[sridhu]

So, Anand Mahindra casually tweeted about Mahindra ASLV armed-forces-only vehicle.

It is a real beast! Have a look the article

The video:

Video

I think the civilian version of this will sell like hot cakes the world over!

[ramnaresh_2000]

Looks like the design is "Inspired" from Hummer, just like Scorpio and TUV "Inspired" from Jeep. We all know how Mahindra was forced to change its grill of Roxor in USA.

[sridhu]

Originally Posted by ramnaresh_2000

Looks like the design is "Inspired" from Hummer, just like Scorpio and TUV "Inspired" from Jeep. We all know how Mahindra was forced to change its grill of Roxor in USA.

Not sure if it is inspiration or form following function. Other than being butch, it looks hummeresque only if you squint

I think they settled the Roxor case because they were losing time. Most people thought they had a very good case

[ohaak]

The transmission rod is exposed. What kind of blast resistance does it have? There are so many things in the fine print for these type of vehicles.

[Tapish]

I remember that Mahindra had come out with the AXE, supposedly the Indian Hummer around 10 years ago. It was supposed to be built for the Army. Haven't seen any of those in action though. This may be similar.

[Shreyans_Jain]

This seems to be a reworked version of the decade old Axe concept. Mahindra had developed it for the armed forces on the lines of the Humvee but it wasn’t cleared for use. A civilian version that looks mostly similar but is loaded with features can be an excellent brand booster for M&M, an ideal halo product above the Thar.

[Dry Ice]

They have a lot of other interesting vehicles listed on https://www.mahindraarmored.com, including some from Toyota, in addition to the likes of Bolero/Scorpio.

In this particular one looks like the orvm, steering and side steps are from the previous gen Scorpio EX or LX.

[GTO]

Totally badass . Adding some information here if that YouTube video is ever taken off (happens frequently, which then leads to "dead" threads):

The Mahindra Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV) is a light armoured specialist vehicle built for use by military and defence forces. It’s designed to be a modular type vehicle allowing for efficient maintenance and it can be upgraded or configured in the field for a wide variety of operational roles. The ALSV offers ballistic protection up to B7, STANAG Level II.

The ALSV provides protected mobility for the front, side and rear as per STANAG Level I Ballistics and Blast for four crewmembers with battle load having ample stowage space for arms and ammunition inside the crew compartment and additional 400 Kgs cargo load-carrying capacity. It can also be upgradable up to STANAG – II Ballistics.

The Mahindra ALSV’s key characteristics include the powerful 3.2 Lts, 215 HP multi-fuel diesel engine with 4/6 Speed Automatic Transmission, 4X4 with front and rear differential locks, 1,000 Kgs payload capacity, self-recovery winch, and high travel all-wheel independent suspension with central type inflation system.

The ALSV features a self-cleaning-type exhaust scavenging and air filtration system for extreme dusty climate, which makes it ideal for deserts. Its maximum speed is > 120 Kmph, and acceleration – 0 to 60 Kmph in 12 seconds; it has 30-degree gradability with parking brake holding capacity in full GVW, and 50 Kms run-flat system on all five wheels as per FINABEL standard.

The Mahindra ALSV’s variants include the 6 to 8-seater – Armored Protection Vehicle for Security; Light Armoured Ambulance; Command and Control Vehicle, Light Mortar 81/82mm Vehicle, Ammunition Carrier for Light Weapons.

Source

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by ramnaresh_2000

Looks like the design is "Inspired" from Hummer, just like Scorpio and TUV "Inspired" from Jeep.

All light armoured vehicles (LAV) look like Humvees. Eg: Iveco LAV



It is like accusing Ertiga or Marrazzo designers of being inspired by Innova.

Originally Posted by ohaak

The transmission rod is exposed. What kind of blast resistance does it have? There are so many things in the fine print for these type of vehicles.

All light armoured vehicles offer protection against gunfire, shell blast (as long as it is not a direct hit) and hand grenades. But they will be blown sky-high by IEDs or rocket propelled grenades.

[ramnaresh_2000]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

All light armoured vehicles (LAV) look like Humvees. Eg: Iveco LAV

It is like accusing Ertiga or Marrazzo designers of being inspired by Innova..

They should have atleast made an effort not to look like a copy cat. It only reminds me of Humvees when I look at them. They should also make road complaint one just like Hummer.

[norhog]

I for one like to dis agree with the popular opinion.
It almost looks nothing like HUMVEE. As rightly said by SmartCat, it is like accusing the MPV designers to be copying each other. The HUMVEE is quite wide giving it a more planted stance, while this ASLV looks like a "TALLBOY" of sorts.

Another point, the running bits, the propeller shaft for the differentials , the drive shafts to each of the wheel look too exposed. A sniper can easily take it out OR a mine blast can damage them. In the HUMVEE the drive shafts are almost concealed in the wishbones. Of course a Portal Axel helps.

[V.Narayan]

Great to see Indian companies coming out with some solid and practical designs of complex vehicles. These are primarily for armed police and paramilitary duties - for example against Maoist insurgencies, by the BSF along hostile borders, etc. It will also find use with the Army in roles and areas where only light ballistic protection is needed.

Originally Posted by ramnaresh_2000

Looks like the design is "Inspired" from Hummer

Originally Posted by ramnaresh_2000

They should have atleast made an effort not to look like a copy cat. It only reminds me of Humvees when I look at them.

All light armoured security vehicles look similar to our eyes. When two design teams design a vehicle to similar specs you will within limits end up with similar looking vehicles. There is no need to do any copying here. There are about 25 to 30 vehicles worldwide of this category and all look similar. For example to the untrained eye all Mine Resistant vehicles too all look similar.

Originally Posted by ohaak

The transmission rod is exposed. What kind of blast resistance does it have?

Yes it is. As SmartCat said, nothing you do can protect a vehicle from a large blast from below. Often not even a main battle tank can be fully protected. You try to protect yourself reasonably from 85% of the threats.

[Reinhard]

Originally Posted by sridhu

So, Anand Mahindra casually tweeted about Mahindra ASLV armed-forces-only vehicle.

It is a real beast! Have a look the

Looks good alright.

But evidently, someone has gone for "looks" rather than utility. Someone should tell them that the requirement is for a combat support vehicle. Not a dune-buggy.

Fine it may have armour etc for some small arm rounds. But this thing is not even TRYING to hide its vitals. Transmission / exhaust system / drive train - heck even basic things like the large radiator upfront are totally exposed. Let alone "protect" any of it. Even a single misdirected shot from assault rifle can disable this within a few hundred meters from hit in a worst case scenario!

We have accepted aesthetics over utility in our road cars. Didn't know that was a norm in military vehicles also now.

Originally Posted by norhog

Another point, the running bits, the propeller shaft for the differentials , the drive shafts to each of the wheel look too exposed. A sniper can easily take it out OR a mine blast can damage them. In the HUMVEE the drive shafts are almost concealed in the wishbones. Of course a Portal Axel helps.

+1. The vehicle needs far better skirting all around! Just to visually hide vital bits at least. All that's missing right now is a "Shoot Here" sign with arrow pointing at parts.

[dragracer567]

I believe the brand 'Mahindra Armored' is based in the UAE where they armor vehicles like the Land Cruiser for the international market. Perhaps they used that experience to make this armored vehicle!

[ads11]

Originally Posted by dragracer567

I believe the brand 'Mahindra Armored' is based in the UAE where they armor vehicles like the Land Cruiser for the international market. Perhaps they used that experience to make this armored vehicle!

I was going to ask further along these lines, what exactly is the relationship of Mahindra Emirates Vehicle Armouring to the main Mahindra brand? (okay so the website suggests it's a subsidiary REF:https://www.mahindraarmored.com/history.asp)


From the look of the vehicle it looks like a slapped together up armoured vehicle using components within the Mahindra parts bin and off the shelf components which makes this Mahindra Emirates Vehicle Armouring more like a systems integrator or sort of an up armouring bodyshop. From what I remember it was Mahindra's bona fide Mahindra Defence arm that was supposed to submit the Axe for the light armoured vehicle requirement for the Indian army (I haven't heard much since about that either). I Have noticed armoured Mahindra vehicles in Park Street in Calcutta when visiting, I believe under police guise.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahindra_Marksman


Not to get drawn into far deeper issues but I can't help but think a bit ominously though about militarisation of police given the vivid scenes stateside.. Anyway, on a lighter note, I'd imagine most Indian light armoured vehicle demand should now be met by domestic platforms?