COLT Light Tactical Vehicle (4x4) - Army Technology
COLT Light Tactical Vehicle (4x4), India
The COLT Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) is a 4x4 tactical vehicle developed and produced by Ashok Leyland Defence Systems in a strategic partnership with France-based Panhard General Defense.
The COLT LTV (4x4) was unveiled at Defence Expo India 2012 held in March 2012. It is the latest member in the COLT range of tactical vehicles.
The vehicle was developed to cater to various needs of the armed forces. More than 2,000 COLT tactical vehicles have been deployed by 15 countries across the globe.
The COLT LTV is suitable for high demanding protected missions. The versatile vehicle can be used as a patrol vehicle, escort vehicle and a command vehicle to meet the mission specific requirements of users.
COLT vehicle variants
"More than 2,000 COLT tactical vehicles have been deployed by 15 countries across the globe."
The COLT vehicle range includes three major variants: COLT Light Tactical Vehicle (4x4), COLT Airmobile and COLT Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV).
The COLT LTV is equipped with a four-speed automatic gear box and Euro-3 rated Inline Turbo Diesel engine.
The COLT Airmobile includes manual gear box and a turbo diesel engine. The Airmobile has a maximum speed of 100km/h and a range of 800km. It can carry a payload of 900kg.
The COLT LAV is installed with Euro3 rated Inline turbo diesel engine coupled to a six-speed automatic gear box. The LAV can cruise at a maximum speed of 100km/h to 105km/h. It has a range of 700km and can carry a maximum payload of 2,000kg.
COLT LTV design and self-protection
The advanced patented armoured hull of COLT LTV is based on a high performance chassis. The conventional vehicle layout houses engine in front, crew cab in the centre and troop compartment at rear. The crew can enter and exit the vehicle through a single door located either side of the vehicle. The rear door allows the rapid ingress and egress of troops in the rear section.
"The COLT LTV is equipped with a four-speed automatic gear box and Euro-3 rated Inline Turbo Diesel engine."
The COLT has an overall length of 4.28m, height of 2.13m, width of 1.97m and a ground clearance 0.27m. The unladen and laden weights of the vehicle are 4,400kg and 5,500kg respectively. The vehicle can carry payloads of up to 1,100kg.
The vehicle can be optionally fitted with equipment and systems, such as central tyre inflation system (CTIS), electric winch, roof hatch, antenna mount and a separate provision for weapon station.
The COLT LTV offers up to STANAG 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection and up to STANAG 4569 Level 2 mine / blast protection for occupants.
Light tactical vehicle engine
The 4x4 LTV is powered by an Inline turbo diesel engine coupled to a four speed automatic gear box. The engine is compliant with Euro3 emission standards. The design power-to-weight ratio of the LTV is more than 34hp/t.
Mobility of the 4x4 tactical vehicle
The COLT LTV is a right hand driven (RHD) vehicle with a gradient negotiation of 45°. It has a side slope stability angle of 300, which helps to maintain stability on uneven terrains. It has approach and departure angles of 76° and 55° respectively.
The LTV can cruise at a maximum speed of 120km/h. It can travel up to a maximum distance of 800km.
The COLT can ford water depths of up to 0.535m without any preparation. It is fitted with a coil spring with axle locating A-frame suspension to provide better grip and all-terrain smooth drive for its crew.