DRDO Abhay (Fearless)

History

Abhay is currently under development as a vehicle to test various technologies, mechanics and weapons for use in the future Indian Army Infantry Fighting Vehicle (ICV) that will one day replace the aging Soviet-era BMP-2 The car is currently in service with the Indian Army. The design of the Abhay was handled by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in New Delhi, while the production of several notable prototypes was handled by Avadi's heavy industry facility.

The name "Abhay" means "fearless" in Sanskrit.

Abhay originated from a new Indian armored vehicle program that began in the late 1990s. India, long a supplier of military equipment to the Soviet Union and Russia, has since expanded its domestic defense industry into a major global player in small arms, aircraft (including helicopters) and military vehicles. Revised throughout the decade, Abhay's design is largely based on the BMP family of vehicles. The BMP was a Soviet-era design that later evolved into three major successful variants that would play a major role in Europe if the Cold War got "hot". India has previously operated BMPs on a quantitative basis and has accumulated extensive experience in operations, maintenance and capabilities.

Combining the best qualities of this machine with the best Western technology available, Abhay was born as a domestic attempt at a major upgrade to the existing BMP fleet. Abhay's trials began in 2000, and by 2004 mass production of the required components began.

U.S.-initiated sanctions related to the 1998 Bocalan test site nuclear test encountered delays, so indigenous avenues were fully explored and eventually developed to make Abhay (Indian defense industry) increasingly self-sufficient.

The task force consisted of three standard staff, including the driver, commander and gunner. There will be a compartment for up to seven combat-ready troops, with an access door at the rear. The occupants are protected by armour (called "Kanchan") similar to the Indian Army's Arjun main battle tanks. As with most APCs in operation today, Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) will be optional and available on the Abhay for added point defense. Six smoke grenade launchers (three per row per turret side, according to available imagery) are provided for self-defense or to create tactical smoke screens.

NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection will become standard and an integrated laser warning receiver will alert operators if necessary.

Abhay's primary armament is centered on a high-speed 40mm L70 Bofors automatic cannon system mounted on the turret. The turret is electric, allowing 360-degree movement. Ammunition types include APFSDS and high-explosive (HE) versions to handle "hard" and "soft" targets as needed. Approximately 210 rounds of 40mm ammunition will be provided.

The crew is supported by an integrated fire control system (FCS) and thermal sights. Another powerful offensive addition designed by Abhay will be the armor that contains anti-tank missile launchers to defeat enemy main battle tanks.

The crew is believed to have two of these launchers at their disposal, with possibly four rockets on board. As a secondary weapon, a 30mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) will be installed in the turret. This is supported by a 7.62mm coaxial PKT series general purpose machine gun.

Both weapon options are helpful in countering enemy infantry concentrations - drive these enemies away with fragmentation grenades or suppress their movements with machine guns.

The Abhay is powered by a Greaves Cotton TD2V8 series diesel engine rated up to 550 hp. This allows the IFV to reach a top speed of 70 km/h on the road and 35 km/h off-road. The range is 400 km. The powerplant is paired to an L-3 Communications branded automatic transmission system.

There are some limited amphibious capabilities that allow Abhay to cross rivers and streams on his own. Propulsion is most likely achieved by moving its own chain rather than a dedicated propeller system.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

210x40mm projectile (APFSDS and HE).

1,000 x 7.62mm ammo.

350x40mm shells.

4 x Anti-Tank Missiles (Bankrupt).

6 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes