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Tata's defence vehicle Merlin spotted without camouflage

Thanks to BHPian RavenAvi for sharing this information with other enthusiasts! 

Tata Motors' defence vehicle has been spotted on the factory floor in its production form without any camouflage. This vehicle is listed on the Tata website as - Tata Light Support Vehicle (LSUV). However, some sources suggest that the defence vehicle will be named Merlin. 

The defence vehicle was first spotted on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway during one of its test runs. It was again spotted doing high altitude testing at an undisclosed location.

The Merlin is also equipped with STANAG 4569 Level-I armour on the sides and rear, run-flat tyres with CTIS (Central tyre inflation system) and a self-recovery winch. It also has a turret on the roof for 7.62 mm medium machine gun, 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and anti-tank guided missile.

Powered by a 3.3-litre water cooled, direct injection, common rail turbo diesel engine, it makes 185 BHP @ 3,200 rpm and torque of 450 Nm @ 2,400 rpm. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The defence vehicle is equipped with hydraulic brakes with vacuum assisted brake boosters on all wheels. Both the front and the rear axles feature independent suspension with single reduction and a locking differential.

 
 
 
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