DRDO light tank
Encyclopedia
The DRDO light tank is a tracked amphibious light tank
developed in India
by DRDO. It is based on "Sarath" chassis, a license-produced variant of BMP, built by the Ordnance Factory Medak with French GIAT TS-90 turret having 105 mm gun. This vehicle is aimed to carry high caliber weapons without sacrificing the mobility.
, Avadi, to come under the governance of Vehicle Research and Development Establishment
, Ahmednagar, the Army again announced that the light tank was unnecessary. Nevertheless, firing trials continued until August 1996, notwithstanding the February 1994 recommendation of the scientific advisor to Raksha Mantri that the project be closed.
This have brightened the prospects of the light tank project to achieve a limited production.
Light tank
A light tank is a tank variant initially designed for rapid movement, and now primarily employed in low-intensity conflict. Early light tanks were generally armed and armored similar to an armored car, but used tracks in order to provide better cross-country mobility.The light tank was a major...
developed in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
by DRDO. It is based on "Sarath" chassis, a license-produced variant of BMP, built by the Ordnance Factory Medak with French GIAT TS-90 turret having 105 mm gun. This vehicle is aimed to carry high caliber weapons without sacrificing the mobility.
Development
The ‘Design and Development of Light Tank on BMP-I’ project approved in 1983 was intended to be complete in 1986. It never reached completion, but continued in production and trials until 1996 to a total cost of Rs 4.53 crore (Rs 2.91 through foreign exchange), well beyond its estimated Rs 2.54 crore. The Army, who had inspired the project with a 1976 GSQR, determined in July 1985 that a light tank on BMP was not needed, but did not withdraw its association from the project and even made suggestions that led in 1988 to 105mm turrets being implemented rather than the planned 90mm turrets. In May 1993, a year after the project left Combat Vehicles Research and Development EstablishmentCombat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment
Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation . Located in Avadi, in Chennai, India...
, Avadi, to come under the governance of Vehicle Research and Development Establishment
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment
Center for Vehicle Research and Development Establishment is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization . Located in Vahannagar, its primary function is research and development of various Light Tracked, Wheeled & Specialised Vehicles for defense applications...
, Ahmednagar, the Army again announced that the light tank was unnecessary. Nevertheless, firing trials continued until August 1996, notwithstanding the February 1994 recommendation of the scientific advisor to Raksha Mantri that the project be closed.
Salient Features
- Crew : 3 men for turret
- main Gun : 105 mm semi-automatic with muzzle brake
- Turret: Al alloy with 12.7 AP protection level
- Ammunition : APFSDS, APDS, HESH
- Fire Control System (FCS) : COTAC semi-automatic
- Stowing capability: Main gun–42 rounds (turret–10 rounds; ammunition compartment–32 rounds)
- Accurate ranging by Laser Range Finder (LRF)
- Low-light level TV for commander and gunner
- Panoramic sight for Commander
- Amphibian capabilities
Recent events
In October 1999, the Indian Army has put out a request for information (RFI) issued to prospective vendors for the requirement of about 200 wheeled light tanks (armoured cars) and about 100 tracked light tanks.This have brightened the prospects of the light tank project to achieve a limited production.