MINE PROTECTED VEHICLE

MINE PROTECTED VEHICLE

Sainik Samachar reported in its July 2005 issue that the Ordnance Factory in Medak has developed a Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) with a remote control weapon station (RCWS). The MPV is a modified version of a Stallion Mk.III truck being manufactured by Indian Ordnance Factories for use by defence forces. It has been modified to withstand mines and IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) blasts. The vehicle was given for user trials to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was subjected to IED blasts by terrorists in Chhattisgarh.

In the weapon station, a gun of 7.62mm, 12.7mm or 14.5mm calibre can be mounted. The station is equipped with a camera and with day-and-night vision devices and the operator sitting inside the vehicle can focus on the target, using the onboard computer, and thus negating the risk to security personnel. The vehicle is designed to withstand small arms fire, grenade attacks and detonation of mines or explosive devices. The gun along with the camera and vision devices can rotate 360 degrees. The vehicle has been specially developed for the Indian Army and the various para military forces, taking into consideration the threats they face

Although similar in appearance to the vehicle below, this particular MPV is a different beast.

The Ordnance Factory in Medak, Andhra Pradesh has also developed an indigenous mine-protected vehicle. The vehicle was tested on a 15 kg RDX pile and was highly successful. Studies were conducted to reduce the noise and vibration levels. Further test trials were conducted at the DRDO centre in Chandigarh. The rectangular body made of heavy gauge but malleable steel sits on V-shaped 55º steel angle. It is fitted with bullet proof glass, so that it does not crack in the event of explosion, and the occupants inside remain safe without being hit by shrapnel. The vehicle has openings on the roof as well as sides for enabling the personnel to return the fire. The vehicle is planned to be mass-produced in two types, a Mahindra & Mahindra jeep model with a seating capacity of six and an Ashok Leyland model with a seating capacity of 12. The cost of the vehicles are reportedly cheaper than the Casspir MPVs that are being brought from South Africa.

Comments: The BRDM-2 is a fully armoured, four-wheel-drive, amphibious reconnaissance vehicle. It has two-pairs of belly wheels and a centralized tire pressure regulation system for increased cross-country capability. The BRDM-2 has a box-like hull with a boat-shaped bow. The engine is mounted in the vehicle rear and there is a small conical turret mounted on the hull above the belly wheels. The driver sits at the front of the hull on the left with the vehicle commander to his right. To enter the vehicle, the crew must climb through two roof hatches. The hull, which is constructed of welded steel, provides the crew with protection from small arms and shell splinters. The turret, which is very similar to that of the BTR-60PB and Czechoslovakian OT-64, is located in the center of the vehicle and is armed with a 14.5mm KPVT MG with a 7.62-mm PKT MG.

On either side of the hull adjacent to the crew position, there is a firing port. Immediately behind the firing port are three vision blocks which protrude from the outside of the hull, giving some vision to the front and rear of the vehicle. The belly-wheels are chain driven and are lowered by the driver and give the BRDM-2 improved cross-country performance and the ability to cross ditches. The driver can adjust the tire pressure on all four tires or individual tires while the vehicle is in motion to adjust to the ground conditions. The BRDM-2 is fully amphibious and is propelled in the water by a single water jet at the rear of the hull. The vehicle has an over pressure NBC system. The BRDM-2 is equipped with infrared driving and search lights, a radio and an inertial land navigation system. At the front of the vehicle is a winch which has 30m of cable and has a maximum load of 4000 kg (8818.5 lbs).

The indigenous mine-protected vehicle developed by Ordnance Factory, Medak.

In December 2001, India Defence Consultants {IDC} reported that 150 new landmine-resistant armoured vehicles, worth $14 million, to augment the second-hand Casspir MPVs imported from South Africa were discussed and it likely that BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) may supply these. In early November 2001 when Defence Secretary Yogendra Narain visited Moscow, he discussed acquiring MPVs from Russia. Medak's Ordnance Factory has supplied MPVs to Jharkand and Hyderabad Police Forces and has versions ready for the Indian Army at lower costs.