Thanks. I really hope we go with a smoothbore gun and a new APFSDS round is necessary. 500mm RHA penetration at 2km is just not going to cut it. Even the Challenger 2 tank has a penetration of 610mm RHA but at a distance of 3.5-4km.
Thanks. I really hope we go with a smoothbore gun and a new APFSDS round is necessary. 500mm RHA penetration at 2km is just not going to cut it. Even the Challenger 2 tank has a penetration of 610mm RHA but at a distance of 3.5-4km.
India's indigenously designed Arjun Mk-1A clears trials, ready to go into production
Meet Arjun 'Mk-1A' main battle tank, a 68-tonne rugged bull, waiting to join the Indian army and one of the star attractions at the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India 2020.
Published: 08th December 2019 01:01 AM
By SV Krishna Chaitanya
Pic : Arjun tank at Defexpo 2018.
CHENNAI: It's the most lethal, sophisticated and all-weather battle tank that India has indigenously designed and conceptualised till date.
Meet Arjun 'Mk-1A' main battle tank, a 68-tonne rugged bull, waiting to join the Indian army and one of the star attractions at the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India 2020 scheduled to be held in the Uttar Pradesh capital of Lucknow in February.
Armoured Corps has cleared the tank after successful completion of the final integration tests conducted earlier this year in the western sector of Rajasthan. Arjun Mk-1A is an improved variant of Arjun Mk-1, whose two regiments (124 tanks) are currently in service.
Scientists of Chennai-based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are the architects of this improved avatar of Arjun and the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi is soon expected to commence production after receiving the order.
Top DRDO officials confirmed to Express that the new variant of Arjun had passed the rigorous army evaluation.
"The tank has fulfilled all user specifications and undergone elaborate field trials. We expect the order of intent any time soon."
Pic : The new crew protection headset along with the RCWS.
Officials said 72 improvements were made to Arjun MBT Mk-1A over the existing version, of which 14 were major upgrades that were specifically requested by the army.
CVRDE Director V Balamurugan told Express the fundamental parameters of a battle tank are "fire power, protection and mobility". Arjun MBT Mk-1A has been improved on all these fronts.
Under firepower segment, four upgrades have been made. An improved Gunner's Main Sight (GMS) integrated with Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) has been fitted, which helps the crew to track moving target automatically making it easy for the gunner to fire even when the tank is on the move.
The Commander's Panoramic Sight (CPS Mk II) has been integrated with Thermal Imager that enables the commander to effectively conduct surveillance both in day and night through eye-safe Laser Range Finder with an advanced Hunter Killer Capability.
Besides, additional varieties of ammunition were incorporated to enhance the lethality of the enemy battle tank.
Pic : Arjun's Thermobaric ammunition.
Other than conventional Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) ammunition, Thermo Baric (TB) and Penetration Cum Blast (PCB) ammunition have been developed.
Lastly, the vehicle was upgraded with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station that provides the loader the capability of engaging ground targets and aerial targets from the protective envelop of the tank armour. It also provides an additional capability to fight in urban area called Hatch-closed firing.
Extra protection for crew
The battle tank will have a crew of four -- commander, gunner, loader and driver. Keeping them out of harm's way is paramount. For this, Arjun Mk-1A comes with a slew of new features.
Balamurugan said Track Width Mine Plough (TWMP) is a significant addition which provides capability for the battle tank to cross minefields with ease as the plough mounted to the front of the vehicle creates a mine-free path by ploughing through mines and throwing them to the sides of the tank.
The Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) panels are provided for effective protection against the ever-evolving anti-tank threats like shoulder-fired anti-tank grenades and missiles. These panels have been mounted along the frontal arc of the hull and the turret.
Another key feature added is a Containerised Ammunition Bin with Individual Shutter (CABIS) that gives crew enhanced protection from inadvertent burning of ammunition stored in the ready round bin.
The hot gases generated due to ammunition burning is vented out by blow-off panels from the roof of the turret, thus saving the crew.
Besides, Arjun Mk-1A has protection against chemical attacks. A special chemical sensor is mounted to detect the presence of harmful toxic chemicals in the atmosphere around the tank.
"The sensor detects the harmful chemicals, triggers an alarm and the Nuclear Chemical warfare system increases the pressure in the tank compartment to a little higher than in the atmosphere thus preventing toxic air from entering the tank. The tank crew get air through a particulate filter for their survival," CVRDE official said.
The Roof Mounted Driver's Seat protects the driver from shocks and enhances driving comfort.
Other new upgrades include Laser Warning and Counter Measure System that protects the crew by creating a smokescreen between itself and the enemy and Anti Infra-Red / Anti Thermal Imaging paints that reduce the signature of the tank when viewed using an IR/TI camera or goggles making the tank difficult to be detected by enemies.
Mobility-related improvements
Officials told Express one of the challenges in making of Arjun MBT Mk-1A was the overall weight. Every improvement comes with baggage, which the user may not like as the mobility may be compromised.
To counter added weight, an Advanced Running Gear System has been developed where the hydro-pneumatic suspension system was completely redesigned to enhance agility of the Arjun MBT Mk-1A. Tweaking the final drive also ensured the required agility of the tank.
Meanwhile, an Advanced Land Navigation System is added to provide enhanced navigation capability of the tank in desert terrains during war.
It provides accurate information of where the tanks is using either Inertial Navigation or GPS or both and where the tank needs to go in the absence of any signage in the war theatre.
An uncooled Night Vision camera for driver has also been provided.
The earlier Image Intensifier (obsolete technology) for the tank driver has been replaced with a un-cooled Thermal imager with binocular sights for the driver thus providing him with a capability to travel at reasonable speeds even in pitch-dark conditions.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/na...ials-ready-to-go-into-production-2073023.html
Meet Arjun 'Mk-1A' main battle tank, a 68-tonne rugged bull, waiting to join the Indian army and one of the star attractions at the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India 2020.
Published: 08th December 2019 01:01 AM
By SV Krishna Chaitanya
Pic : Arjun tank at Defexpo 2018.
CHENNAI: It's the most lethal, sophisticated and all-weather battle tank that India has indigenously designed and conceptualised till date.
Meet Arjun 'Mk-1A' main battle tank, a 68-tonne rugged bull, waiting to join the Indian army and one of the star attractions at the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo India 2020 scheduled to be held in the Uttar Pradesh capital of Lucknow in February.
Armoured Corps has cleared the tank after successful completion of the final integration tests conducted earlier this year in the western sector of Rajasthan. Arjun Mk-1A is an improved variant of Arjun Mk-1, whose two regiments (124 tanks) are currently in service.
Scientists of Chennai-based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are the architects of this improved avatar of Arjun and the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi is soon expected to commence production after receiving the order.
Top DRDO officials confirmed to Express that the new variant of Arjun had passed the rigorous army evaluation.
"The tank has fulfilled all user specifications and undergone elaborate field trials. We expect the order of intent any time soon."
Pic : The new crew protection headset along with the RCWS.
Officials said 72 improvements were made to Arjun MBT Mk-1A over the existing version, of which 14 were major upgrades that were specifically requested by the army.
CVRDE Director V Balamurugan told Express the fundamental parameters of a battle tank are "fire power, protection and mobility". Arjun MBT Mk-1A has been improved on all these fronts.
Under firepower segment, four upgrades have been made. An improved Gunner's Main Sight (GMS) integrated with Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) has been fitted, which helps the crew to track moving target automatically making it easy for the gunner to fire even when the tank is on the move.
The Commander's Panoramic Sight (CPS Mk II) has been integrated with Thermal Imager that enables the commander to effectively conduct surveillance both in day and night through eye-safe Laser Range Finder with an advanced Hunter Killer Capability.
Besides, additional varieties of ammunition were incorporated to enhance the lethality of the enemy battle tank.
Pic : Arjun's Thermobaric ammunition.
Other than conventional Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) ammunition, Thermo Baric (TB) and Penetration Cum Blast (PCB) ammunition have been developed.
Lastly, the vehicle was upgraded with a Remote Controlled Weapon Station that provides the loader the capability of engaging ground targets and aerial targets from the protective envelop of the tank armour. It also provides an additional capability to fight in urban area called Hatch-closed firing.
Extra protection for crew
The battle tank will have a crew of four -- commander, gunner, loader and driver. Keeping them out of harm's way is paramount. For this, Arjun Mk-1A comes with a slew of new features.
Balamurugan said Track Width Mine Plough (TWMP) is a significant addition which provides capability for the battle tank to cross minefields with ease as the plough mounted to the front of the vehicle creates a mine-free path by ploughing through mines and throwing them to the sides of the tank.
The Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) panels are provided for effective protection against the ever-evolving anti-tank threats like shoulder-fired anti-tank grenades and missiles. These panels have been mounted along the frontal arc of the hull and the turret.
Another key feature added is a Containerised Ammunition Bin with Individual Shutter (CABIS) that gives crew enhanced protection from inadvertent burning of ammunition stored in the ready round bin.
The hot gases generated due to ammunition burning is vented out by blow-off panels from the roof of the turret, thus saving the crew.
Besides, Arjun Mk-1A has protection against chemical attacks. A special chemical sensor is mounted to detect the presence of harmful toxic chemicals in the atmosphere around the tank.
"The sensor detects the harmful chemicals, triggers an alarm and the Nuclear Chemical warfare system increases the pressure in the tank compartment to a little higher than in the atmosphere thus preventing toxic air from entering the tank. The tank crew get air through a particulate filter for their survival," CVRDE official said.
The Roof Mounted Driver's Seat protects the driver from shocks and enhances driving comfort.
Other new upgrades include Laser Warning and Counter Measure System that protects the crew by creating a smokescreen between itself and the enemy and Anti Infra-Red / Anti Thermal Imaging paints that reduce the signature of the tank when viewed using an IR/TI camera or goggles making the tank difficult to be detected by enemies.
Mobility-related improvements
Officials told Express one of the challenges in making of Arjun MBT Mk-1A was the overall weight. Every improvement comes with baggage, which the user may not like as the mobility may be compromised.
To counter added weight, an Advanced Running Gear System has been developed where the hydro-pneumatic suspension system was completely redesigned to enhance agility of the Arjun MBT Mk-1A. Tweaking the final drive also ensured the required agility of the tank.
Meanwhile, an Advanced Land Navigation System is added to provide enhanced navigation capability of the tank in desert terrains during war.
It provides accurate information of where the tanks is using either Inertial Navigation or GPS or both and where the tank needs to go in the absence of any signage in the war theatre.
An uncooled Night Vision camera for driver has also been provided.
The earlier Image Intensifier (obsolete technology) for the tank driver has been replaced with a un-cooled Thermal imager with binocular sights for the driver thus providing him with a capability to travel at reasonable speeds even in pitch-dark conditions.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/na...ials-ready-to-go-into-production-2073023.html
Whats the use without all important APS??? Israelis have trophy on their Merkava ( an important addition since their tanks were slaughtered by Hezbollah Kornets).
Do we have any ongoing program for desi APS? Or Israeli or Russian APS on offer????
Yes. ARDE doing the R&D for DRDO. Also a parallel program for private companies/start ups as a part of the IDEX challenge. Let's see who comes up with a prototype first.
Yes. Been on offer since forever. IA has chosen not to acquire it from abroad.
Efforts onto the new tank seem to be gathering steam. Since we saw the recent naming conundrum with tanks(Arjun Mk1, Mk1A, Mk2, FRCV, GNMBT etc.), I will just post this here.
A comparative study of various tanks by DRDO(not sure what projectile was chosen for the comparison) :
I doubt the Pakistani MBT-2000 has an engine with 12,000 hp, its likely to be 1,200 hp.
Here is the chosen configuration for the new tank :
Let's look at the various aspects of the tank :
Armour :
The new tank is going to have modular frontal and side armour allowing the users to mount/dis-mount ERA armour panels depending on need.
Of course, there will be integral armour too. Probably made with a combination of nickel free High Nitrogen Steel(HNS) and carbon fibre composites.
Here is an example of armour panel made of HNS :
Of course composites are to be used too as armour. They have been subjected to some testing :
Al‐Cu‐Mg based AA2519 alloy is also an option available for the job :
continued in the posts below.....
A comparative study of various tanks by DRDO(not sure what projectile was chosen for the comparison) :
I doubt the Pakistani MBT-2000 has an engine with 12,000 hp, its likely to be 1,200 hp.
Here is the chosen configuration for the new tank :
Let's look at the various aspects of the tank :
Armour :
The new tank is going to have modular frontal and side armour allowing the users to mount/dis-mount ERA armour panels depending on need.
Of course, there will be integral armour too. Probably made with a combination of nickel free High Nitrogen Steel(HNS) and carbon fibre composites.
Here is an example of armour panel made of HNS :
Of course composites are to be used too as armour. They have been subjected to some testing :
Al‐Cu‐Mg based AA2519 alloy is also an option available for the job :
continued in the posts below.....
Last edited:
Propulsion :
CVDRE is in the process of development of of 2 engines : One for tanks another for AFVs
The engines will feature a Self Cleaning Air Filtration System :
The cooling system is designed by CVDRE too :
It will also have waste gate turbochargers :
There has been some indivcation of a hybrid propulsion system(electric moters and IC engine together) in consideration. Here is the gearset for the same :
Carbon fiber composite wheels have been tested successfully to reduce weight while not compromising performance :
Weight shedding due to the newer wheel set up :
continued in the post below..............
CVDRE is in the process of development of of 2 engines : One for tanks another for AFVs
The engines will feature a Self Cleaning Air Filtration System :
The cooling system is designed by CVDRE too :
It will also have waste gate turbochargers :
There has been some indivcation of a hybrid propulsion system(electric moters and IC engine together) in consideration. Here is the gearset for the same :
Carbon fiber composite wheels have been tested successfully to reduce weight while not compromising performance :
Weight shedding due to the newer wheel set up :
continued in the post below..............
Last edited:
A new 125 mm smoothbore gun is being designed. It will be superior in every way to the Arjun's current 120 mm rifled gun.
The breech set up used in Arjun's 120 mm gun :
The breech set up in the new 125 mm SB gun :
A similar breech is also used in the 155 mm ATAGS artillery gun.
Recoil mechanism :
A soft recoil system is under study. Here are two schematics explaining how soft recoil and conventional recoil works :
Comparison of the two system :
Various muzzle brakes under consideration :
How the muzzle brakes compare :
The breech set up used in Arjun's 120 mm gun :
The breech set up in the new 125 mm SB gun :
A similar breech is also used in the 155 mm ATAGS artillery gun.
Recoil mechanism :
A soft recoil system is under study. Here are two schematics explaining how soft recoil and conventional recoil works :
Comparison of the two system :
Various muzzle brakes under consideration :
How the muzzle brakes compare :
Can you provide details , name and type of ammo?
British and US forces use DU penetrators, APFSDS L23 , L26 , L27A1, L28A1. All are DU penetrators under use by RA.
While Indian Army use tungsten penetrators. Obviously if we go for DU, penetration going to go up. But I dont think there is any need.
Current DRDO's 125 mm APFSDS/T cut through latest al Khalid's hull like cream and butter.
5kW Brushless DC(BLDC) generator designed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) operating between the speed range of 10500 rpm to 13700 rpm.
Here is the design of the primary stage of the generator :
Stage 2 or the main exciter stage :
On the left is how the final product will look, one the right is the rotating element with out the case :
Coolant inlet and exit :
Thermal modeling of the DC generator :
Secondary inlet of the coolant :
Flow stream simulation for the coolant inside the generator :
CVDRE designed this so I guess they would hook it up to the IC engine of a tank and use it to generate electrical power for the onboard weapons/systems.
DC generator and DC motors are congruent in design. Make one and you can easily make the other. The Navy is looking at the IEP very closely for their next gen ships. Having domestic ability to design and manufacture generators/motors will come in very handy.
Here is the design of the primary stage of the generator :
Stage 2 or the main exciter stage :
On the left is how the final product will look, one the right is the rotating element with out the case :
Coolant inlet and exit :
Thermal modeling of the DC generator :
Secondary inlet of the coolant :
Flow stream simulation for the coolant inside the generator :
CVDRE designed this so I guess they would hook it up to the IC engine of a tank and use it to generate electrical power for the onboard weapons/systems.
DC generator and DC motors are congruent in design. Make one and you can easily make the other. The Navy is looking at the IEP very closely for their next gen ships. Having domestic ability to design and manufacture generators/motors will come in very handy.
A new main battle tank is under design phase weighing around 45 tons, 3 man crew with APS, a unmanned turret and a 125 mm smooth bore gun. The Arjuns will be upgraded(Mk1, Mk1A etc) but this is different. This tank is modled on the Russian ARMATA in a way.
It is based off of the ATAGS design with few modifications. The paper states the screw type breech mechanism is generally not preferred in MBTs because of slow reload speeds. But this has apparently being worked out with the ATAGS allowing the gun to have a very high rate of fire. The ATAGS design has been further modified to be used on MBTs. It will feature a Acrylo-Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) elastomeric obturating pad allowing longer service life and low maintenance. It will also have additional features like :
Thermal Warning System : Thermal sensors would be attached to barrel/breech to monitor the temperature of its surface and give warning to the crew when nearing cook-off temperature
Breech Wash Mechanism : This mechanism helps to remove the dust/dirt particles from the Breech mechanism to avoid ingress of these in the chamber and thus helps for proper functioning of the same. Also it helps to reduce the barrel temperature and thus delay cook off temperature and increases the number of rounds to fire to reach cook off temperature.
Primer Loading Mechanism : There is a need to load the primer after loading of shot and charge mass. The primer loading mechanism holds sufficient number of primer to load after closing of breech block. This mechanism is very important to decide the rate of fire of the gun, as it contains primary explosive which is highly sensitive. Thus this type of mechanism needs automation for safety to crew and higher rate of fire.
