Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT)

[fire starter]

Some detail's I found abt mk1a from thrishul blog

the Arjun Mk1A MBT, having a per-unit cost of Rs34 crores, will feature 93 improvements, including 19 major modifications, which will be introduced in two phases. In Phase-1, 45 Arjun Mk1As will roll out with 56 upgrades, including the ALWAC S, COAPS, and CLGM-firing capability. In Phase-2, the remaining 73 Arjun Mk1As, with all the 93 improvements, will be delivered.








Structurally, the major enhancement on the MBT will be the fitment of High Energy Materials Research Laboratory-developed explosive reactive armour (ERA) plates weighing a total of 1.5-tonnes on the glacis plate, as well as the front of the turret and the sides protecting the driver’s compartment; fitment of a 1.5-tonne track-width mine plough sourced from US-based Pearson Engineering (represented in India by BEML); incorporation of a new 8kW auxiliary power unit (APU) developed by Indesys Equipments Pvt Ltd; redesigned and bigger road wheels built by Sundaram Industries; and Germany-based Diehl Remscheid’s DST 570V tracks, whose basic components include the track links, sprocket wheels, guide wheels, running rollers, support rollers, running pads, traction aids, connectors, bolts, mono block-body with integral centre guide, rubberised track pads, and grouser.



To be mounted on the turret will be a yet-to-be-selected remote controlled weapons system containing a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Finally, a mobile camouflage system has been developed and integrated into the Arjun Mk1A in collaboration with Sweden’s Barracuda Camouflage Ltd to reduce the MBT’s signature against all known sensors and smart munitions.




As a result of all these add-ons, the Arjun Mk1A’s fully loaded weight will be 67 tonnes. To cater to this weight increase, the MBT’s Kirloskar-built hydropneumatic suspension systems has been re-designed to cater for weights of up to 70 tonnes. Track-shedding problems have been resolved by selecting the DST 570V tracks that will have an increased horn length (19mm). The MTU 838 Ka-501 diesel engine and RENK’s RK-304S gearbox (making up the powerpack) has been retained for the Arjun Mk1A. On the Arjun Mk1, the final drive had catered to a top speed of 72kph. For the Arjun Mk1A, the final drive has been enhanced by increasing the reduction ratio from 4.4 to 5.3, while the top speed now stands at 58.5kph. In addition, the torque and the force available at the contact between the track and the surface has been increased which to cater for the MBT’s increased weight. However, despite the increased weight, the Arjun Mk1A’s acceleration is better than the Arjun Mk1, while fuel efficiency and the power-to-weight ratio of 23.9hp/tonne remain the same. The DST 570V’s increased track-width will ensure that the ground pressure (0.84kgf/cm2) remains the same in spite of the MBT’s increased weight.


What is significantly missing on the Arjun Mk1A, however, is a slat-armour package to protect the Arjun Mk1A’s rear section against rocket-propelled (RPG) attacks. By acting as a rigid barrier, slat-armour, made of aluminium alloy, causes the RPG’s shaped-charge warhead (which uses a shaped-explosion rather than kinetic energy) to explode at a relatively safe distance.

He posted in 2013 and to date all the thing's he mentioned abt MBT arjun mk1a upgrade is correct

arjunmk1a will have 73 improvements whereas mk2 will have 93. still it is not convincing as there are many weak points in turret. I listened that mk2 will have redesigned turret and hull so let's hope .

 

[Bleh]

That's a year old news ...........

Ooops.. Missed the "2019"... Still they perceived it as a threat, that is worth putting the effort of honey-trapping & backmailing jawans for info.

Structurally, the major enhancement on the MBT will be the fitment of High Energy Materials Research Laboratory-developed explosive reactive armour (ERA) plates weighing a total of 1.5-tonnes on the glacis plate, as well as the front of the turret and the sides protecting the driver’s compartment; fitment of a 1.5-tonne track-width mine plough sourced from US-based Pearson Engineering (represented in India by BEML); incorporation of a new 8kW auxiliary power unit (APU) developed by Indesys Equipments Pvt Ltd; redesigned and bigger road wheels built by Sundaram Industries; and Germany-based Diehl Remscheid’s DST 570V tracks, whose basic components include the track links, sprocket wheels, guide wheels, running rollers, support rollers, running pads, traction aids, connectors, bolts, mono block-body with integral centre guide, rubberised track pads, and grouser.



To be mounted on the turret will be a yet-to-be-selected remote controlled weapons system containing a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Finally, a mobile camouflage system has been developed and integrated into the Arjun Mk1A in collaboration with Sweden’s Barracuda Camouflage Ltd to reduce the MBT’s signature against all known sensors and smart munitions.




As a result of all these add-ons, the Arjun Mk1A’s fully loaded weight will be 67 tonnes. To cater to this weight increase, the MBT’s Kirloskar-built hydropneumatic suspension systems has been re-designed to cater for weights of up to 70 tonnes. Track-shedding problems have been resolved by selecting the DST 570V tracks that will have an increased horn length (19mm). The MTU 838 Ka-501 diesel engine and RENK’s RK-304S gearbox (making up the powerpack) has been retained for the Arjun Mk1A. On the Arjun Mk1, the final drive had catered to a top speed of 72kph. For the Arjun Mk1A, the final drive has been enhanced by increasing the reduction ratio from 4.4 to 5.3, while the top speed now stands at 58.5kph. In addition, the torque and the force available at the contact between the track and the surface has been increased which to cater for the MBT’s increased weight. However, despite the increased weight, the Arjun Mk1A’s acceleration is better than the Arjun Mk1, while fuel efficiency and the power-to-weight ratio of 23.9hp/tonne remain the same. The DST 570V’s increased track-width will ensure that the ground pressure (0.84kgf/cm2) remains the same in spite of the MBT’s increased weight.


What is significantly missing on the Arjun Mk1A, however, is a slat-armour package to protect the Arjun Mk1A’s rear section against rocket-propelled (RPG) attacks. By acting as a rigid barrier, slat-armour, made of aluminium alloy, causes the RPG’s shaped-charge warhead (which uses a shaped-explosion rather than kinetic energy) to explode at a relatively safe distance.

He posted in 2013 and to date all the thing's he mentioned abt MBT arjun mk1a upgrade is correct

That's photoshopped.
But last concrete info stated a consistent penetration of "excess of 500mm of RHA", and they are busy developing 600-800mm APFSDS for T-72/90!

Arjun Mark1/A is kinda vintage design based on outdated requirements. It has a high hull with no side-skirts & big lower glasis. Turret had huge mantle & definitely got no side armour, both bad from older Vijayanta...

...and that block added in Mark1A is a jugaad hanging on it (behind it isn't armour, or else it'd be a single block). On top of that only the already better protected side has ERA at front.

Both hull & turret should get throughly modified to optimise the design of the proper Mark2!
They should also concentrate on adding escape-hatch & putting most rounds in turret bustle like Abrams. They already have a damn turret for it.

It's the maturity of tech that's gained from Arjun. Its hardened hardware, sensors & sights, FCS, IFF, NERA, Mobile Camouflage & Active Protection systems.

 

[fire starter]

Ooops.. Missed the "2019"... Still they perceived it as a threat, that is worth putting the effort of honey-trapping & backmailing jawans for info.
That's photoshopped.
But last concrete info stated a consistent penetration of "excess of 500mm of RHA", and they are busy developing 600-800mm APFSDS for T-72/90!

Arjun Mark1/A is kinda vintage design based on outdated requirements. It has a high hull with no side-skirts & big lower glasis. Turret had huge mantle & definitely got no side armour, both bad from older Vijayanta...View attachment 41935...and that block added in Mark1A is a jugaad hanging on it (behind it isn't armour, or else it'd be a single block). On top of that only the already better protected side has ERA at front.

Both hull & turret should get throughly modified to optimise the design of the proper Mark2!
They should also concentrate on adding escape-hatch & putting most rounds in turret bustle like Abrams. They already have a damn turret for it.

It's the maturity of tech that's gained from Arjun. Its hardened hardware, sensors & sights, FCS, IFF, NERA, Mobile Camouflage & Active Protection systems.

is it design of arjun mk2?????..???????

 

[Bleh]

is it design of arjun mk2?????..???????

No, it's the older FMBT design.
Unlike the present unmanned concept, this version was to acccomodate 3 crew members. Very similar & could be used on Mark 2 with minor turret-ring modifications.

 

[Bleh]

still it is not convincing as there are many weak points in turret. I listened that mk2 will have redesigned turret and hull so let's hope .

There was a time when Army was looking for any excuse to reject Arjun. If it really had major weak spots in frontal armour then that'd have been hurled everywhere... But strangely we don't here anything like that from them!
And compared to T-90 the weak points in protection are quite similar.

Atleast it got enough room to accommodate new tech & frame to allow tweaks, it's freaking huge!

I didn't realise it was so much larger than comparable 4-man Leopard2A4 until the crew caught my eye. Both longer & wider, both hull & turret.

No wonder it's so heavy.

 

[IndianHawk]

https://www.thehindubusinessline.co...mark-ii-ahead-of-schedule/article24936545.ece

One of the main requirements, according to experts, was to reduce the weight of the tank as well as incorporate an anti-tank missile firing capability. The weight of Mark II has been reduced to less than 50 tonnes. The updated model has over 90 improvements over the previous version. Also, it largely relies on indigenous components.

Old report being mentioned on another forum.

Also Arjun MK2 will have 1800hp Indian engine!!

 

[Bleh]

The weight of Mark II has been reduced to less than 50 tonnes.

Also Arjun MK2 will have 1800hp Indian engine!!

That's very very very very unlikely, given they'd have to completely redesign a whole new platform& drastically reduce the volume... or build it with plastic.

The 1800hp engine target indicates that it's probably 60t. Now, that's doable.

 

[shuvo@y2k10]

Arjun mk2 design weight will be about 65 tons. That coupled to a 1800 hp CVRDE engine will give it a power to weight ratio of about 27.7 hp/ton, giving it superb manuverability and speed. In contrast, Arjun mk1: 24.1 hp/ton (at 58 tons), Arjun MK1A: 20.6 hp/ton (at 68 tons) and T-90S : 21.5 hp/ton. I hope the CVRDE developed 1800 hp engine has similar dimensions to the present german engine. This engine can then be fitted to Arjun mk1 and mk1a tanks, when they come for upgrades.

 

[Bleh]

Arjun mk2 design weight will be about 65 tons. That coupled to a 1800 hp CVRDE engine will give it a power to weight ratio of about 27.7 hp/ton, giving it superb manuverability and speed. In contrast, Arjun mk1: 24.1 hp/ton (at 58 tons), Arjun MK1A: 20.6 hp/ton (at 68 tons) and T-90S : 21.5 hp/ton. I hope the CVRDE developed 1800 hp engine has similar dimensions to the present german engine. This engine can then be fitted to Arjun mk1 and mk1a tanks, when they come for upgrades.

Given the fact that they hadn't been able to develope 1500hp in time for Mark 1A (then called Mark 2) I seriously doubt they can make 1800hp, within space constraints. Not to mention it'll result in no range gain over the fuel-guzzling old 1400hp.

Instead of try to make a <60t tank takeoff, they could address the real issues. Arjun's turret houses only 10 rounds... Abrams has 38, Challenger 2 has 50!

So if size of the 1500 engine (with Mark1A's modified transmission, more than enough for a 60t) can be reduced then they can expand the bustle.

And at some point hopefully, a compact bustle autoloader can be introduced.

 

[Veiled V I P E R 2]

We have tot for making t90 engines, cannot we use the same t90 engine in Arjun?

 

[Bleh]

We have tot for making t90 engines, cannot we use the same t90 engine in Arjun?

1000hp engine would be too underpowered... Uprating such a non-modular engine too much (basically size increase) would make it very inefficient.

If they can actually manage to get 1500hp engines for our T-90s, then that one might be used.

 

[patriots]

1000hp engine would be too underpowered... Uprating such a non-modular engine too much (basically size increase) would make it very inefficient.

If they can actually manage to get 1500hp engines for our T-90s, then that one might be used.

India already produced indigenous 1000hp engine for t72 and t90
So producing a 1500 hp engine won't be a tough
Again I too believe drdo should work on a lighter version of Arjun

 

[WolfPack86]

Army to place orders for Arjun Mk-1A, Mk-2 prototype in development
68-tonne ” Dessert Ferrari “, Arjun Mk-1A main battle tank which cleared final integration tests conducted earlier last year in the western sector of Rajasthan and has also passed the rigorous army evaluation is set to join Indian Army soon with fresh orders coming from the Indian Army likely in Defeexpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow next month. While order size is still to be revealed but it is expected that orders again will be for 118 units but this could be bigger this time said sources close to idrw.org. DRDO and Chennai-based CVRDE who have designed the improved avatar of Arjun Mk-1A MBT are pushing for orders twice the number then the originally Army had committed. 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. Mk-1A build after taking into extensive user feedback from the Army which operates two regiments (124 tanks) of Arjun Mk-1 also has fixed many minor niggles and teething issues which Army complaint about for the Arjun MBT fleet which is currently in service. Arjun MBT Mk-2 Prototypes Arjun MBT Mk-2 which will come with improved and redesigned hull and turret developed by Reliance Infra will be three tonnes lighter then Mk-1A and will have an overall weight of 65 tonnes with all Mk-1A improvements and with more features. Mk-2 prototypes are being manufactured at the company’s facility in Silvassa. Mk-2 will have over 90 improvements over the previous version more push will be to largely rely on indigenous components. New Powerplant for Mk-2 German-made MTU 1,400 horsepower engine will be replaced by CVRDE which is developing an 1800 Horse Power engine locally in collaboration with private players in India. T-90 Vs Arjun In 2010, in comparative trials between the Arjun and the T-90, not only did the Arjun hold its own, it was better in some respects than the Russian tank. In exercises lasting 96 hours, the Arjun and the T-90 faced off on 20 key operational parameters. Key among them were mobility, loading the tank with ammunition, tactical maneuvers and the most significant of all, firing at the Army’s Mahajan ranges in Rajasthan. Israeli team which designed and developed Merkava Mark IV tank were third party evaluators used by DRDO to prove Arjun MBT is the Best Tank in the segment and thus the name ” Dessert Ferrari ” was given by the Israeli team to the Arjun tank. Senior Colonel Liu Degang, deputy commander of the Beijing-based Chinese military research academy had also high praise for Arjun MBT.
https://idrw.org/army-to-place-orders-for-arjun-mk-1a-mk-2-prototype-in-development/#more-219656

 

[Bleh]

New Powerplant for Mk-2 German-made MTU 1,400 horsepower engine will be replaced by CVRDE which is developing an 1800 Horse Power engine locally in collaboration with private players in India.

India already produced indigenous 1000hp engine for t72 and t90
So producing a 1500 hp engine won't be a tough
Again I too believe drdo should work on a lighter version of Arjun

Not the same thing 1000hp & 1500hp... The difference is too much. Not only its base was already uprated from 780 to 850 then to 1000, the engine is not modular. So, you cannot just uprate it by expanding the cylinders (without completely fucking it up).

They may base their new design on this one, but they'll have to start from scratch. And that 1500hp is still not ready, let alone 1800hp. A good engine is always tough. No Indian industry is capable of anything beyond 500hp in that size.

The lighter version of Arjun is the new Mark 2, with both hull & turret modified. Hopefully we will see it in Defexo.

Arjun MBT Mk-2 which will come with improved and redesigned hull and turret developed by Reliance Infra will be three tonnes lighter than Mk-1A and will have an overall weight of 65 tonnes with all Mk-1A improvements and with more features. Mk-2 prototypes are being manufactured at the company’s facility in Silvassa.

 

[Deathstar]

Not the same thing 1000hp & 1500hp... The difference is too much. Not only its base was already uprated from 780 to 850 then to 1000, the engine is not modular. So, you cannot just uprate it by expanding the cylinders (without completely fucking it up).

They may base their new design on this one, but they'll have to start from scratch. And that 1500hp is still not ready, let alone 1800hp. A good engine is always tough. No Indian industry is capable of anything beyond 500hp in that size.

The lighter version of Arjun is the new Mark 2, with both hull & turret modified. Hopefully we will see it in Defexo.

Indian automotive companies like Tata , Ashok Leyland , Mahindra has huge experience in building truch engines so cant they produce tank engines???

 

[fire starter]

Indian automotive companies like Tata , Ashok Leyland , Mahindra has huge experience in building truch engines so cant they produce tank engines???

that's why I am pissed off when we have many automobile companies then why defence psu is developing engine can't they develop on their own.

 

[SRao]

Can the man and the tank be physically separated, and still provide the same control over the vehicle and its systems/guns etc? Not remote control, but locate the men outside the tank a few feet away, tethered to the tank, and control the tank from this perch?

Some out-of-the-box thinking...

 

[Bleh]

Indian automotive companies like Tata , Ashok Leyland , Mahindra has huge experience in building truch engines so cant they produce tank engines???

that's why I am pissed off when we have many automobile companies then why defence psu is developing engine can't they develop on their own.

Look around, have they been able to? TATA WhAP is powered by 400hp engine & they actually have most powerful Indian one, PRIMA T1 Race Truck with 1040hp (imported) engine.

Unless it is already into producing own supercars with 1000hp engines, automobile companies won't deal with anything beyond 500hp... From there 1500hp is a huge leap.

IMO jeopardising the future of Arjun series because of engine is stupidity. Import a good one like HAL is doing with Uttam AESA, then continue your development until tech is ready ready & use it in later barches.

Can the man and the tank be physically separated, and still provide the same control over the vehicle and its systems/guns etc? Not remote control, but locate the men outside the tank a few feet away, tethered to the tank, and control the tank from this perch?

Same reason drones see limited use in conventional battlefield. A whole tank regiment will be under the risk of being taken out, if the enemy manages to jam the datalink of command signals.

DRDO unmanned tank will only ever do reconnaissance, rescue & recovery.

 

[Aaj ka hero]

Not the same thing 1000hp & 1500hp... The difference is too much. Not only its base was already uprated from 780 to 850 then to 1000, the engine is not modular. So, you cannot just uprate it by expanding the cylinders (without completely fucking it up).

They may base their new design on this one, but they'll have to start from scratch. And that 1500hp is still not ready, let alone 1800hp. A good engine is always tough. No Indian industry is capable of anything beyond 500hp in that size.

The lighter version of Arjun is the new Mark 2, with both hull & turret modified. Hopefully we will see it in Defexo.

I think you can update the same engine of 1500hp to 1800hp without doing too much change.
Same Diesel engines can updated by few more horsepower without doing much change.
So, when you do make 1500hp engine you are making sure it can also achieve 1800hp without giving much pressure on engine.
What we don't know is the uppermost threshold limit?which I think is 2000hp.

 

[Aaj ka hero]

automobile companies won't deal with anything beyond 500hp

In this forum only ashok leyland tractor which won the army tender is capable of 563 horsepower was shown.
Well you have to search it.
Also do mind it is electronically limited for speed term.