Requirements for the
main armament, powerpack, and mission systems have been revealed by the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Speaking at the International Armoured Vehicles 2017
conference in London, Dr U. Solomon of the DRDO's Combat Vehicles Research and
Development Establishment (CVRDE) highlighted some of the new requirements for
the MBT design, which is intended to replace the Indian Army's fleet of T-72M1
'Ajeya' MBTs and is scheduled to enter service from the early 2020s.
Previously identified as having a requirement for a 120 mm
main gun, the MBT is now set to be armed with a 125 mm gun, third-generation
anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW), and an air-defence machine gun. It is planned
that the main gun will have the capacity to fire guided munitions, with these
understood to be Israel Aerospace Industries' Laser Homing Attack or Laser
Homing Anti-Tan (LAHAT) missile. Other ammunition will include programmable
airburst munitions and armour-piercing, fin-stabilised discarding sabot
(APFSDS) natures.
The turret design will be unmanned, with the three-person
crew seated in suspended seats below the turret - a configuration that is
intended to enhance protection against underbelly blasts from mines or
improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The Bharat powerpack - set to replace the existing powerpacks
of the Arjun Mk I and Mk II MBTs, as well as power the future MBT - is
identified as a 2,200 kg unit powered by DHPP-A fuel. This is intended to
operate at altitudes of up to 16,400 ft and temperatures as low as -20°
Celsius. This requirement is likely a reflection of the Indian Army's need to
operate in mountainous areas, particularly when deployed along India's border
with Pakistan.
A dynamic track tension adjuster will also enable the MBT to
maintain ground traction when crossing obstacles and soft or rough terrain.
Source :- IHS Jane's 360
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