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TATA Motors Kestrel

2017 MODERN

History of TATA Motors Kestrel

In addition to the new Light Armored Multipurpose Vehicle (LAMV) unveiled at DEFEXPO 2014, TATA Motors also showcased its 'Kestrel' 8x8 amphibious wheeled armoured personnel carrier, which represents the Indian military industry's take on Western or Russian products decisive change. Designed by DRDO ("Defense Research and Development Organization"), the vehicle follows many accepted lines of contemporary multi-wheeled armored combat vehicles seen elsewhere.

The Kestrel was developed to replace the obsolete and reduced inventory of Soviet-era BMP vehicles currently in service, and represents a potential solution for the Indian Army's Future Infantry Fighting Vehicle (FICV) program.

Taking into account the results of recent global wars, the Kestrel has been designed with modern methods to increase the survivability of the crew, with some resistance to small arms fire, shrapnel and hidden explosives. The armor consists of decals and composite materials as well as welded steel. Additional armor kits are available for added protection in heavy fire theaters. The bottom of the hull is also protected from mines and similar threats.

Its 8x8 wheel configuration is suspended on an independent hydropneumatic system using a double wishbone arrangement. All wheels feature a "run-flat" feature to help the vehicle out of trouble even after a tire blowout.

Of the four axles, the front axle is steerable, which reduces the turning radius of such a long vehicle. Glacis panels are very low profile and provide inherent ballistic protection from the front.

Of particular note in the Kestrel design is the external mounting of the fuel supply - as an added crew survival feature.

A standard operator consists of two people, including the driver and the commander (sitting in a row off the right side of the vehicle). The standard turret mount (Kongsberg Protector MCT-30R) can also accommodate a roof-mounted Remote Weapon Station (RWS). Standard configuration sees the vehicle deploy a 30mm automatic cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. A 12.7mm heavy machine gun has been added to the long-range weapons station. The source also noted that it contained a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

The vehicle will also receive support stations for up to 2 Anti-Tank Missile (ATGM) launchers. In this way, the single vehicle can fight against enemy infantry, lightly armored vehicles and front-line main battle tanks.

Firing holes in the sides of the fuselage increase the possibility of passenger infantry using personal weapons in an exchange of fire.

The rear passenger compartment can accommodate an additional ten passengers (the engine is mounted on the front left side of the fuselage to accommodate the rear compartment area). Passengers line up in a back-to-back central seating area (facing the side of the fuselage).

A large rectangular electric door at the rear of the fuselage lowers and serves as a ramp for passengers to quickly board and depart. The Kestrel was also made fully amphibious, capable of traversing water sources deeper than its height, and was powered by two available water jets located in the bottom corners of the fuselage.

Performance specifications for diesel powered engines include a top speed of 62 mph. Of course, this is greatly reduced when crossing water sources.

The Indian Army estimates that it needs to procure around 2,000 Kestrel armoured personnel carriers to replace its entire BMP fleet.