DRDO outlines future MBT requirements

[Suff Shikan]

DRDO outlines future MBT requirements
James Bingham, London - IHS Jane's International Defence Review
23 January 2017
Further details have emerged about India's plans for the main battle tank (MBT) element of the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programme.

The new platform is slated to replace India's T-72M1 'Ajeya' MBTs. (V K Singh, MoD photo division)

Requirements for the main armament, powerpack, and mission systems have been revealed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Speaking at the International Armoured Vehicles 2017 conference in London, Dr U. Solomon of the DRDO's Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) highlighted some of the new requirements for the MBT design, which is intended to replace the Indian Army's fleet of T-72M1 'Ajeya' MBTs and is scheduled to enter service from the early 2020s.

Previously identified as having a requirement for a 120 mm main gun, the MBT is now set to be armed with a 125 mm gun, third-generation anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW), and an air-defence machine gun. It is planned that the main gun will have the capacity to fire guided munitions, with these understood to be Israel Aerospace Industries' Laser Homing Attack or Laser Homing Anti-Tan (LAHAT) missile. Other ammunition will include programmable airburst munitions and armour-piercing, fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) natures.

The turret design will be unmanned, with the three-person crew seated in suspended seats below the turret - a configuration that is intended to enhance protection against underbelly blasts from mines or improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Bharat powerpack - set to replace the existing powerpacks of the Arjun Mk I and Mk II MBTs, as well as power the future MBT - is identified as a 2,200 kg unit powered by DHPP-A fuel. This is intended to operate at altitudes of up to 16,400 ft and temperatures as low as -20° Celsius. This requirement is likely a reflection of the Indian Army's need to operate in mountainous areas, particularly when deployed along India's border with Pakistan.

A dynamic track tension adjuster will also enable the MBT to maintain ground traction when crossing obstacles and soft or rough terrain.

 

[Hassan Guy]

here we go again...

 

[s.k]

Indian Army: we want new Tank
DRDO: we can make it in home
Indian Gov to DRDO: tu rehne de

 

[rott]

here we go again...

Hehe... I know what you mean exactly.

 

[ranadd]

So they are gearing to get the Armata. Idiots.

 

[ApparentRaceTraitor]

All eggs in the same basket (DRDO) is a bad idea

Better to rope in the private sector as well just in case of

 

[Pangu]

So, no Arjun Mk III?

 

[Water Car Engineer]

What DRDO need to do with the next line of tanks is tag up with the private sector, L&T and TATA Motors, for example. Use them as production agencies, because the way ATAGS, Kestrel, etc. has been prototyped, put into trials is much faster than usual.

Bharat Forge's Variant

TATA Power SED's Variant

Do the same with FMBT. This isnt the same situation as in the 80s, 90s. DRDO has the right to choice it's production agencies. And the industry, especially, the private sector can meet the challenge. This isnt like back in the 80s when they couldnt even make a simple car, they're doing that and much more. India has the Bharat Forges, L&Ts, TATAs, Mahindras, etc, etc.

 

[Ram Mahadev]

So, no Arjun Mk III?

Any info on weight requirements?... Arzun is very heavy for our infrastructure

All eggs in the same basket (DRDO) is a bad idea

Better to rope in the private sector as well just in case of

Production surely will go to private sector

 

[Pangu]

Any info on weight requirements?... Arzun is very heavy for our infrastructure


Production surely will go to private sector

I don't know wat's India's weight requirements, but one criteria of MBTs should be designed to be able to utilize current bridge infra... Unless Arjun is to be designated specifically for India's western region?