Team-BHP - 4x4s in the Indian Army

Quote:

Originally Posted by n.devdath (Post 1620215)

One more observation. Though the vehicle is CRDe, its rear bumper is the MHawk model and not the CRDe model. Ditto the boot handle as well I feel.

I believe MHawk does not come with 4x4 option. Looks wise the 2009 model 4x4 CRDe Scorpios come in the new look (i.e. similar to MHawk)

Quote:

Originally Posted by testdrive (Post 1621052)

I believe MHawk does not come with 4x4 option. Looks wise the 2009 model 4x4 CRDe Scorpios come in the new look (i.e. similar to MHawk)

MHawk does come in 4X4 option. There are a couple of test drive/ownership threads on TBHP. Also, the CRDe engine is stopped and is not manufactured anymore so there is nothing called "CRDe 2009 model" from Mahindra.

Parm and others, do you feel this is a made to order CRDe for the army which looks like the MHawk but has the CRDe engine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by testdrive (Post 1621052)

I believe MHawk does not come with 4x4 option. Looks wise the 2009 model 4x4 CRDe Scorpios come in the new look (i.e. similar to MHawk)

Quote:

Originally Posted by n.devdath (Post 1621102)

MHawk does come in 4x4 but only in the top end version, I think VLX!!!
Infact the vehicle that came 1st in this years Raid de Himalayas 'Adventure catagory' was a 4x4 MHawk and I have personally seen and driven the vehicle @ M&M First Choice Services.

Preet a 4x4 Mhawk has even participated in a couple of OTR's at NIOC too.

Can someone from the army with practical experience enlighten us with a comparison of all the Indian made 4x4 trucks in the army?

Which ones are the best and what engines and features (diff-locks, articulation, braking systems, 4x4 systems(AWD or part-time 4WD) and any other unique systems that endear them with their users) do they have?

As far as I know, we have the AL Stallion, TATA 1210/1610, TATA 1907 (mini-truck kind) and the TATA 407/609. Some Swaraj mazda'a are also used but not in the same numbers, they're used more for the Air force and as an ambulance.

Are engine specifications same as on their civilian models? Specifications and comparison with Shaktiman would be welcome too.

I have always been curious as to which ones are the most capable and reliable, and what the end-users would actually opt for given the choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm (Post 1621648)

yes Mhawk comes with a 4WD option!

maybe this particular CDRe model 4Wd have got its rear bumper changed and put the MHawk bumper!

Could it also be a case of CRDe engines still being manufactured and supplied to the Army fitted to MHawk bodies? I m saying this because even the boot handle looks like an MHawk handle suggesting that the entire vehicle is the "refreshed" Scorpio with a CRDe engine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by testdrive (Post 1619470)

Scorpio CRDe 4x4 - 2009 Model seen here used by the Air Force as a staff car for senior officers.

Attachment 240378

Ive seen the similar scorp here in blr but it was MHawk 4WD. It was going towards the new airport (probably to BSF i guess). Had a orrange light on the top too. the number had up arrow mark on it (is that for air force?)

@ Parm Thanks for putting up the pictures. I guess we're missing a picture of the bigger TATA (1210/1510).

The Tatra would of course be the best of the lot for cross-country applications. Could someone shed light on the performance and features of the rest?

I have noticed that TATAs have closed knuckles in the front while AL have open. Also, in the ALs it is a bolt-on (I guess they use the same axle housing front and rear, to widen the track in the front, they bolt on the knuckle etc. kind of like a portal hub). Also most TATAs have a diff-guard, which AL etc. don't have.

Shaktimans have an inline 6 multi-fuel engine, portal hubs and diff-locks. What about the other trucks in use, what all do they have?

Quote:

Originally Posted by livyodream (Post 1622362)

the number had up arrow mark on it (is that for air force?)

All defense vehicles have that arrow mark on their identification (not registration) plates. It is not particular to any wing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n.devdath (Post 1622611)

All defense vehicles have that arrow mark on their identification (not registration) plates. It is not particular to any wing.

In addition to the above, 2 digits after the arrow represent the model year. Example ^09 denotes the vehicle is 2009 model.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm (Post 1621648)

yes Mhawk comes with a 4WD option!
maybe this particular CDRe model 4Wd have got its rear bumper changed and put the MHawk bumper!

Ok! I saw many 2009 CRDe 4wd scorpio's at a recent event. All had the new look bumper / lights / rear view mirrors etc. My guess is these were made to order for the Air Force with the CRDe engine to keep the cost low.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n.devdath (Post 1622611)

All defense vehicles have that arrow mark on their identification (not registration) plates. It is not particular to any wing.

Oh , my bad. I thought as it had up arrow, it was pointing towards the sky, so air force stupid: .

BTW, i wanted to ask this question from a long time. Ive seen here on TBHP where people going crazy over army gypsys. What exaclty is different in the defence gypsy compared to civilians gypsy other than tyres and small fog lamp? We do get gypsy 4X4 in the showroom which looks more or less the same. can some one differentiate between these two types?

Quote:

Originally Posted by livyodream (Post 1624251)

i dont think there is any mechanical or structural change in the gypsy except the black out lights in the front and the rear!

here is a Sumo 4x4 of the indian army.