The IA had the same capability in the form of the M-46 Catapult (Arjun chassis- more stable with its hydropneumatic suspension). Retired in 2021. They are now focussing on truck mounted 105mm (MaRG/Garuda) for the mountains now imo.
Zorawar: Light tank for Indian army
- Thread starter Ashwin
- Start date
Which company is he dalal-ing for here. L&T? If he is dalal-ing for Indian companies, I have zero issues with that.
I agree. But or past experience with imported western systems need no reminding. Sanctions, export restrictions, supply chain issues are always just around the corner.
I am just happy that DRDO is building a turret.
The composite armor used on the Zorawar is actually a product of the R&D work done for the FRCV. The turret of the Zorawar that DRDO is building will borrow heavily from the FRCV's turret & autoloader. Zorawar's domestic engine & FRCV's DATRAN engine share quite a number of design elements & parts.
R&D wise the Zorawar & FRCV projects are very much interlinked.
Considering the order levels, Cockerill will agree. Bharat Forge is also developing a Light Tank. I look forward to the BF version.
I love this vehicle already!
Other pvt light tank makers need to fit a 120mm gun and keep similar aesthetically pleasing parameters on their specimens to impress me more.
Other pvt light tank makers need to fit a 120mm gun and keep similar aesthetically pleasing parameters on their specimens to impress me more.
125 mm on a light tank will be a nightmare for enemy..... Since protection is a second priority here why not go bigger.
I was wondering if we have any experience in making 105 mm APFSDS rounds. Turns out DRDO had developed APFSDS rounds for Vijayanta tanks & up gunned T-55 tanks. The rounds were developed by ARDE & produced by OFB Medak:
Old video of a 105 mm APFSDS round fired during testing:
View attachment Vijayanta tank's 105mm APFSDS round..mp4
Since both the Vijayanta & T-55 tanks are no longer in service it would be safe to assume these rounds are no longer produced. We would have to set up a new production line for Zorawar's ammo.
Old video of a 105 mm APFSDS round fired during testing:
View attachment Vijayanta tank's 105mm APFSDS round..mp4
Since both the Vijayanta & T-55 tanks are no longer in service it would be safe to assume these rounds are no longer produced. We would have to set up a new production line for Zorawar's ammo.
Zorawar's design borrows heavily from the NGMBT:
Except the NGMBT was designed to ~45-55 tons in weight. Zorawar needs to be ~25 tons. So, the NGMBT design needed to be scaled down substantially.
While the Zorawar retains the NGMBT's hydro-pneumatic suspension system, the floating pistons, AHSUs, damper blocks etc. had undergone a size reduction.
The track set up has also changed quite a bit. The number of road wheels have remained the same, but the size has reduced. As the Zorawar uses rubber tracks, instead of metal tracks, the number of top rollers has been reduced. NGMBT had 16 top rollers per tank, Zorawar has 6 top rollers per tank.
The road wheels & top rollers are likely to be all composite in their construction. Another item borrowed from the NGMBT:
The hub, which transfers the engine's power from the clutch to the track, is no longer made of steel. It is now made of Titanium castings:
Zorawar also has a smoke clearing system which probably a variant of the Self-Cleaning Air Filtration System made for the NGMBT:
There is a reason the project has moved so quickly. So much of the R&D work was done before the project was launched.
Except the NGMBT was designed to ~45-55 tons in weight. Zorawar needs to be ~25 tons. So, the NGMBT design needed to be scaled down substantially.
While the Zorawar retains the NGMBT's hydro-pneumatic suspension system, the floating pistons, AHSUs, damper blocks etc. had undergone a size reduction.
The track set up has also changed quite a bit. The number of road wheels have remained the same, but the size has reduced. As the Zorawar uses rubber tracks, instead of metal tracks, the number of top rollers has been reduced. NGMBT had 16 top rollers per tank, Zorawar has 6 top rollers per tank.
The road wheels & top rollers are likely to be all composite in their construction. Another item borrowed from the NGMBT:
The hub, which transfers the engine's power from the clutch to the track, is no longer made of steel. It is now made of Titanium castings:
Zorawar also has a smoke clearing system which probably a variant of the Self-Cleaning Air Filtration System made for the NGMBT:
There is a reason the project has moved so quickly. So much of the R&D work was done before the project was launched.
View attachment [appsgolem.com][01-26-12][01-27-48]_PUNE_DEF_SPACE_TECH_2024_SESSI.mp4
Why army asked Zorawar light tank to be 25ton.
Why army asked Zorawar light tank to be 25ton.
Limiting it to just 25 ton is a stupid idea & show pure incompetency & low IQ of these Generals.....does the General knows what's happening in Ukraine with lightly armoured vehicles ?
Nothing more valuable than learning from the current conflicts , but one should not forget the practical aspect of any military use which is explained there very well.
Should professional forces start using unarmoured pickup cars as troop transport in active missions like what Ukr was doing ?
No mention about armour/protection. I'm curious about what Indian Army's requirement is from this platform when it comes to armour protection (RHA equivalent)? I know it'll feature APS but for a 25-27ton platform, compromises will be made.
If safety is a second priority over mobility than better induct Sprut-SD..... At least it has firepower to compensate for tin can protection + it can be air dropped directly over enemy head.....super duper mobility Saar!
CVRDE is building a 4-5 meter sized model of the light tank for display in upcoming events.
