Wikipedia

TATA Kestrel

The TATA Kestrel, also known as the IPMV (Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle),[3] a variant of DRDO developed WhAP, is a family of armoured personnel carriers developed by Tata Advanced Systems and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was developed to replace Soviet-era BMP-1 and BMP-2 and APCs in service with the Indian Army.[4]

TATA Kestrel
TATA Kestrel prototype with BMP-2 turret
TypeWheeled armored personnel carrier
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service2017-Present
Used byIndian Army
Central Reserve Police Force
Production history
Designer
ManufacturerTata Advanced Systems
Mahindra Defence Systems
Ashok Leyland
Produced2014-Present
No. built30
Specifications (TATA Kestrel)
Mass24 tonnes (26 tons)
Length7.85 metres (25.8 ft)
Width3.00 metres (9.84 ft)
Height2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in)
Crew3+ 9 passengers
ArmorApplique and composites along with welded steel

Modular armour for ballistic protection ranging between stanag level I to IV

And Mine protection of level III
Main
armament
30mm automatic cannon (not included for CRPF variant)
Secondary
armament
7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
EngineCummins ISXe 600 diesel engine
CVRDE 600hp engine[1]
600 Hp @ 1800-2000RPM / 2508nm torque @ 1100-1600RPM
Power/weight23hp/ton
TransmissionAllison 4500SP automatic transmission
SuspensionLive axle with independent hydropneumatic suspension
Ground clearance0.45 meters
Operational
range
500km (Onroad)
250km (Offroad)
Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) on road
10 km/h (6.2 mph) in water
References[2]

The development of a specialized version of WhAP for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) function is being carried out by Mahindra Defence Systems.[5]

History

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The Indian Army currently has large fleet of BMP-2 IFVs and APCs of Soviet origin. Over time, these vehicles have become obsolete and incapable of taking on the challenge of modern-day warfare.DRDO originally started the development with WhAP(Wheeled Armoured Platform). WhAP is a common platform for multiple variants such as Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, unmanned armored vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle.[6] Tata Motors along with collaboration of DRDO developed the Kestrel, an Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), a variants of the WhAP for optimised survivability, all-terrain performance and increased lethality.[7] Tata Motors developed another vehicle called LAMV with technical inputs from Supacat of the UK based on WhAP platform.[7][8]

Development of WhAP 8 × 8 Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle was taken up to provide common platform for various vehicle type like Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle based on the same chassis of Kestrel.[9]

In October 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence cleared the Kestrel for production and export to friendly nations. The Indian Army planned to acquire 200 Kestrels.[10]

Exports

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The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces will get 150 WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles from TATA Advanced Systems. The project, which is scheduled to be finished in 36 months, will begin with a local integration rate of 35% and is anticipated to rise to 50%. It is anticipated to create 250 indirect jobs in addition to 90 direct positions. Ministers from National Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry, and Investment, as well as representatives from the FAR General Staff and the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), signed the agreement, which offers financial, fiscal, and customs incentives.[11][12] To contribute to vehicle modifications during the supply period, the manufacturers will collaborate closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation.[13]

Design

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Muntra, a predecessor of WhAP

First generation

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Kestrel is designed for modern day warfare keeping in mind the crew survivability, protection against small arms fire, mobility and protection against concealed explosives. The armour is made up of applique and composites along with welded steels. Additional armour kit can be applied in heavy firing zones. The hull floor is further strengthened to defeat mines and similar explosives. The seats are attached to the roof for improved blast protection. Fuel tanks are placed outside the troop compartment for additional safety.

The 8×8 wheel configuration is set on a hydropneumatic suspension utilizing double wishbone arrangement. All wheels have run flat capability to allow the vehicle to move even after suffering punctures. There are four axles, the front axle is steerable which minimizes the turning radius of the vehicle.

 
WhAP undergoing high speed maneuver test.

The glacis plate is very shallow, and the fuel tank is mounted outside the vehicle to improve survivability. A standard operating crew of two including driver and commander, with a full mechanized squad of 12 members.[2] Anti-blast seats are installed to absorb any shocks and secondary slams, reducing brain and spinal injuries.[14]

Engine is placed at front left. Passengers are placed in the centerline in a back-to-back fashion, each facing a firing port.The Kestrel has high power-to-weight ratio for mountainous terrain and is powered by a 600 hp turbocharged diesel engine. The vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled by two waterjets.[15] It can reach up to 100 km/h.[16]

As reported in December 2021, Ashok Leyland has partnered with Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under the DRDO to design, develop and produce a 600-hp indigenous engine for the DRDO WhAP. As per the reports the prototype engine has been manufactured and will undergo rigorous testing in the lab and will be qualified for application in armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). Serial production would beign post-induction of the design. The testing was inaugurated in the Engine Development Centre, Ashok Leyland, Vellivoyalchavadi, near Chennai.[17]

The vehicle has been designed to provide protection against land mines. It ranges from Stanag 4569 Level I to Level IV[14] with the hull being designed with protection up to Stanag Level III.[18] The hull configuration evolved follows a 'V’-type bottom with double configuration consisting of an inner panel and bottom panel. The bottom panel is designed to deflect the blast energy and get deformed to minimize the blast effects.[2]

Snap-on modules are used in the Kestrel in order to easily configure it according to needed roles in the field.[18]

The vehicle has been fitted with INS and GPS as its primary navigation equipment and is also fitted with Modular (UHF, VHF, HF) communication systems.[19]

Weapons

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The Kestrel has been unveiled in 2 weapon configurations which were shown in DefExpo 2014 and DefExpo 2016 respectively.

In 2014, the WhAP was showcased equipped with a roof-mounted remote controlled Kongsberg Protector MCT-30R (RWS), which is outfitted with a 30×113 mm autocannon and 7.62×51 mm coaxial machine gun. The autocannon has an effective range of 3,000 m.[20][21] The RCWS adds a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and has an option for adding up to two anti-tank guided missile launcher in quick fire mode. So, the vehicle is capable of countering enemy infantry, light armoured vehicles even main battle tanks.[22]

In DefExpo 2016, a Kestrel was seen outfitted with the BMP-2 turret. The turret includes a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun (2,000 rounds) mounted to the left of the cannon. The version is also fitted with an ATGM launcher.[23]

Second generation

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During a Defence Exhibition held at Pune on 24 February 2024, Mahindra Defence unveiled a second generation Amphibious 8×8 CBRN variant of WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform) developed with DRDO. As of August 2024, the vehicle is undergoing trials with the Army on various terrains.

The design is compact includes a 600 hp diesel engine and enhanced armour. It implements a STANAG II level protection from blast as well. The crew configuration is 3+8. While the TATA variant employs a 30 mm turret, this variant is fitted with 7.62 mm calibre remote controlled machine guns. It has a maximum speed of 95 km/h on road, 35 km/h off road and 8 km/h in water (using hydrojets). It has a range of 500 km and power-to-weight ratio of 24 hp/tonne.[24][25][26]

Service history

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As tensions continue to escalate between India and China over the de facto Line of Actual Control, DRDO-TATA Kestrel (WhAP), landed at Ladakh to undergo cold-weather trials.[27] The first batch of WhAPs were inducted into the army on 12 April 2022 at Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre, Pune by the then Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane.[28][29][30][31]

WhAP was inducted into Central Reserve Police Force's 110 Battalion at Pulwama, Kashmir in August 2023.[32][33]

Reportedly, as of August 2024, the Army is planning to order another batch of 105 WhAPs from Tata Advanced Systems Limited.[34][35]

Variants

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Planned variants include ambulance, NBC recon, Command Post and engineer vehicle.[14]

  • Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV): Used by the Indian Army.[36] Amphibious variant with a 7.62mm remote controlled medium machine gun (optional).[37][38]
  • Paramilitary variant: Used by CRPF.[33][39] Amphibious variant with 7.62mm remote controlled medium machine gun.[40]

Operators

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Current operators

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  India

Future operators

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  Morocco

References

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  1. ^ https://www.motorindiaonline.in/ashok-leyland-partners-with-cvrde-to-develop-600hp-engine/
  2. ^ a b c DRDO, Technology Focus. "WHAP SPECIFICATIONS" (PDF).
  3. ^ "Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  4. ^ Ghoshal, Adreesh (10 September 2020). "The Tata Kestrel- All You need To Know". Medium. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  5. ^ Linganna, Girish (20 August 2024). "WhAP 8x8 will keep Indian Army ready for anything, anytime, anywhere". English.Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  6. ^ https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/wheeled-armoured-platform-whap
  7. ^ a b https://motoroctane.com/news/12463-tata-two-suvs-codenamed-kestrel-and-goshawk-exlcusive
  8. ^ https://supacat.com/media/news/2014/02/tata-motors-and-supacat-jointly-develop-light-armoured-multipurpose-vehicle-lamv/
  9. ^ "Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  10. ^ "Army Wants 200 Wheeled Armoured Vehicles For Pak Border". Live Fist Defence. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  11. ^ Firdaous, Naim (27 September 2024). "Morocco, TATA Group Forge Strategic Partnership for WhAP 8×8 Production". Morocco World News. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  12. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex (28 September 2024). "Morocco signs pact with Tata for joint manufacture of WhAP Infantry Fighting Vehicle". ThePrint. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Tata to build 150 DRDO-developed WhAP armoured vehicles for Morocco". ANI. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  14. ^ a b c "Kestrel 8x8 amphibious armoured vehicle platform technical data sheet specifications pictures video | India Indian army wheeled armoured vehicle UK | India Indian army military equipment vehicle UK".
  15. ^ "Kestrel Armored Personnel Carrier". military-today.com. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  16. ^ "The Indian army test-drives Kestrel".
  17. ^ www.ETAuto.com. "Ashok Leyland partners with CVRDE to develop 600hp engine - ET Auto". ETAuto.com. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Tata Kestrel: An armoured, 8×8, amphibious carrier".
  19. ^ "Kestrel Wheeled Armored Amphibious Platform" (PDF). Tata Motors Limited: 4.
  20. ^ "Kongsberg PROTECTOR MCT-30R turret solution on TATA Motors Kestrel 8x8 armoured vehicle". Army Recognition. 17 February 2014. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  21. ^ Biswas, Kunal [@Kunal_Biswas707] (10 December 2020). "Here's #Kongsberg PROTECTOR MCT-30R turret on our very own #Indian #TATAKESTREL 8x8 WhAP, KESTREL was already tested with other turret also, Such RCWS can..." (Tweet). Retrieved 19 August 2024 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ "TATA Motors Kestrel - 8x8 Amphibious Armored Fighting Vehicle". militaryfactory.com. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  23. ^ "New WhAP Wheeled Amphibious Platform 8x8 armoured at DefExpo 2018 | DefExpo 2018 India News Show Daily | Defence security military exhibition 2018 daily news category". Army Recognition. 11 April 2018.
  24. ^ "DRDO WhAP Gen 1 & 2 vs USA Stryker". Indian Defense Analysis. 25 February 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  25. ^ "DRDO, Mahindra Defence showcase advanced Wheeled Armoured Platform". inkl. 25 February 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  26. ^ Mahindra, Anand [@anandmahindra] (14 August 2024). "Immensely proud that, side-by-side with DRDO, Mahindra Defence has helped developed & build a world class product. A Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) variant of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) Amphibious ops capabilities with compact design..." (Tweet). Retrieved 16 August 2024 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ "Kestrel 8x8 Wheeled Armored Amphibious Platform (WHAP)". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  28. ^ "Indigenously developed specialist vehicles inducted into Army by Gen Naravane". ThePrint. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  29. ^ "Tata firm hands over indigenously developed infantry vehicles to Army Chief". The Hindu. 12 April 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  30. ^ PTI (12 April 2022). "TASL delivers first lot of wheeled armoured combat-ready vehicles to Indian Army". ThePrint. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  31. ^ "ARMY CHIEF INDUCTS INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED SPECIALIST VEHICLES INTO SERVICE". Press Information Bureau. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  32. ^ a b "CRPF inducts advanced WhAP vehicles in Kashmir Valley". The Economic Times. 26 August 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  33. ^ a b c "CRPF inducts hi-tech WhAP armoured vehicle in Kashmir". Hindustan Times. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  34. ^ "Exclusive: Tata Advanced Systems likely to bag 100 wheeler armor vehicle platform order from Indian Army, say sources". Zee Business. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  35. ^ a b Singh, Mayank (5 July 2024). "Infantry combat vehicle bidding process reaches advanced stage". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  36. ^ Team, Editorial (13 April 2022). "Indigenously Developed Specialist Vehicles by TASL, Bharat Forge Inducted by Army Chief". raksha-anirveda.com. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  37. ^ @DefenceDecode (27 August 2022). "TATA QRFV and IPMV in action, Ladakh..." (Tweet). Retrieved 2 October 2024 – via Twitter.
  38. ^ @idrwalerts (24 February 2024). "IPMV by TATA..." (Tweet). Retrieved 2 October 2024 – via Twitter.
  39. ^ "Paramilitary Variant of WhAP 8x8 | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India". www.drdo.gov.in. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  40. ^ "Terrorists Beware! The WhAP Is Here!". 28 August 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Tata-DRDO WhAP (Wheeled Armour Platform)". Indian Defense Analysis. 13 January 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  42. ^ https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/tata-to-set-up-factory-for-vehicle-manufacture-in-africa/
  43. ^ office_zzam (30 March 2022). "Indian police first to receive Tata Kestrel WhAP 8x8 armoured vehicles". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
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