[Rahul Rao]

@ n.devdath
The Jonga was a great vintage I don't believe it is suitable for today, but I still believe that a suitable replacement for it was never found.
The necessary low end torque requirement can be found in some of todays diesels, The Isuzu Dmax Vcross may be suitable, but Isuzu has just entered India, for a military tender they have to be here for 4 Yrs, with two of last three years profitable. There was a period when Tata could not sell to defence as they had posted losses for two consequtive years. Isuzu Japan can quote though.
Is a open top necessary for gun and turret mounting, can a hard top vehicle with a rear placed hatch, and gun mount placed over the pillar brace not be used.

Rahul

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by Rahul Rao

Is a open top necessary for gun and turret mounting, can a hard top vehicle with a rear placed hatch, and gun mount placed over the pillar brace not be used.

You can, but it will limit you to the type of piece you place, coupled with a comparatively complex and time consuming loading and swapping cycle. The degree of vision is also restricted as is the possibility of multiple manned points.

[nainan]

The army's transport requirement too has changed. They are trying to create or convert a large number of battalions to mechanised infantry so some use cases for the logistics vehicles might not exist since they have these beasts which can take any terrain, carry infantry and pack a gun too:-

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...hjcfYbsgDku4js

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...dgOwY0EuTPyqpJ

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by nainan

The army's transport requirement too has changed.

Valid point.

However, to add to it, tracked and APVs aren't as mobile as LSVs and need support logistics to take them within their operating perimeters. Also, they are not fuel efficient and are slower than regular LSVs.

They have their utility and prowess in certain operations though.

[RavenAvi]

Tata Motors has issued the official announcements earlier today, confirming that it's Safari Storme SUV has been chosen by the Army and it's Xenon pickup truck has been chosen by the BSF (Border Security Force) as their respective vehicles of choice.

Both the Xenon and the Safari Storme will replace the Maruti Gypsy SUV, which has been in use by the defence forces for a long time now. The combined order size, in terms of revenue, stands at Rs 400 crore, or 40 percent of the current annual revenue of Tata Motors' defence business. Tata Motors says that the initial order for the Safari Storme involves 3,192 units. The contract for the order is expected to be signed soon.

Though the Gypsy has been the defence forces’ favourite steed for a long time, a need was felt for a vehicle with additional safety features and more power. Equally important was the requirement of a diesel run vehicle as the fuel is more readily available. Switching to diesel-run vehicles, which are also more fuel efficient, also helps the forces reduce its fuel bills significantly.

Most of the Xenons that Tata Motors will supply to the armed forces, will be used by the BSF, which has inducted new Border Out Post (BOP) vehicles to upgrade and enhance the efficiency of troop movement along the border. Tata Motors says it has received an order for over 500 Xenons. Features like airbags and AC (to keep soldiers cool at areas with soaring temperatures) and the higher utility value that a pickup offers helped the Xenon to bag the order. The twin-cab version of the Xenon has been picked up by the forces.

Autocar Professional

[mpksuhas]

To add to what RavenAvi mentioned above. Came across this post in TOI today -

NEW DELHI: Tata Motors has said its vehicles Xenon and Safari Storme will soon be used by Indian security forces.
Vice president (Defence Business) - Vernon Noronha, said the Border Security Force (BSF) is taking around 500 Tata Xenon SUVs for border patrolling, replacing the Maruti Gypsies used so far.

The Indian Army is meanwhile taking around 3,192 Tata Safari Storme UAVs, which won over Mahindra Scorpio and they are expecting around 35,000 vehicles to be ordered in future.

About the Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV), Noronha said, "Whenever it happens, we have confidence that with our background, we will be selected."
The FICV is to replace the ICV BMP-2 held by some 50 Mechanised Infantry Battalions.

Link

[SmartCat]

^^

Comedy journalism from TOI.

1) Has an image of old Tata Safari.
2) Calls the Safari Storme an "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle" (UAV) twice!

[Parm]

Good choice by IA by going for TATA vehicles.

I am sure our beloved Bawa Ji must have played Santa Clause by doing some magic on the TATA 4x4 vehicles, and that is why TATA brought him over from M&M!

Gypsy was always on a ventilator by govt favoring it against the others. Anyway it was too small in size and engine.

[manipuriguy]

The Safari Storme is now entering into the league of the legends -
it will now be as iconic and legendary as the Bullet, Willys Jeep and Jonga.

It is a good passenger carrier and intended as such. It is obviously not for weapon or Quick Reaction Team use. The role of the Storme will be more of transporting officers and soldiers with their luggage. There is less chance of fitting a LMG on it or a MMG unless Tata opens up a sun roof and does some jugaad as will eventually be done by some keen kumars. As it is, a man with a LMG on a SUV is an easy target for attack as well as bad for stability of the vehicle. A better choice would be a visor controlled automatic gun mounted on the roof with visor and firing controls with the commander of the vehicle. But that's way ahead in the future.

For the role of Quick Reaction Vehicle and carrying a squad of around four to six including driver, the Xenon and Tata twin cabs are adequate and as seen by posts of senior BHPian parm, and are already designed and available.

As a proud Safari Storme owner, I feel vindicated with my choice of ride!!


Note from Support: Spellcheck.

[himanshugoswami]

https://twitter.com/odmag/status/857478354588516352

Contract finally signed by Indian Army

[windiesel]

Originally Posted by rookieraj

Replacing a 1000 cc engine with a 1300cc one and then adding a powered steering is all that the manufacturers did to keep it relevant to the changing times.

The Gypsy does not come with a factory fitted Power Steering. Not even AC. Both these features can be got installed aftermarket though.

[Sheel]

A bit different perspective. Sharing it here as it is also a special made vehicle. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/i...w/59973544.cms

[Dr.Suraj]

Originally Posted by Sheel

A bit different perspective. Sharing it here as it is also a special made vehicle. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/i...w/59973544.cms

Wow!
So now this guy is going to comment on armoured cars as well!

[RavenAvi]

First pics of the Gypsy replacement for the Indian Army - the Tata Safari Storme.

Livefist @ Twitter

[ashis89]

This Army specific model is 4x2? Some observations:

Positives:
+ Rear wash wipe and defogger present
+ Airbags seem to be there
+ Front and rear fog lamps are there
+ Interiors don't seem stripped out

Negatives:
- No 4x4? No rear tow hook
- Side cladding on the door is missing and it hampers the looks
- ORVMs and door handles could have been painted