[norhog]

Should launch this in civilian version. Will become a cult like vehicle, like the HUMMER.

[PetrolRider]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Now unveiled.

Interesting to see 3 wiper configuration, not sure how this will going to help anyway. The logo also seems bit different than that of regular TATA 3d logo.

Who is the technical partner of this vehicle, I doubt TATA came of with this solely.

[SandyX]

It's named Merlin, as per this page. Not sure it got anything to do with the safari Merlin but a comment on the post links the two.

Hope the name stays in AF use.

[torquecurve]

Originally Posted by PetrolRider

Interesting to see 3 wiper configuration, not sure how this will going to help anyway. The logo also seems bit different than that of regular TATA 3d logo.

Who is the technical partner of this vehicle, I doubt TATA came of with this solely.

The windscreen size is large. If you observe closely, the length of the wiper is just slightly less than the height of the glass any longer and it will foul. So a 3 wiper config.

Why do you not believe that TATA came of this on their own? Other than the venerable Stallion (forming the backbone of the medium 4x4 category in the Army) a large part of the logistic vehicles in the Armed forces are supplied by TATA. In fact after the TATRA (BEML) issue those requirements are now being supplied for by Tata 8x8 vehicles which have proven to be extremely well matched with the requirements. TATA Defence is also known in the circles for uparmouring (bullet proofing) of a large array of vehicles including but not limited to the Safari's that you see in the VVVIP convoys. The Sumo 4x4 is also a large contributor to the light category.

TATA did tie up with SUPACAT which is a British company - however not for this but a similar project to make a light MPV (Mine Protected Vehicle) to add to the existing fleet of Medium (TATA MPV/ SA Cassipir/ OFB Aditya) type vehicles. This because SUPACAT is one of the leaders in MPV types with roof suspended seats.

Originally Posted by 100BHP

Sorry for interruption - but as a responsible citizens - shall we put the critical details of vehicles etc in such elaborate manner in 1 location which directly effects the safety of lives of our jawans ! This is their first & last line of self defense when they charter into unknown territories.

Don't worry sir. These details are freely available. There are defence websites dedicated for things such as these. In fact, we are slowly waking up to the fact that advertising these (ala the USA) acts in the best interests as it is more of a sabre rattling move.

Originally Posted by aditya101

So far classified, I hope we get to hear the story of how this product developed.

We know that IA changed its requirements at least once, when the "light specialist vehicle" tender was changed to a "light strike vehicle". I frankly disliked Tatas first LSV solely by looks. But this one looks plain awesome.

It seems to have selected armour plating from the factory itself. Moreover, it was designed and tested with those armour plates. This means our army gets a first purpose built and designed vehicle. I say about time.

Order these by the thousands Mr. Jaitley.

PS: why is the air intake positioned lower?

The Army has had its share of purpose built and designed vehicles right from the Jonga days - which though originally was a Nissan, was converted by our very own factories and produced. Later the AL - Stallion (itself a derivative of a Panhard truck) was customized for IA requirements. In the light vehicle category we have had a chain of factory armor plated vehicles, right from the venerable Amby to one of the current mainstays the Armoured Sumo/ Mahindra Marksman.

The Air Intake is positioned at almost 5+ feet (Look to the right side - drivers side) and you will see an intake positioned there - at the height of the person standing next to it.

Of course the level of protection varies per the threat perception and typically are STANAG levels or NIJ levels 1/2/3.

The Light Specialist Vehicle category can be split into multiple categories - the Armoured Front line light vehicle (like the LAMV in topic), The light front line logistics vehicle (Tata LSV, Mahindra AXE, etc) and the MRAP types (LAMV MPV).

[aditya101]

"Purpose built and designed" - none of the vehicles you mentioned qualify as such. Mahindra Marksman, unfortunately is not in service with the Army.

The Tata LSV is a full size above a civilian 4x4. That explains the positioning of the air intake. There are a number of other design elements which are clearly bespoke to Army requirements. I hope to see these in J&K soon!

Originally Posted by torquecurve

.....The Army has had its share of purpose built and designed vehicles right from the Jonga days - which though originally was a Nissan, was converted by our very own factories and produced. Later the AL - Stallion (itself a derivative of a Panhard truck) was customized for IA requirements. In the light vehicle category we have had a chain of factory armor plated vehicles, right from the venerable Amby to one of the current mainstays the Armoured Sumo/ Mahindra Marksman.

The Air Intake is positioned at almost 5+ feet (Look to the right side - drivers side) and you will see an intake positioned there - at the height of the person standing next to it.

Of course the level of protection varies per the threat perception and typically are STANAG levels or NIJ levels 1/2/3.

The Light Specialist Vehicle category can be split into multiple categories - the Armoured Front line light vehicle (like the LAMV in topic), The light front line logistics vehicle (Tata LSV, Mahindra AXE, etc) and the MRAP types (LAMV MPV).

[PetrolRider]

Originally Posted by torquecurve

The windscreen size is large. If you observe closely, the length of the wiper is just slightly less than the height of the glass any longer and it will foul. So a 3 wiper config.

Large front windscreen pretty unique for a strike vehicle, isn't it? Most of trend setters are with a split windscreen to add strength and hence result in small glass area and 2 small wiper setup just to keep the eye levels clean. I am not a defense expert and I even don't know the configuration setup, it is just curiosity.

Originally Posted by torquecurve

Why do you not believe that TATA came of this on their own?

I am not undermining the capabilities of TATA motors. They are there in defense segment from their inception, but as support role. This is first time they are venturing into combat capabilities, hence my question.

[torquecurve]

Originally Posted by aditya101

"Purpose built and designed" - none of the vehicles you mentioned qualify as such. Mahindra Marksman, unfortunately is not in service with the Army.

The Tata LSV is a full size above a civilian 4x4. That explains the positioning of the air intake. There are a number of other design elements which are clearly bespoke to Army requirements. I hope to see these in J&K soon!

Okay!i get what you say by purpose made but even then this ain't the first purpose made armoured vehicle made in India. In fact, logistic vehicles have been a strength and in a twist - one of the earliest examples of armoured cars were first seen in India. ( will dig out my book on armoured cars and post a pic soon)

But well - let's hope to see this in Frontline service soon.

Originally Posted by PetrolRider

Large front windscreen pretty unique for a strike vehicle, isn't it? Most of trend setters are with a split windscreen to add strength and hence result in small glass area and 2 small wiper setup just to keep the eye levels clean. I am not a defense expert and I even don't know the configuration setup, it is just curiosity.



I am not undermining the capabilities of TATA motors. They are there in defense segment from their inception, but as support role. This is first time they are venturing into combat capabilities, hence my question.

There are couple of things when it comes to the windscreen

Intended deployment and threat perception. A larger windscreen will aid in better visibility in an urban battlefield ( which is what most defence experts say today's battles face more). In case of a hit to the windshield - bullet proof glass - which I believe this should be, will create an area of no visibility in about a 4-6 inch area around the bullet hit, with low visibility till about an 8-12 inch area. A split windscreen - if hit in the driver side will drastically reduce visibility (which in a gunfight can be very bad esp if we have to exit the area). A larger windscreen also aids in better absorption of the hit and can stop larger caliber or higher velocity bullets better by dissipating the impact on a larger area. The windscreen it typically 'held' in such vehicles within a frame. A split screen will add to more riveting and thus weight.

Also, if you see the windscreen is raked which is probably an even better design choice as it increases the effective impact absorption cross section while also being able to deflect the bullet as opposed to the hummer which has a flat windscreen.

Importantly light strike vehicles are just that - light - not intended to be the tip of the spear in battle, that role is for the armoured personnel carriers and heavier armoured vehicles. These vehicles will typically carry reconnaissance missions or be the logistic support vehicles carrying comm gear and the officers into battle.

[cogWheel]

The hexagonal honeycomb grill design of the Tiago/Tigor and Hexa makes it to this Tata behemoth too!
Is the 3.3L engine a derivative of the new 3L Dicor engines that were displayed in the AutoExpo 2012 and reported in 2014? http://www.autocarindia.com/car-news...-engine-385724

[Pretorian]

Saw this couple of week ago in Leh, had tremendous road presence.

[sharktale]

I think the designers at Tata were very much inspired by Hobbes' truck in the Fast and Furious movie series.


Picture for reference

[JS Kwt]

Tata is testing its upcoming Merlin Light Support Vehicle. The armoured vehicle looks like a monster on the roads

Tata Merlin Defence Vehicle Is A Nightmare On The Roads

The new Light Support Vehicle (LSV) is likely to be called Merlin and was spotted testing on the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Tata Motor’s official website has revealed a few details about the upcoming vehicle. It gets STANAG 4569 Level-1 protection on the sides and rear. It is one of the highest rated protection according to the NATO standards.

The Level-1 protection that the vehicle gets can save the occupants from artillery, grenade and mine blasts. It absorbs the kinetic energy to keep the occupants safe.

The vehicle gets powered by a 3.3-litre liquid-cooled, direct-injection diesel engine. The common rail turbo-diesel engine produces a maximum of 185 Bhp at 3,200 rpm and a peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,400 rpm.

It gets a 4X4 driving system, which will be able to take it to extremely challenging situations.

The Tata Merlin is well-equipped and can get customised weapons. In the stock form, it gets a 7.6mm medium machine gun turret on the roof and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher too. There are anti-tank missiles installed on the vehicle too.
Tata has been supplying vehicles to the Armed Forces for a long time now. It also exports defence vehicles to other countries.

Source

[Rahul Rao]

Originally Posted by norhog

Should launch this in civilian version. Will become a cult like vehicle, like the HUMMER.

They surely should, and they should also use the new 285 BHP 5 Lit inline 6 dicor engine.


Rahul

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by Rahul Rao

They surely should, and they should also use the new 285 BHP 5 Lit inline 6 dicor engine.

Wishful thinking, but there is no way this can meet passenger vehicle homologation requirements that are currently in force.

[LegalEagle]

Originally Posted by n.devdath

Wishful thinking, but there is no way this can meet passenger vehicle homologation requirements that are currently in force.

Trust me - if it ever comes into passenger vehicle use, without any of the security requirements, I will buy it.

[rowonfield]

Spotted this TATA LSV today waiting to fuel up in PCMC, Pune.