Tata Motors shows off its might at the 2012 Defexpo

Tata Motors has been supplying vehicles to the Indian armed forces since 1958. The Prahaar Missile System is the backbone of the armed forces arsenal and is used to carry the Brahmos and Nirbhay missiles. It can also be applied as a Missile System Carrier, launcher platform and a command control unit. The 12-wheel drive LPTA generates 532PS of power @ 1800rpm out of the BSIII diesel engine and is equipped with locking differentials and can work in a 12X8 or 12X10 format when required. The high power-to-weight ratio of 10.2PS per tonne makes the Prahaar reach a top speed of 80km/h and climb 30-degree inclines on full payload. It is also equipped with a ditch crossing ability of 2,000mm and vertical step climbing ability of 600mm. The payload of 33 tonnes also makes it a very usable mobility solution for heavy artillery. The diesel mill is mated to an automatic transmission and has maximum off-road capability for the most difficult terrains. The HVAC climate controlled tiltable cabin can accommodate the driver, co-driver and three additional troops.

The 6X6 seven kilolitre refueller can be applied as a high mobility vehicle, a GRAD BM21 rocket launcher or a tactical communication system. The 380PS of power is capable of taking the LPTA 2038 up a slope of 30 degrees and is equipped with trench crossing ability of 900mm, vertical step climbing of 500mm and fordability of 500mm. It can carry upto 10.5 tonnes of payload and has a range of 500km under Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). The 2038 LPTA is a one platform that can be used for various applications and is available with a seven speed automatic transmission as an option with a nine speed manual as standard. The tiltable HVAC cabin can seat three troops excluding the driver and co-driver.

Tata’s Mine Protected Vehicle has been designed to escort and patrol mine prone Naxal infested areas. Under the hood is a 245PS Euro III turbocharged, after cooled diesel engine with a maximum torque of 925Nm @ 1200-1700 rpm. With a 30-degree maximum gradeability and a minimum turning circle diametre of 16 metres, it has a maximum payload capacity of 1,400kg and a gross weight of 14,300kg. The vehicle adheres to NIJ level III protection against a 7.62 SLR, ball ammunition and AK-47 fired from a 10 metre distance at a 90 degree angle and the under hull is protected against 14kg TNT blast with the under wheel taking up to 21kg.

With 10 firing ports, including one at the rear, it can accommodate 14 personnel including the driver. Personnel sitting at the rear get side suspended seats with the driver and co-driver having front facing seats.

It has been developed jointly by Tata and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).