Tata Motors bags 1,200-truck Indian Army order

Automobile major Tata Motors on Friday said it has bagged an order to supply around 1,200 trucks to the Indian Army.

According to the company, the order is the single largest awarded to an Indian private OEM (original equipment manufacturers) in land systems under the DPP (defence procurement procedure) by the Indian Army.

"As leading suppliers of mobility solutions to the country's security forces, we will shortly commence delivery of these high-mobility vehicles," Vernon Noronha, vice president, defence and government business at Tata Motors, was quoted as saying in a statement.

The Tata Motors' 6X6 high mobility all-terrain all-wheel-drive vehicle is envisaged to be used as 'material handling cranes' for loading-unloading and transportation of ammunition pallets, spares and other operational equipment.

The statement said the truck has been developed indigenously and has completed a total trial duration of 25 months, demonstrating maximum performance in the most demanding conditions.

"Designed to cope with extreme on- or off-road loads, these vehicle have gone through trials like water-fording, on cross-country terrains and plains and at VRDE's (Vehicle Research and Development Establishment) torture track," the statement elaborated.

Other unique feature of the vehicle includes central tire inflation system (CTIS) for mobility in soft sand desert conditions.

"The CTIS allows the driver to adjust the tyre pressure from his seat. The system provides the vehicle with better traction on different types of surfaces, especially when carrying vital and heavy loads," the statement said.

The statement added that the vehicle-cabin is modular with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and is fully-ready for up-armouring.

The vehicle is capable of achieving sustained speeds of 40 km per hour on severe cross-country terrains.