Armored vehicles play a crucial role in the movement and protection of armed forces in warzones. These vehicles are ground-up developed to meet the specific requirements of each country’s military. India, with the second-largest army in the world, surprisingly did not have any in-house built light utility armored vehicle until recently. The Mahindra ALSV (Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle) is set to change that and become a game-changer for the Indian Army.
Mahindra ALSV Specs, Features:
- Engine: Electronically Controlled Turbo Charged six-cylinder diesel engine developed by Steyr
- Horsepower: 216 HP at 3600 RPM
- Torque: 500 NM at 2000 RPM
- Maximum Speed: 60 KMPH
- Seating Capacity: 6-8 people
- Payload Capacity: 1000 KGs
Armoring: CEMV 7 (highest ballistic protection)
- Mine-Resistant Protection: Stanag Level 2
- Explosive Resistance: Can withstand an explosive up to 6KG
- Survivability: Can withstand 155 MM mortar shells shot from a distance of 80 meters
- Front and Back Protection: Stanag Level 1 (upgradeable to higher levels)
Battle Load Capacity: Up to 400kg
- Tyres: Capable of being driven up to 50 KM without air with a tyre inflation system
Communication Systems:
- Service GPS
- technical control
- and command with mapping
- high and very high ultrasound frequency radios.
The Revelation of Mahindra ALSV
On 22nd March 2021, SP Shukla, the defense, aero, and agro head in the Mahindra Group, revealed on Twitter that Mahindra Defence received an order worth INR 156 Crores from the Indian Army. The order required the delivery of 1300 fully ground-up developed Light Armoured Tactical Vehicles to the Indian army.
Importance of Mahindra ALSV
The Mahindra ALSV marks a significant achievement for India, considering its diverse geographical terrains, including deserts and mountains. Unlike previous armored vehicles used by the Indian Army, the ALSV is a truly capable military vehicle, providing both mine-resistant protection and agility for quick movement.
Comparison with Other Vehicles
In comparison to internationally available vehicles, including Polish Tour 1, French Sherpa Light, South African RG 32 Scout, Czech P1857, Dutch Ivaco LMV, Kia’s LTV, Germany’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, Egypt’s LSV, Swiss Army’s Mowag Eagle, China-based Norinco’s VN21, and the American Humvee (JLTV), the Mahindra ALSV stands out due to its relatively lightweight and powerful engine. Many of these vehicles have a weight over 4.5 tonnes, whereas the ALSV weighs only 2.5 tonnes but generates 216 Horse Power.
Specifications of Mahindra ALSV
The Mahindra ALSV comes equipped with an Electronically Controlled Turbo Charged six-cylinder diesel engine developed by Steyr, producing 215 Horsepower at 3600 RPM and generating a torque of 500 NM at 2000 RPM. It can attain a speed of 60 KMPH from a standstill in just 12 seconds and is capable of carrying 6-8 people along with a payload of 1000 KGs. The ALSV features four-wheel drive, 4-6 automatic speed transmission, Double Wishbone independent suspension in both the front and rear, and differential locks, making it highly off-roading compatible.
Armoring and Protection
The Mahindra ALSV boasts CEMV 7, the highest ballistic protection, making it capable of withstanding high-velocity steel-piercing rounds. It also has NATO 4567 Stanag standards for mine resistance. The ALSV has stanag level 2 protection, capable of withstanding an explosive up to 6KG and surviving 155 MM mortar shells shot from a distance of 80 meters. The vehicle also provides stanag level 1 protection at the front and back, with the possibility of being upgraded further.
Indian Army’s Need for Mahindra ALSV
The Indian Army has long been dependent on imported armored vehicles or joint ventures with foreign companies, leading to limitations and higher costs. The ALSV’s lightweight and powerful design make it suitable for India’s diverse terrains, providing a significant advantage over heavier vehicles used by other countries. With the ALSV, India can reduce its dependency on imports and become a key player in defense exports to other developing countries, thanks to its cost-effective engineering.
For more information, check the Mahindra armored Website.
The Mahindra ALSV is a game-changer for the Indian Army, finally providing India with an in-house built light utility armored vehicle that meets the specific needs of its military. With its powerful engine, mine-resistant protection, and agility for diverse terrains, the ALSV outperforms many internationally available vehicles in its category. India’s defense sector now has the opportunity to go global, offering the ALSV to other nations and strengthening its position in the international arms market.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Mahindra ALSV suitable for desert and mountain terrains?
Yes, the Mahindra ALSV is designed to excel in both desert and mountain terrains due to its lightweight, powerful engine, and off-roading compatibility.
Q2. What is the order size received by Mahindra Defence for the ALSV?
Mahindra Defence received an order worth INR 156 Crores from the Indian Army, requiring the delivery of 1300 fully ground-up developed Light Armored Tactical Vehicles.
Q3. Can the Mahindra ALSV withstand mine explosions?
Yes, the Mahindra ALSV has stanag level 2 protection, enabling it to withstand explosive up to 6KG and survive 155 MM mortar shells shot from a distance of 80 meters.
Q4. How does the Mahindra ALSV compare to other armored vehicles internationally?
The Mahindra ALSV stands out due to its relatively lightweight and powerful engine compared to other heavier vehicles in the same category.
Q5. What are the export capabilities of India’s Defense Sector with the ALSV?
With the Mahindra ALSV, India’s Defense Sector has the opportunity to go global, offering the vehicle to other nations, especially in developing countries, where cost-effective engineering is highly sought after.
