc, it can fire up to 15 rounds a minute. The ammunition for the main gun is loaded in a 16-shell magazine, with a total ammunition capacity of 40. The K2 is equipped with an advanced fire-control system (FCS) linked to a millimeter band radar system deployed on the frontal arc of the turret, along with a traditional laser range-finder and crosswind sensor. The system is capable of a "lock-on" mode, which can acquire and track specific targets up to a range of 9.8 km using thermal optics. This allows the crew to fire accurately while moving as well as effectively engage low-flying aircraft. The FCS is also linked to an advanced gun stabilizer and trigger-delay mechanism to optimise accuracy while moving in uneven terrain.

Germany: Leopard 2

Developed by Krauss-Maffei in the early 1970s for the West German Army, the Leopard 2 entered service in 1979 to replace the older Leopard 1 models. In addition to being the MBT of a united Germany after 1989, the Leopard 2 is also one of the most widely-used tanks in the world, serving in a total of 16 armies that range from Germany and Austria, to Canada, Turkey, Singapore and Indonesia. Due to improved technology, the tank has also gone through many variations.

The primary gun on the Leopard 2 is the Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm smoothbore gun, which is capable of firing Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) warheads as well as the German DM12 multipurpose anti-tank projectile (MPAT) and the LAHAT anti-tank guided missile. It also has two 7.62mm machine guns, a coaxially-mounted one in the turret, and the other on an external anti-aircraft mount. The tank also has a stabilization system, a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging and a fire control computer.

For protection, the Leopard 2 uses spaced, multi-layered composite armor that incorporates Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA), interior spall liners and the option of slat armor on the sides to protect from Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs). The Leopard 2 is also equipped with a fire protection system that automatically dispenses halomethane foam in the event that the interior temperature rises above a certain point. It is powered by a 1,479 hp V-12 liquid-cooled twin-turbo diesel engine with a fuel capacity of 1200 liters. It has a top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) and an operational range of 550 km (340 mi).

US: A1 Abrams

The M1A2SEP (System Enhancement Package) is the most recent and advanced version of the M1 Abrams MBTs manufactured by the United States. Weighing nearly 62 metric tons, it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service. The M1 Abrams, named after General Creighton Abrams, is a third-generation MBT Designed used in modern armored ground warfare. It's highly mobile, well-armed and heavily-armored. Three main variants of the M1 Abrams, namely, the M1, M1A1 and M1A2, have been deployed so far. The M1A2SEP, based on the M1A2, features a greatly enhanced armament, and advanced protection, electronics and reliability systems. A M1A2SEP costs about US$8 million.

It is capable of firing the Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) and High Explosive Anti Tank warhead (HEAT) rounds, as well as the M1028 anti-personnel canister cartridge. It also comes with two 7.62mm machine guns – one coaxial and one turret-mounted – and a 12.7mm machine gun mounted by the commander’s hatch.

The tank also has a full-stabilization system for the main gun an comes equipped with a laser rangefinder, crosswind sensor, a pendulum static cant sensor, thermal imaging and a firing computer. The tank’s crew is protected by a halon firefighting system similar to the Leopard 2’s, and a rear ammo compartment with blowout panels that protect the crew from its own ammo exploding.

The tank is protected by composite armor that is composed of alloys of steel, ceramics, plastic composites, and Kevlar, similar to British Chobam & Indian Kanchan armor. It may also be fitted with reactive armor over the track skirts if needed and slat armor over the rear of the tank and rear fuel cells to protect against RPGs. Beginning in 1987, M1A1 tanks also received armor packages that incorporated depleted uranium components at the front of the turret and hull.

The M1 is powered by a 1,500 hp turbine engine which is capable of running on gas or diesel with a fuel capacity of 1,900 liters and an operational range of 426 km (265 miles). It has a top speed of 72 km/h.

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Lockheed Martin's new fusion reactor might change humanity forever

Image Credit: Eric Schulzinger/Lockheed Martin

Hidden away in the secret depths of the Skunk Works, a Lockheed Martin research team has been working quietly on a nuclear energy concept they believe has the potential to meet, if not eventually decrease, the world’s insatiable demand for power.

Dubbed the compact fusion reactor (CFR), the device is conceptually safer, cleaner and more powerful than much larger, current nuclear systems that rely on fission, the process of splitting atoms to release energy. Crucially, by being “compact,” Lockheed believes its scalable concept will also be small and practical enough for applications ranging from interplanetary spacecraft and commercial ships to city power stations. It may even revive the concept of large, nuclear-powered aircraft that virtually never require refueling—ideas of which were largely abandoned more than 50 years ago because of the dangers and complexities involved with nuclear fission reactors. The CFR test team, led by Thomas McGuire (left), is focusing on plasma containment following successful magnetized ion confinement experiments. 

Yet the idea of nuclear fusion, in which atoms combine into more stable forms and release excess energy in the process, is not new. Ever since the 1920s, when it was postulated that fusion powers the stars, scientists have struggled to develop a truly practical means of harnessing this form of energy. Other research institutions, laboratories and companies around the world are also pursuing ideas for fusion power, but none have gone beyond the experimental stage. With just such a “Holy Grail” breakthrough seemingly within its grasp, and to help achieve a potentially paradigm-shifting development in global energy, Lockheed has made public its project with the aim of attracting partners, resources and additional researchers.

Although the company released limited information on the CFR in 2013, Lockheed is now providing new details of its invention. Aviation Week was given exclusive access to view the Skunk Works experiment, dubbed “T4,” first hand. Led by Thomas McGuire, an aeronautical engineer in the Skunk Work’s aptly named Revolutionary Technology Programs unit, the current experiments are focused on a containment vessel roughly the size of a business-jet engine. Connected to sensors, injectors, a turbopump to generate an internal vacuum and a huge array of batteries, the stainless steel container seems an unlikely first step toward solving a conundrum that has defeated generations of nuclear physicists—namely finding an effective way to control the fusion reaction.

“I studied this in graduate school where, under a NASA study, I was charged with how we could get to Mars quickly,” says McGuire, who earned his Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scanning the literature for fusion-based space propulsion concepts proved disappointing. “That started me on the road and [in the early 2000s], I started looking at all the ideas that had been published. I basically took those ideas and melded them into something new by taking the problems in one and trying to replace them with the benefits of others. So we have evolved it here at Lockheed into something totally new, and that’s what we are testing,” he adds.

Image Credit: Eric Schulzinger/Lockheed Martin

To understand the breakthroughs of the Lockheed concept, it is useful to know how fusion works and how methods for controlling the reaction have a fundamental impact on both the amount of energy produced and the scale of the reactor. Fusion fuel, made up of hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium, starts as a gas injected into an evacuated containment vessel. Energy is added, usually by radio-frequency heating, and the gas breaks into ions and electrons, forming plasma.

The superhot plasma is controlled by strong magnetic fields that prevent it from touching the sides of the vessel and, if the confinement is sufficiently constrained, the ions overcome their mutual repulsion, collide and fuse. The process creates helium-4, freeing neutrons that carry the released energy kinetically through the confining magnetic fields. These neutrons heat the reactor wall which, through conventional heat exchangers, can then be used to drive turbine generators. 

Until now, the majority of fusion reactor systems have used a plasma control device called a tokamak, invented in the 1950s by physicists in the Soviet Union. The tokamak uses a magnetic field to hold the plasma in the shape of a torus, or ring, and maintains the reaction by inducing a current inside the plasma itself with a second set of electromagnets. The challenge with this approach is that the resulting energy generated is almost the same as the amount required to maintain the self-sustaining fusion reaction. 

Neutrons released from plasma will transfer heat through reactor walls to power turbines

An advanced fusion reactor version, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), being built in Cadarache, France, is expected to generate 500 MW. However, plasma is not due to be generated until the late 2020s, and derivatives are not likely to be producing significant power until at least the 2040s.

The problem with tokamaks is that “they can only hold so much plasma, and we call that the beta limit,” McGuire says. Measured as the ratio of plasma pressure to the magnetic pressure, the beta limit of the average tokamak is low, or about “5% or so of the confining pressure,” he says. Comparing the torus to a bicycle tire, McGuire adds, “if they put too much in, eventually their confining tire will fail and burst—so to operate safely, they don’t go too close to that.” Aside from this inefficiency, the physics of the tokamak dictate huge dimensions and massive cost. The ITER, for example, will cost an estimated $50 billion and when complete will measure around 100 ft. high and weigh 23,000 tons.

The traditional Soviet tokamak design of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, a gigantic installation being built in France

The CFR will avoid these issues by tackling plasma confinement in a radically different way. Instead of constraining the plasma within tubular rings, a series of superconducting coils will generate a new magnetic-field geometry in which the plasma is held within the broader confines of the entire reaction chamber. Superconducting magnets within the coils will generate a magnetic field around the outer border of the chamber. “So for us, instead of a bike tire expanding into air, we have something more like a tube that expands into an ever-stronger wall,” McGuire says. The system is therefore regulated by a self-tuning feedback mechanism, whereby the farther out the plasma goes, the stronger the magnetic field pushes back to contain it. The CFR is expected to have a beta limit ratio of one. “We should be able to go to 100% or beyond,” he adds.

This crucial difference means that for the same size, the CFR generates more power than a tokamak by a factor of 10. This in turn means, for the same power output, the CFR can be 10 times smaller. The change in scale is a game-changer in terms of producibility and cost, explains McGuire. “It’s one of the reasons we think it is feasible for development and future economics,” he says. “Ten times smaller is the key. But on the physics side, it still has to work, and one of the reasons we think our physics will work is that we’ve been able to make an inherently stable configuration.” One of the main reasons for this stability is the positioning of the superconductor coils and shape of the magnetic field lines. “In our case, it is always in balance. So if you have less pressure, the plasma will be smaller and will always sit in this magnetic well,” he notes.

Overall, McGuire says the Lockheed design “takes the good parts of a lot of designs.” It includes the high-beta configuration, the use of magnetic field lines arranged into linear ring “cusps” to confine the plasma and “the engineering simplicity of an axisymmetric mirror,” he says. The “axisymmetric mirror” is created by positioning zones of high magnetic field near each end of the vessel so that they reflect a significant fraction of plasma particles escaping along the axis of the CFR. “We also have a recirculation that is very similar to a Polywell concept,” he adds, referring to another promising avenue of fusion power research. A Polywell fusion reactor uses electromagnets to generate a magnetic field that traps electrons, creating a negative voltage, which then attracts positive ions. The resulting acceleration of the ions toward the negative center results in a collision and fusion. 

The team acknowledges that the project is in its earliest stages, and many key challenges remain before a viable prototype can be built. However, McGuire expects swift progress. The Skunk Works mind-set and “the pace that people work at here is ridiculously fast,” he says. “We would like to get to a prototype in five generations. If we can meet our plan of doing a design-build-test generation every year, that will put us at about five years, and we’ve already shown we can do that in the lab.” The prototype would demonstrate ignition conditions and the ability to run for upward of 10 sec. in a steady state after the injectors, which will be used to ignite the plasma, are turned off. “So it wouldn’t be at full power, like a working concept reactor, but basically just showing that all the physics works,” McGuire says.

Rings containing superconducting magnets will confine the plasma inside the reaction chamber

An initial production version could follow five years after that. “That will be a much bigger effort,” he says, suggesting that transition to full-scale manufacturing will necessarily involve materials and heat-transfer specialists as well as gas-turbine makers. The early reactors will be designed to generate around 100 MW and fit into transportable units measuring 23 X 43 ft. “That’s the size we are thinking of now. You could put it on a semi-trailer, similar to a small gas turbine, put it on a pad, hook it up and can be running in a few weeks,” McGuire says. The concept makes use of the existing power infrastructures to enable the CFR to be easily adapted into the current grid. The 100-MW unit would provide sufficient power for up to 80,000 homes in a power-hungry U.S. city and is also “enough to run a ship,” he notes.

Lockheed estimates that less than 25 kg (55 lb.) of fuel would be required to run an entire year of operations. The fuel itself is also plentiful. Deuterium is produced from sea water and is therefore considered unlimited, while tritium is “bred” from lithium. “We already mine enough lithium to supply a worldwide fleet of reactors, so with tritium you never have too much built up, and that’s what keeps it safe. Tritium would be a health risk if there were enough released, but it is safe enough in small quantities. You don’t need very much to run a reactor because it is a million times more powerful than a chemical reaction,” McGuire notes.

Although the first-generation reactors will have radioactive parts at the ends of their lives, such as some steel elements in the shell, McGuire says the contamination situation “is an order of magnitude better” than that of contemporary fission systems. “There is no long-lived radiation. Fission reactors’ stuff will be there forever, but with fusion materials, after 100 years then you are good.” Contamination levels for fusion will improve with additional materials research, he believes. “It’s been a chicken-and-egg situation. Until we’ve had a good working fusion system, there has not been money to go off and do the hard-core materials research,” McGuire says. “So we believe the first generation is good enough to go out and do, and then it will only improve in time.” Old CFR steel shell parts can be disposed of with “a shallow burial in the desert, similar to medical waste today. That’s a major difference to today’s fission systems.”

Operational benefits include no risks of suffering a meltdown. “There is a very minimal amount of radioactive tritium—it’s on the order of grams—so the potential release is very minimal. In addition, there is not enough to be a risk of proliferation. Tritium is used in nuclear weapons but in a much larger inventory than would be involved here, and that’s because you are continually making just enough to feed back in [to maintain the reaction],” he adds.

Preliminary simulations and experimental results “have been very promising and positive,” McGuire says. “The latest is a magnetized ion confinement experiment, and preliminary measurements show the behavior looks like it is working correctly. We are starting with the plasma confinement, and that’s where we are putting most of our effort. One of the reasons we are becoming more vocal with our project is that we are building up our team as we start to tackle the other big problems. We need help and we want other people involved. It’s a global enterprise, and we are happy to be leaders in it.”

What is Nuclear Fusion

The sun is the best example of the power of nuclear fusion - generating enough heat to cause two atomic ions to collide and generate energy a million times more powerful than chemical reactions

Nuclear fusion involves combining two atoms together into a single, larger atom. It happens naturally in stars and, unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms apart, it does not release radioactive particles, making it safe and clean.

Nuclear fusion is the holy grail of energy. It's clean and limitless and provides an alternative to fossil fuels and coal. It also produces a lot of power, 100 megawatts, enough to power a small city. However, we haven't used nuclear fusion yet because no one has built an efficient reactor that doesn't require more power going into it than coming out.

Lockheed states that it has figured out that problem, though. Tom McGuire, the head of Lockheed's fusion power project, and his team spent four years working on fusion but is now taking their findings public for future partnerships.

However, the company is holding the secret of their breakthrough close.

"Our compact fusion concept combines several alternative magnetic confinement approaches, taking the best parts of each, and offers a 90 percent size reduction over previous concepts," says the company in a statement. Of course, Lockheed's fusion reactor is still just a concept, but the company feels confident that they will have a small working prototype within a year.

Lockheed's team isn't the only group working on nuclear fusion. A team of scientists from the University of Washington built a small prototype of their fusion concept, which, once taken to full-scale, will produce the same output as a coal factory but at a lower cost.

Lockheed is probably most interested in government contracts, and their nuclear fusion could provide unlimited power to military vehicles, such as ships and submarines, which currently rely on nuclear fission reactors that need replacing every few years.

However, nuclear fusion isn't just a good source of energy on Earth. It could also provide power for future spacecrafts, allowing space vehicles to travel farther. Current rockets need a lot of fuel, so much so that we can't travel long distances without running out. A fusion-powered engine could change everything, making long distance space travel faster and easier. Nuclear fusion power is probably our best bet for traveling to Mars and beyond. (Adapted via Lockheed-Martin / Aviation Week / Sploid / Techtimes)

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Stealthy Class - The World’s Best Navy Corvettes

INS KAMORTA Indian Navy's Stealth Corvette

A Corvette is a small warship. It is traditionally the smallest class of vessel considered to be a proper warship. The warship class above is that of frigate and historically below a sloop-of-war. The modern types of ship below a Corvette are coastal patrol craft and fast attack craft. In modern terms, a corvette is typically between 500 and 2,000 tons although recent designs may approach 3,000 tons, which might instead be considered a small Frigate.

Small and agile but still bigger than a standard coastal patrol boat, Corvettes such as the Kamorta, Visby, Braunschweig and SIGMA, play a significant role in some of the world’s strongest naval forces.

IDN lists the world's best Corvettes based on range of multi-mission capabilities, armaments and maneuverability.

Kamorta Class Stealth Corvette

The Kamorta class Corvettes are the next-generation Anti-Submarine Warfare vessels being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), for the Indian Navy. Primarily designed for ASW missions, the Corvettes can also conduct anti-surface and anti-air warfare missions. Three Corvettes in the class are scheduled to be commissioned between 2014 and 2017. The first vessel was commissioned on 23 August, 2014 and Visakhapatnam Naval Base will be its the home port.

The Kamorta class integrates a composite superstructure and stealth technology for reducing infrared and radar signatures, noise levels, and magnetic outputs. It is armed with 3M-54 Klub anti-ship cruise missiles, Barak surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm super rapid gun, two AK-630M close-in weapon systems, two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, and two triple torpedo tubes.

The stern helicopter deck of the Kamorta supports the operations of a Ka-28PL or Naval HAL Dhruv helicopter. The four Pielstick 12 PA6 STC engines, each rated at 3,888kW, provide a maximum speed of 25kt and range of 3,450nmi at 18kt speed.

INS Kadmatt is the second of four anti-submarine warfare corvettes built for the Indian Navy under Project 28. The ship was launched on 26 October 2011.

Visby Class Corvette

The Visby-class advanced stealth Corvettes were built by Kockums at the Karlskrona Shipyard, for the Royal Swedish Navy. The class includes five versatile vessels designed for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures and maritime patrol.

Each vessel is armed with a Bofors 57mm Mk 3 general purpose gun, eight Saab RBS15 surface-to-surface missiles, four Saab 40cm ASW torpedoes, ASW rockets and mine rails.

The combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion integrates four TF50A gas turbines for medium and high-speed operation, and two MTU diesel engines for low-speed manoeuvring. The CODOG engines drive two KaMeWa waterjet propellers offering a better hydro-acoustic signature and manoeuvrability while emitting lesser noise. The propulsion system ensures a maximum speed of over 35kt and a range of 2,500nmi at 15kt.

K130 Braunschweig Class

The K130 Braunschweig Class of the German Navy is a series of five modern Corvettes built by the ARGE K130 consortium comprising Blohm + Voss, Nordseewerke and Fr. Lürssen Werft. The multi-mission Corvettes are deployed for surface surveillance, anti-surface warfare and littoral missions.

The K130 class offers reduced radar and infrared (IR) signatures, and is fitted with automated weapons and defence systems, sensors and communication systems. Its deck can accommodate one medium-sized helicopter.

Helicopters with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems are widely deployed by naval forces as a means to counter submarines at long ranges.

The armament fit is composed of RBS 15MK3 surface-to-surface missiles, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) surface-to-air missiles, Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, and two MLG 27mm auto cannons. The Corvette is powered by two MTU 20V 1163 TB 93 diesel engines driving two controllable-pitch propellers providing a maximum speed of more than 26kt.

SIGMA Class Corvette

The SIGMA class Corvettes are built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding according to the Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach (SIGMA) concept. Four SIGMA-class vessels were delivered to the Indonesian Navy during 2007-2009.

The SIGMA class features a modular design giving the operator optimum flexibility at reduced costs. The Corvettes feature advanced combat and communication suite, a large helicopter deck and accommodation facilities for 80 personnel. The primary missions of the SIGMA-class include Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol, deterrence, Search and Rescue (SAR), and anti-submarine warfare.

The Corvettes can be armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles, TETRAL air-to-air missiles, a 76mm super rapid gun, two 20mmm guns, and two B515 triple torpedo launchers. Two diesel engines driving two shafts with controllable pitch propellers provide the vessels a maximum speed of 28kt and range of 3,000nmi at 18kt.

Milgem Class

The Milgem Class Corvettes of the Turkish Navy are fitted with indigenously-developed weapons and C4SI systems to conduct maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, ASW and anti-air warfare missions in littoral waters.

The first two ships in class, TCG Heybeliada (F-511) and TCG Büyükada (F-512), were built by Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and commissioned into the Turkish Navy by 2013. The Corvettes incorporate stealth technology and signature-reduction features. Each vessel is fitted with a 76mm gun, two Stabilised Machine Gun Platforms (STAMPs), eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles, rolling airframe missile (RAM) for point defence and Mk.32 triple launchers.

The MILGEM class is equipped with MTU combined diesel and gas (CODAG)-type propulsion system. The propulsion power for sailing at cruising speeds is provided by the diesel engines, while two gas turbines provide the power required for higher speeds of up to 29kt.

Steregushchy Class Corvette

The Project 20380 Steregushchy is a class of very large multi-role Corvettes built by Severnaya Verf shipyard and Amur Shipbuilding Plant for the Russian Navy. The ships can conduct coastal patrol, escort and ASW missions.

The Steregushchy-class incorporates stealthy design for reduced radar, acoustic, infra-red and magnetic signatures. It is armed with Kh-35 missiles, 3M-54 Klub missiles, two Kashtan close-in weapon systems, an Arsenal A-190 100mm naval gun, two AK-630M guns and two quadruple torpedo tubes. "The propulsion system enables the vessel to attain a top speed of 27kt and a range of 4,000nmi at 14kt speed."

The combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system of the Steregushchy-class integrates four 16D49 diesel engines. The propulsion system enables the vessel to attain a top speed of 27kt and a range of 4,000nmi at 14kt speed. The Tiger Class, an export variant of the Steregushchy-class, was also ordered by the Algerian Navy.

Buyan Class Corvette

The Buyan Class is a series of Corvettes built by Almaz shipyard for the Russian Navy. Buyan-M, a modified missile version of the Buyan Class, is also under construction at the shipyard. The vessels are used for EEZ patrol and can be deployed in shallow waters and river mouths to land troops in support of ground-based missions.

The Buyan Class incorporates stealth features to reduce the radar cross section. The open architecture of the vessel allows for the integration of modular systems according to the future requirements. The Corvettes are armed with Igla or Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, A-215 Grad-M naval multiple launch rocket system, a single A-190 100mm cannon and two AK-306 30mm close-in weapon systems.

The twin screw combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system integrates two Zvezda M520 radial diesel engines coupled with two pump-jet propulsors. The power-plant provides a top speed of 28kt and range of 1,500nmi (2,778km).

Baynunah Class Corvette

The Baynunah is a new class of multi-mission Corvettes built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) for the United Arab Emirates Navy. The ships are designed to perform multiple missions including coastal patrol and surveillance, mine countermeasures, and anti-air and anti-surface warfare.

The advanced weapons and sensor technology used in the vessel make the Baynunah one of the best Corvette classes in the world. The ship has a stealthy design to minimise radar cross-section and can be fitted with Exocet anti-ship missiles, Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs), Mk49 Mod3 21-cell RAM launcher, a 76mm main gun and two Rheinmetall MLG 27 guns.

The Baynunah-class features a stern helicopter deck and hangar for a medium-sized helicopter. The vessels are powered by four MTU diesel engines driving Kamewa waterjets. The propulsion system ensures a top speed of more than 30kt.

Khareef Class Corvettes

The Khareef Class Corvettes are being built by BAE Systems Maritime - Naval Ships, for the Royal Navy of Oman. The Corvettes can perform coastal patrols, maritime disaster relief, SAR and deterrence missions.

The innovative hull design with stealth features allows the Khareef class to perform undetected operations near enemy zones. The flexible platform design also enables integration of equipment and systems as well as armaments supported by a comprehensive weapons management system. The ship features a flight deck and hangar for small to medium sized aircraft of 12t-class.

The Corvette will be capable for Protection of maritime areas of interest including EEZ, Extended surveillance patrols Deterrent operations during times of tension, Fully interoperable with joint and coalition operations, Special operations, Search and rescue and Maritime disaster relief operations.

FREMM Class Multipurpose Corvette

The FREMM (European Multipurpose Frigate) is a class of frigate designed by DCNS/Armaris and Fincantieri for the navies of France and Italy. The lead ship of the class, Aquitaine, was commissioned in November 2012 by the French Navy. In France the class is known as the Aquitaine-Class, while in Italy they are known as the Bergamini-Class. To date the only export has been one anti-submarine variant delivered to Morocco in 2014, Greece & Canada are also prospective customers of the Corvette.

Three original variants of the FREMM were proposed; an anti-submarine variant and a general-purpose variant to replace the existing classes of frigates within the French and Italian navies. A third anti-air warfare variant of FREMM was proposed by DCNS in repose to French requirements for a new air-defence frigate, the new variant became known as FREDA ("FREgates de Défense Aériennes"). 

FREDA design features a more powerful version of the Thales Herakles passive electronically scanned array radar and 32 cells of SYLVER A50 in place of the 16 cells of A43 and 16 cells of A70. The SYLVER A50 would allow it to fire the 120 km-range Aster 30 missile; the towed array sonar would not be fitted.

The Corvettes are armed with a 76mm Oto Melara Cannon, two 30mm MSI DS30M cannons, MM-40 Block III Exocet anti-ship missiles and MBDA VL Mica surface-to-air missiles to defend against both surface and air threats. Two MTU Series 4000 diesel engines provide the vessel with a maximum speed of 25kt and a range of 4,500 miles.

Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao)

The Type 056 is a new stealth Corvette-class under construction at Wuchan, Huangpu, Hudong-Zhongua and Liaonan shipyards, for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It is the first Chinese modular warship capable of serving as an offshore patrol vessel or a multi-role frigate.

The Type 056 Corvette features a stealthy hull design constituting sloped surface and trimmed superstructure clutter. The armament fit includes YJ-83 sea-skimming anti-ship cruise missiles, FL-3000N short-range missile system, a 76mm main gun, two remotely operated cannons and two triple torpedo tubes. The helicopter deck at the stern can accommodate a Z-9 class helicopter. The Type 056 is powered two diesels driving two shafts. The propulsion system ensures an estimated top speed of more than 28kt. (Adapted via NT & Wikipedia)

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TATA MOTORS Defence Vehicles Explained

TATA motors has developed a combination of defence related vehicles over the years, they have showcased a new concept the Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle (MBPV) at Defexpo 2012. It is a highly mobile combat vehicle for closed confined areas such as airports, railway stations and other such infrastructure. TATA has developed several categories of vehicles for different applications for the defense forces such as the TATA 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier, the Tata Light Armoured Vehicle, the Tata Mobile Bunker and the Tata 6x6 7kl Refueler and displayed a range of other concept vehicles. Let us look at them in detail.

TATA Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle (MBPV)

Defining a new level of protected mobility during indoor combat, TATA Motors showcased its ‘Nano’ for the defence forces, the MBPV. While the design may not be captivating, it is quite functional. Besides being bulletproof, all sides including the floor have angles to deflect bullets and roll-off grenades. The electric-powered vehicle can last up to six hours in an intermittent operation with a top speed of 20km/h, making it silent yet agile. With maximum payload capacity of 200kg it can carry two personnel with their equipment. The pivot turning and gradeability of 20 degrees enables it to go over slopes and climb stairs as well.

The MBPV has been designed keeping indoor combat in mind, with special features like bullet resistant panels for protection, compact dimensions, with 4-wheel assisted turning for easy movement within indoor confines and high power-to-weight ratio for fast & agile movement, during combat. Firing ports have also been incorporated for retaliatory action. Moreover, it has an added capability of climbing stairs as well.

With a gross weight of 1,100kg, it has good all-round visibility and firing ports all around. It will be tested by the elite commando forces before it’s put into operation. It has been jointly developed by Tata and VRDE-DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

Undoubtedly, the MBPV is one of the most practical yet effective anti-terrorist vehicles and Tata Motors plans to add to its array of vehicles for the defence services.

TATA 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier

The TATA 12 X 12 Prahaar Missile Carrier is an indigenously developed high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive vehicle. The Tata LPTA 5252-12 X12 vehicle has been jointly designed with R&DE–DRDO, particularly for missile launcher-cum-carrier applications, including integration of Prahar, BrahMos and Nirbhay missiles.

It has state-of-the-art electronic controlled heavy duty engine and automatic transmission along with high mobility features. Although it is normally operable in 12x8 mode, the vehicle can operate in 12x10 and 12x12 modes too, depending upon the requirements of the terrain. 

Some of the highlights of the vehicle are:

• Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS)
• Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS)
• Auxiliary Gear box with high and low speed mode
• Differential locks system

Vehicle specification of the Tata 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier:

Application

• Prahaar Missile System Carrier and Launcher Platform

• Brahmos Missile carrier

Mobility

• Power to weight ratio of 10.1 Hp/Ton

• 525 Hp @ 1800 rpm BSIII

• 2000 Nm @ 1200 RPM

• Automatic Transmission system with 7 forward and one reverse gear

• Gradability of 30 deg under full payload

• Max Speed of 80 kmph in top gear

• Ditch crossing ability of 2000 mm

• Vertical Step climbing ability of 600 mm

• Fordability of 1200 mm with stop and 1400 mm with pass

• Ground clearance of 400 mm

• Payload of 33 Tons

Utility

• One Platform, Many variants: Prahaar Missile system Carrier

• Launcher vehicle and command and control unit for various missile systems

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co driver plus 3 person in drivers Cabin

• HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin

TATA Light Armoured Vehicle

The Internal Homeland Security Forces and the State Police Forces, being endowed with the prime responsibility of securing the State, consistently move in and out of territories which are extremist hotbeds. It is imperative that these security forces must be able to not only defend themselves against sudden guerrilla attacks by the enemy, but must also be capable to retaliate fiercely. 

The Tata Light Armoured Vehicle is intended to aid the troops in Counter Insurgency Operations as well as for patrolling the hinterland. The vehicle would be certified by CMVR regulations post armouring, which is a mandatory requirement to ply legally on Indian roads.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Light Armoured Vehicle:

Application

• Troop Carrier / Escort vehicle

• Mobile Communication system.

• Patrolling Vehicle.

Mobility

• Tata 3 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel Engine

• Max Engine output: 115 Bhp at 3050 rpm

• Max Torque: 300 Nm at 1600-2200 rpm

• Power to weight Ratio: 31.5 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 85 kmph

• Fording Depth: 300 mm

• Max Gradeability : 32 deg

• Min. turning circle diameter: 12.5 m

• Payload: 500 kg

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 3600 kg

• Power Steering

Protection

• All Sides ;- Direct hit at 90° from 10m for 7.62x51mm FMJ, 7.62x39mm Steel Core and 5.56x45mm SS109

• Roof ;- Direct hit at 45° from 10m for 7.62x51mm FMJ, 7.62x39mm Steel Core and 5.56x45mm SS109

• Floor Blast:- Blast of 02 Hand Grenades HE36 / DM51 or equivalent

• Side Blast:- 15 Kg TNT @ 3M from vehicle side

• Run flat Tyres

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 5 Configuration

• Front & middle seats – Sliding type with adjustable back and head rest

• Middle seat for 02 persons

• Rear Bench seats - Side facing 02 persons

Tata Mobile Bunker

TATA Mobile Bunker has been designed on the LPA 713, 4-wheel drive platform, to ensure fast & 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. It is a highly mobile platform and can be used as a base for various protected applications like troop carriers, ambulances and buses. 

The vehicle is equipped with the following features - NIJ Level III ballistic protection on all sides and for the roof, firing ports and roof hatch for retaliatory action, excellent gradeability and high ground clearance for all terrain usage, AC unit provided for better ventilation inside the vehicle and is CMVR certified.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Mobile Bunker:

Application

• Protected Troop Carrier

• Command Post Vehicle

• Protected Ambulance

Mobility

• "B5.9 155 30 Turbocharged, air to air after cooled Diesel Engine."

• Max Engine output: 155 HP at 2500 rpm

• Max Torque: 590 Nm at 1500 rpm

• Max Speed: 80 kmph

• Max Gradeability: 31 Degrees

• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 14.3 m

• Payload: 1 T

• Hydraulic assisted power steering

Protection

• "Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunition and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack"

• Underbelly Protection against 2 HE Hand Grenades

• Glass Protection corresponding to NIJ Level III

• Crew Capacity

• Driver + 9 Configuration

• Driver and Co Driver seats front facing

TATA 6 X 6 Refueler

The Tata LPTA 2038 6x6 Refueller has been developed for the Indian Armed forces, Paramilitary, State police, DPSUs, State Government & Municipal Agencies and the Aviation industry. The vehicle has already been trial evaluated by the Indian Armed forces for various applications like Common Gun Tower, HMV with Material Handling crane, Multi Barrel Rocket launcher GRAD BM 21, etc. 

The vehicle is available with both manual and automatic transmission. The vehicle has Anti-locking Braking System (ABS), Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), Auxiliary Gear box with high and low speed mode and differential locks system. 

Tata Motors has developed a demountable fuel bowser on the LPTA 2038 6x6 HMV, in collaboration with M/s WEW (Germany), specifically for all terrain applications and usage by various aviation sector agencies. This application is also apt for defence purposes, as this demountable concept is specially made for fuel storage & dispensing, in varied terrains.

Vehicle specification of the Tata 6x6 Refueler:

Application

• 7 KL Refueller System

• CGT 6x6

• HMV with MHC 6x6

• GRAD BM 21 Rocket Launcher

• Tactical communication system

Mobility

• Power to weight ratio of 17.4 Hp / Ton

• 375 Hp @ 2100 RPM

• Automatic Transmission system with 7 forward and 01 reverse gears

• Manual Transmission system with 9 forward and 1 Reverse gear (Automatic transmission system optional)

• Gradeability of 25 Deg under full load

• Max Speed of 80 kmph in top gear

• Trench crossing ability of 900 mm

• Vertical step climbing ability of 500 mm

• Fordability of 500 mm

• Ground clearance of 360 mm

• Payload of 10.5 Tons

• Range of 500 km at GVW

Utility

• One platform, Many Variants : 7 KL Refueler System

• CGT 6x6

• HMV with MHC 6x6

• GRAD BM 21 Rocket Launcher

• Tactical communication system

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co Driver plus 3 Person on Drivers Cabin

• HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin.

TATA LSV – QDMCT (Quick Deployment Mobile Communication Terminal)

The Tata LSV – QDMCT 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 & video, between various nodes. Multiple communication media have been provided for both data and voice connectivity. The Tata QDMCT is designed and developed in collaboration with RCI – DRDO.

Vehicle specification of the Tata LSV

Application

• Mobile Communication Terminal

• Mobile Radar

• Mobile ATC

Mobility

• Tata 3.0 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel Engine

• Max Engine output: 115 Hp at 2500 rpm

• Max Torque: 320 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm

• Power to wt ratio: 23 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 70 kmph

• Max Gradeability: 20 Degrees

• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 14.9m

• Payload: 1.2 T

• GVW: 4.8 T

• Power Steering

Utility

• HVAC for Driver Cabin

• Provision for mounting an in-service Machine gun on bonnet.

• Fire fighting Equipment.

• Brackets/Arrangements for fitting & charging the approved GPS

• Demisting & Defrosting Device

• Provision for Personal weapons and on weapons scales of ammunition for driver & co-driver in the drivers cabin and other persons in the body of the vehicle

Crew Capacity

• Driver+1 Configuration in the Cabin

• Driver & Co Driver seats front facing

TATA 8 X 8 Water Purification System

The Mobile Water decontamination system on the LPTA 3138 8x8 has been developed in collaboration with M/s WEW (Germany). The aim to provide a solution for the drinking water contamination problem, faced by Armed Forces & Paramilitary forces, at disaster struck areas. This application is also apt for State Governments and various Municipal agencies, to tackle the issue of supplying drinking water to remote villages. This water decontamination system is capable of purifying the most impure forms of water and make it portable through Reverse Osmosis (RO) process.

Vehicle specification of the Tata 8x8 Water Purification System:

Application

• 7 KL Water Decontamination System

• Reverse Osmosis Purification Technology

• Capable of Purifying any form of impure water including one with Arsenic poisoning

Mobility

• Power to weight ratio of 13.4 Hp/Ton

• 375 Hp @ 2100 RPM

• 1548 Nm @ 1200 to 1400 RPM

• Manual Transmission system with 10 Forward and 2 reverse gears

• Gradeability of 25 Deg under full load

• Max Speed of 80 kmph in top gear

• trench crossing ability of 2000 mm

• Vertical Step climbing ability of 600 mm

• Fordability of 1200 mm with stop and 1400 mm with pass

• Ground clearance of 350 mm

• Payload of 17 Ton

• Range of 600 km at GVW

Utility

• One Platform Many Variants : 7 KL WEW Water decontamination system

• HMV 8x8 with MHC

• Command and control Unit and Launcher vehicle for Rockets

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co Driver plus 3 persons on Drivers Cabin

• World Class HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin

TATA 8 X 8 Container (Missile Carrier)

The Tata LPTA 3138 8x8 is a multi-purpose vehicle for various all terrain applications like Command & control unit, Missile carrier, MHC Radar Station, Missile firing platform, etc. The vehicle is equipped with Anti-locking Braking System (ABS), Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), Auxiliary Gear box, with high & low speed mode and differential locks system. 

Tata Motors has prepared the EW Command post on LPTA 3138 8x8, in collaboration with its group company Tata Power – SED. The EW Command post is a EMP Hardened MIL Grade shelter for mobile application designed as per MIL-STD-907, MIL-STD-285 intended for Electronic Warfare application.

Vehicle specification of the Tata 8x8 Pinaka Container:

Application

• Pinaka missile system Carrier

Mobility

• Power to weight Ratio of 13.4 Hp/Ton

• 375 Hp @ 2100 RPM

• 1550 Nm @ 1300 to 1400 Rpm

• Manual transmission system with 10 forward and 3 reverse gears

• Gradeability of 30 Deg under full load

• Max Speed of 80 KMPH in top gear

• trench crossing ability of 2000 mm

• Vertical Step climbing ability of 500 mm

• Fordability of 1200 mm with stop and 1400 mm with pass

• Ground clearance of 400 mm

• Payload of 18 Tons

Utility

• One Platform Many Variants: Pinaka Missile Carrier container

• HMV 8x8 with MHC

• Command and control Unit and Launcher vehicle for Rockets

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co Driver plus 3 Person on Drivers Cabin

• HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin.

TATA Safari Storme Armoured

With the strong resurgence of threat perceptions amongst high profile dignitaries, trade delegates, etc., the need arises for a mode of transport, which is very safe, but at the same time comfortable and stylish enough, for this segment of people. 

The Tata Armored Safari Storme is meant for catering to VVIP movements. The Armored Safari Storme has a strengthened chassis & suspension system and enhanced braking efficiency of the vehicle to take care of the additional armoring weight. It carries a CMVR certificate and is legal to run on road. The vehicle has internal Up-Armoring and to the untrained eye, the look is ‘innocent’.

The vehicle is equipped with the following features - NIJ Level III ballistic protection on all sides and for the roof, underbelly protection against 2 HE -36 Hand Grenades, available in 4x2 as well as 4x4 variants and has ABS.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Safari Storme Armoured:

Application

• VVIP Protection

Mobility

• Tata 2.2 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel

Engine

• Max Engine output: 140 HP at 4000 rpm"

• Max Torque: 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm

• Power to weight Ratio: 41.6 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 150 kmph

• Max Gradeability: 26 Degrees

• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 12 m

• Payload: 375 Kg

• GVW: 3305 Kg

• Power Steering

Protection

• Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunation and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack

• Underbelly Protection against 2 HE Hand Grenades

• Glass Protection corresponding to NIJ Level III

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 4 Configuration

• Driver & Co Driver seats front facing

• 3 Seats in the rear

TATA Xenon Recce 4 X 4

The Xenon Recce 4x4 is meant for off road patrolling, as needed by the Armed Forces, both in India and abroad. For this purpose, it has developed separate engines, complying to both BS III, as well as Euro norms. The vehicle is equipped with the following features - Revolving LMG Turret, self recovery winch, provision for fitment of recce fitments like pick-axe, spades, Jerry Cans, etc.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Xenon Recce 4x4:

Application

• General Service vehicle for the Armed forces

• Troop Carrier

• Escort Vehicle

• Recce vehicle

Mobility

• Engine: TATA 2.2L DICOR BS III, Direct Injection Common Rail Turbo Charged Intercooled Diesel Engine.

• Max Engine output: 140 Hp at 4000 rpm.

• Power to weight Ratio: 40.2 Hp/ton

• Steering: Right hand drive with power steering

• Max speed: 120 Kmph

• Fording Depth: 200 mm

• Max gradeability: 32 deg

• Min Turning Radius: 13.5 m

• Operating Temp Range: -25 to + 50 deg Centigrade ambient

• Gross Vehicle weight: 2950 Kg

Fitments

• 360 deg revolving LMG turret with +60 deg/-20 deg elevation /depression,

• 20 liter four jerry cans, mounting outside roll cage structure, ,

• Self recovery winch at front,

• Pick axe and spade

• Tow hook at rear

• 2 kg hand held type fire extinguisher,

• Four ammunition boxes,

• Black out lamps,

• Convoy lamps,

• Map reading lamp

Crew Capacity

• Front seat – Bucket type with Seat Belts, having Front to Rear Adjustment & with Head Rests.

• Rear Bench seats - Two double seats in load body facing inwards with lap belts, foldable bottoms

TATA Mine Protected Vehicle

The Mine Protected Vehicle has been developed to protect its occupants from threats like ambushes and sudden violent attacks, using powerful explosive mines. Designed to protect against gunfire with ballistic protection of NIJ Level III, it provides essential protection to Military and Paramilitary forces. 

Vehicle specification of the Tata Mine Protected Vehicle:

Application

• Escort and Patrolling Operations in Mine prone Naxal-Infested areas

Mobility

• Cummins ISBe 245HP EURO III Water cooled Compression Ignition, Turbocharged, After-cooled Diesel engine

• Max Engine output: 242 Hp @ 2500rpm

• Max Torque: 925 Nm @ 1200-1700 rpm

• Power to weight Ratio: 16 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 80 kmph

• Max Gradeability : 30 deg

• Min. turning circle diameter: 16 m

• Payload: 1400 kg

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 14300 kg

• Power Steering

Protection

• Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunition and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack

• Glass :NIJ level III

• Firing Ports: 10 firing ports, including one port at rear

• Blast Protection: Under Hull 14kg TNT, Under Wheel 21kg TNT

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 13 Configuration

• Driver & Co Driver seats front facing

• Rest all inwards facing side suspended seats

All these vehicles can be serviced at any TATA Authorised dealers/TATA Authorised service stations (TASS) across India.

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