Tata Motors showcases its light arsenal at 2012 Defexpo

In times when heavy artillery is ineffective and a rapid response is needed, light armoured vehicle are the need. Tata Motors showcased its LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) for counter insurgency (CI) operations. Powered by a 3.0-litre DICOR BSIII and weighing 3600kg, the LAV can reach 85km/h with its 116PS engine that generates 300Nm of torque @ 1600 – 2200rpm. The defence spec Sumo also comes with run-flat tyres and a fording depth of 300mm that is extremely effective for such operation.

The vehicle is tested to withstand all types of attacks – a direct hit at 90 degrees on all sides and 45 degrees on the roof from a distance of 10 metres using a 7.62X51mm FMJ, a 7.62X39mm steel core and 5.56X45mm SS109. The floor can bear the brunt of two hand grenades HE36/DM51 and the side can survive a 15kg TNT blast from a distance of three metres. It can accommodate six people including the driver with sliding type front and middle seats and a rear bench, each seating two personnel.

The Quick Deployment Mobile Communication Terminal (QDMCT), built on the Tata Light Specialist Vehicle (LSV) platform is designed and developed in collaboration with RCI-DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is a high payload, high mobility, self contained vehicle mounted communication system that provides a secure wide area IP communication network over different nodes. Powered by the 3.0-litre BSIII DICOR diesel mill, the QDMCT is capable of churning out 127PS @ 2500rpm with a maximum torque of 320Nm @ 1400 – 2200rpm. With a power-to-weight ratio of 23PS per tonne and a payload of 1,200kg, this 4,800kg vehicle can reach speeds of 70km/h.

On board utilities include an HVAC in the driver cabin, a provision for mounting an in-service machine gun on the bonnet, bracket/arrangement for fitting and charging approved GPS and a demisting and defrosting device. The LSV spec communication vehicle can carry a crew of two including the driver with front facing seats.

Tata has been the pioneer in supplying military vehicles to the Indian armed forces that is the third largest in the world and has more than 1.5 lakh vehicles, adding 7,000 vehicles every year.