Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT)

[sayareakd]

CVRDE chief, Dr P Sivakumar, an award-winning transmission specialist, is jubilant. "Earlier the army was criticising my Arjun [for weighing too much]. But, after seeing its cross-country performance, even compared with a lighter 40-tonne tank like the T-90, they realise that the Arjun moves like a Ferrari. Even at 65-66 tonnes, it will beat any MBT in the desert," he promises.

That is endorsed by Israel Military Industries (IMI), which did a "third-party evaluation" of the Arjun. Israeli experts opine that the Arjun would outrun any competition

Coming up for trials in January is an important new capability: missile firing through the Arjun Mark II's main gun. Israeli LAHAT missiles were proof-fired from the Arjun in 2004, but the sighting and control systems are now being integrated into the gunner's sight by its vendors, OIP Sensor Systems (Belgium) and SAGEM (France).


"Four major modifications — the mobility performance at 65.5 tonnes; the commander's night sight; the driver's night vision device, and ammunition containerisation — were validated this summer."

and With ERA it will be lethal and more armor............

 

[sayareakd]

just made in hurry when back from work we will discuss



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[Galaxy]

 

[JayChennai]

Finally army seems to have realized the importance and advantage of buying desi products...

 

[sayareakd]

just made in hurry when back from work we will discuss



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

i think new sight has something to do with this

this is from this site Serial Innovations – 360° Imaging earlier it was discussed there http://defenceforumindia.com/indian...ovation-bets-defence-provides-technology.html

 

[Damian]

Just as I worried, no redesign in main sight area, no ERA covarage of this area, no ERA covarage of main gun mantlet. Glacis plate upper part is not protected by ERA, side hull is not fully protected by ERA... maybe final vehicle will look better than this visualisation.

 

[Anshu Attri]

Upcoming modifications on the Arjun Mark II

Broadsword: Upcoming modifications on the Arjun Mark II

here is the list of 19 major modifications that the Arjun Mark II will feature. The list was finalized after extensive user opinion canvassing and feedback from the DGQA, DGEME, OFB, other DRDO labs.

1. Missile firing capability
2. Commander's TI panoramic sight Mk II
3. Driver's uncooled thermal imaging night sight
4. Additional ammunition (don't ask"¦ won't tell!)
5. Enhanced ammunition penetrator
6. Effective alternative to muzzle reference sight (MRS)
7. Resin-based CCC
8. Ten-round containerised bin
9. Explosive reactive armour panels
10. Infra-red/Thermal imaging resistant paint
11. Air defence weapon remote firing
12. ALWCS (advanced laser warning and countermeasure system)
13. Roof mounted driver's seat
14. ATT in GMS (gunner's main sight)
15. Advanced land navigation system
16. New final drive with increased reduction ratio
17. Advanced running gear system
18. New track system
19. Mine plough

In addition, there are 74 "minor" improvements (adding up to 93 improvements in all) that are not really that minor. For example:

1. An improved sprocket wheel that modifies the manufacturing process from rolled homogenous armour (which required gas cutting and machining) to a forged sprocket which is 50% the cost, 50% easier to build and gives a longer life.

2. Another minor modification is the incorporation of stainless steel fuel tanks. The painting required for the insides of the earlier mild steel tanks was creating residue that clogged the fuel lines and filters. But stainless steel requires no painting.

3. Internal electrical wiring has been comprehensively re-laid, incorporating the dozens of modifications that have been incrementally carried out over the years. The wiring has now been laid systematically, making it easier to track and repair.

4. The radio harness has been modified, and internal communications are now digital. That makes it easier to integrate audio alarms and provides an SMS facility between the crew (how 'bout sum chai?). It is totally noise free"¦ now the crew can communicate easily.

5. Another improvement is the incorporation of a new compact Auxillary Power Unit (APU), which provides 8 KW of electrical power (uprated from the existing 4.5 KW APU). This requirement is based on fresh load budgeting calculations, allowing the tank to operate in "silent mode" with the additional electronics"¦ also keeping a cushion for future electronic enhancements.

Of these 93 modifications, 45 have already been tested during trials in summer 2011"¦ having been incorporated on one "improved Arjun Mk I" tank. A second tank is being cut open to put in three major modifications, including the commander's panoramic sight Mk II.

I could bore you all at some length with this kind of stuff, but will let you chew on this for now"¦

 

[bhramos]

some modifications on Mark 2

 

[Defcon 1]

i have a question, first army said that the weight of the tank should be decreased, now they want to be increased.......anyone knows why????

 

[SPIEZ]

Upcoming modifications on the Arjun Mark II

Broadsword: Upcoming modifications on the Arjun Mark II

here is the list of 19 major modifications that the Arjun Mark II will feature. The list was finalized after extensive user opinion canvassing and feedback from the DGQA, DGEME, OFB, other DRDO labs.

1. Missile firing capability
2. Commander's TI panoramic sight Mk II
3. Driver's uncooled thermal imaging night sight
4. Additional ammunition (don't ask"¦ won't tell!)
5. Enhanced ammunition penetrator
6. Effective alternative to muzzle reference sight (MRS)
7. Resin-based CCC
8. Ten-round containerised bin
9. Explosive reactive armour panels
10. Infra-red/Thermal imaging resistant paint
11. Air defence weapon remote firing
12. ALWCS (advanced laser warning and countermeasure system)
13. Roof mounted driver's seat
14. ATT in GMS (gunner's main sight)
15. Advanced land navigation system
16. New final drive with increased reduction ratio
17. Advanced running gear system
18. New track system
19. Mine plough

In addition, there are 74 "minor" improvements (adding up to 93 improvements in all) that are not really that minor. For example:

1. An improved sprocket wheel that modifies the manufacturing process from rolled homogenous armour (which required gas cutting and machining) to a forged sprocket which is 50% the cost, 50% easier to build and gives a longer life.

2. Another minor modification is the incorporation of stainless steel fuel tanks. The painting required for the insides of the earlier mild steel tanks was creating residue that clogged the fuel lines and filters. But stainless steel requires no painting.

3. Internal electrical wiring has been comprehensively re-laid, incorporating the dozens of modifications that have been incrementally carried out over the years. The wiring has now been laid systematically, making it easier to track and repair.

4. The radio harness has been modified, and internal communications are now digital. That makes it easier to integrate audio alarms and provides an SMS facility between the crew (how 'bout sum chai?). It is totally noise free"¦ now the crew can communicate easily.

5. Another improvement is the incorporation of a new compact Auxillary Power Unit (APU), which provides 8 KW of electrical power (uprated from the existing 4.5 KW APU). This requirement is based on fresh load budgeting calculations, allowing the tank to operate in "silent mode" with the additional electronics"¦ also keeping a cushion for future electronic enhancements.

Of these 93 modifications, 45 have already been tested during trials in summer 2011"¦ having been incorporated on one "improved Arjun Mk I" tank. A second tank is being cut open to put in three major modifications, including the commander's panoramic sight Mk II.

I could bore you all at some length with this kind of stuff, but will let you chew on this for now"¦

What are points 7 and 8 ?
7. Resin-based CCC
8. Ten-round containerised bin

 

[p2prada]

i have a question, first army said that the weight of the tank should be decreased, now they want to be increased.......anyone knows why????

Don't think the Army said the second part. The MK1 is supposed to be overweight. But a better engine will handle that weight.

The Mk2 will have add on armour like ERA and NERA, so there will be an obvious weight increase.

 

[p2prada]

What are points 7 and 8 ?
7. Resin-based CCC

An outer cover for the tank ammo. Other types are made of metal which have disadvantages compared to Resin based CCC.

8. Ten-round containerised bin

Ammo storage as is behind the T-90MS tank. Even that carries 10 shells at the back of the turret.

 

[Defcon 1]

Don't think the Army said the second part. The MK1 is supposed to be overweight. But a better engine will handle that weight.

The Mk2 will have add on armour like ERA and NERA, so there will be an obvious weight increase.

i have proof, here is the link, or read the third paragraph of the article below

Defence News - Heavier, Lethal, State-Of-The-Art Arjun II Tank Poised For Trials

A heavier, more protected Arjun tank with state-of-the-art technologies, called the Arjun Mark II, is poised for army trials very soon. Scheduled for January and June 2012, successful trials would give a green signal for building 124 Arjun Mark II's at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, outside Chennai. These will supplement the 124 Arjuns Mark I already in frontline service.A heavier, more protected Arjun tank with state-of-the-art technologies, called the Arjun Mark II, is poised for army trials very soon. Scheduled for January and June 2012, successful trials would give a green signal for building 124 Arjun Mark II's at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, outside Chennai. These will supplement the 124 Arjuns Mark I already in frontline service.

Preparing the new Arjun for trials is the Central Vehicle R&D Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, which steered the Arjun through a difficult and delayed development process; to it's emergence as India's premier main battle tank (MBT). In March 2010, after the Arjun outperformed the vaunted Russian T-90S in performance trials in Rajasthan, an impressed Indian Army accepted 124 Arjuns into service. But the army has made a follow-on order conditional upon 93 improvements to the Arjun, including 19 major modifications. The CVRDE is finalising these modifications.

The Arjun Mark II's most remarkable feature is it's extra weight, 3-4 tonnes more than the earlier 62-tonne Arjun. For years the army criticised the Arjun as too heavy for India's road and rail infrastructure; now it wants modifications that will make the Arjun heavier. Fitting Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) plates on the tank has boosted crew protection, but also increases the weight by one and a half tonnes. An equivalent increase comes from added mine ploughs, which churn up the ground ahead of the tank, uprooting explosive mines that would otherwise blow up the tank.

Army ran the modified Arjun for 1,300 kilometres, gradually loading dead weight until it was 65.5 tonnes. The upgraded Arjun's performance, acceleration, torque, working temperature and fuel consumption were better than the Arjun Mark I.

Also modified is the tank's hydro-pneumatic suspension which is now capable of handling a 70-tonne load. This also incorporates some newly-developed technologies to overcome occasional problems that the Arjun Mark I has grappled with during it's development period: grease leakage and track shedding.

The trade-off, though, is in maximum speed. The Arjun Mark II does just 60 kmph, compared with the 70 kmph top speed of the Arjun Mark I. But the army has accepted this trade-off. "Tanks need agility and acceleration in battle, not sustained high speed. And the advantages of ERA and a mine plough are enormous," says a tank officer.

CVRDE chief, Dr P Sivakumar, an award-winning transmission specialist, is jubilant. "Earlier the army was criticising my Arjun [for weighing too much]. But, after seeing its cross-country performance, even compared with a lighter 40-tonne tank like the T-90, they realise that the Arjun moves like a Ferrari. Even at 65-66 tonnes, it will beat any MBT in the desert," he promises.

Sivakumar backs that with the endorsement of a team from Israel Military Industries (IMI), designers of the renowned Merkava tank. Talking to Indian Army generals after a "third-party evaluation" of the Arjun, Israeli experts declared that the Arjun, especially ruggedised for Indian conditions, would outrun any competition.

Another crucial improvement in the Mark II is the tank commander's thermal imaging (TI) night sight, which replaces the day-only sight of the earlier Arjun. Now the Arjun can operate at night in "hunter-killer" mode - the commander as hunter; and the gunner as killer. The commander scans the battlefield through his new TI sight; targets that he spots are electronically allocated to the gunner to destroy, while he returns to hunting for more targets.

The Mark II also equips the driver with a new night vision device based on "un-cooled thermal imaging", allowing him to clearly see 300-500 metres, even on a pitch-dark night. The "image intensifier" device in the Mark I required some ambient light. A DRDO laboratory, Instrument R&D Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun, has built the new driver's sight.

"We also now have an ammunition containerisation system. If the tank is hit, and the on-board ammunition explodes, it will blow outwards, saving the crew. A metallic box with 'blow-off panels' directs the explosion outwards," explains Kumaravel.

The man who oversees the Arjun project, DRDO's Chief Controller for Armament and Combat Engineering (CC-ACE), S Sundaresh, says: "Four major modifications - the mobility performance at 65.5 tonnes; the commander's night sight; the driver's night vision device, and ammunition containerisation - were validated this summer."

Coming up for trials in January is an important new capability: missile firing through the Arjun Mark II's main gun. Israeli LAHAT missiles were proof-fired from the Arjun in 2004, but the sighting and control systems are now being integrated into the gunner's sight by it's vendors, OIP Sensor Systems (Belgium) and SAGEM (France).

The army will evaluate these new capabilities during make-or-break trials next summer. Just one crucial system will come later, perhaps next October: a "laser warning counter measure system." This senses the laser beam that incoming missiles ride, giving just 10-15 seconds of reaction time. Within milliseconds, the system automatically launches smoke grenades, creating a smokescreen around one's own tank that leaves the missile operator without a target to aim at.

All these upgrades, will make eventually make the Arjun Mark II one of the most formidable battle tanks ever built.

 

[p2prada]

Jingo article and does not explain everything. The Army has asked for a heavier version only to keep it on par or even make it better than the T-90. But at the same time the article does not mention that the Army also wants more powerful engines.

The reason for the Mk1 being too heavy was that the engine power wasn't enough. The same engine can be made better and also the transmission. Now it looks like transmission modifications were sought by the Army and DRDO delivered. They are just chest thumping about it. Once the new engine comes online the tank will perform even better. But performance on road isn't the only improvement sought. There will be plenty and we won't know everything.

It's not that the weight of the tank should be increased. If DRDO can provide a Abrams type tank to the IA and weighs only 40 tons then IA will be jubilant too. If DRDO can deliver Arjun with all the improvements and keep the weight below 60 tons then the Army will be very happy. 66 tons is the best DRDO can do with the tank, so we have to be satisfied with it. In the end the Army will decide.

 

[Yatharth Singh]

I JUST WANT TO SEE THE NEW BEAST!. BRING IT ON.
lol. Over excitement you know.

Btw any real pic of mk-2 available?

 

[p2prada]

I JUST WANT TO SEE THE NEW BEAST!. BRING IT ON.
lol. Over excitement you know.

Btw any real pic of mk-2 available?

Construction has not even started yet.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

I JUST WANT TO SEE THE NEW BEAST!. BRING IT ON.
lol. Over excitement you know.

Btw any real pic of mk-2 available?

Their is only 1 prototype of MK-2, The Prototype -2 will be look alike the animated pic in last page..

There are no pics available yet..

i have a question, first army said that the weight of the tank should be decreased, now they want to be increased.......anyone knows why????

Because Most MK2 are going to Operate in Thar, Punjab and Gujarat, These Beasts can swim in canals and run long in desert or semi desert, Their are no main bridges there, Savatra Bridge laying vehicle help Arjuns to move where it needed, Arjun MK-1/2 are deployed in quick reaction units unlike T-90S / T-72M1 Medium weighted tank in Strike crops, Though its possible if number continue, We may see it Strike crop in Punjab and Rajasthan..

Rail and Tatra vehicles can carry them where they needed to be deployed, But its operation are majorly in Western sector..

 

[Austin]

Ajai shukla mentions there will be no engine change this is what he states

Who has told you that the Arjun Mark II would be getting a new engine?

A new engine would require re-engineering of the kind that would delay the Mark II beyond acceptability.

Instead, the 1400 HP engine's output has been optimised by re-engineering the tank's final drive... and re-arranging the gear ratios so as to obtain more torque at lower speeds... and obtain fast acceleration, lower operating speeds and better fuel economy.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

[h=3]Upcoming modifications on the Arjun Mark II [/h]

Folks,


I know, like every married person, that "major" and "minor" are relative terms. But here is the list of 19 major modifications that the Arjun Mark II will feature. The list was finalized after extensive user opinion canvassing and feedback from the DGQA, DGEME, OFB, other DRDO labs.


1. Missile firing capability
2. Commander's TI panoramic sight Mk II
3. Driver's uncooled thermal imaging night sight
4. Additional ammunition (don't ask"¦ won't tell!)
5. Enhanced ammunition penetrator
6. Effective alternative to muzzle reference sight (MRS)
7. Resin-based CCC
8. Ten-round containerised bin
9. Explosive reactive armour panels
10. Infra-red/Thermal imaging resistant paint
11. Air defence weapon remote firing
12. ALWCS (advanced laser warning and countermeasure system)
13. Roof mounted driver's seat
14. ATT in GMS (gunner's main sight)
15. Advanced land navigation system
16. New final drive with increased reduction ratio
17. Advanced running gear system
18. New track system
19. Mine plough


In addition, there are 74 "minor" improvements (adding up to 93 improvements in all) that are not really that minor. For example:


1. An improved sprocket wheel that modifies the manufacturing process from rolled homogenous armour (which required gas cutting and machining) to a forged sprocket which is 50% the cost, 50% easier to build and gives a longer life.


2. Another minor modification is the incorporation of stainless steel fuel tanks. The painting required for the insides of the earlier mild steel tanks was creating residue that clogged the fuel lines and filters. But stainless steel requires no painting.


3. Internal electrical wiring has been comprehensively re-laid, incorporating the dozens of modifications that have been incrementally carried out over the years. The wiring has now been laid systematically, making it easier to track and repair.


4. The radio harness has been modified, and internal communications are now digital. That makes it easier to integrate audio alarms and provides an SMS facility between the crew (how 'bout sum chai?). It is totally noise free"¦ now the crew can communicate easily.


5. Another improvement is the incorporation of a new compact Auxillary Power Unit (APU), which provides 8 KW of electrical power (uprated from the existing 4.5 KW APU). This requirement is based on fresh load budgeting calculations, allowing the tank to operate in "silent mode" with the additional electronics"¦ also keeping a cushion for future electronic enhancements.


Of these 93 modifications, 45 have already been tested during trials in summer 2011"¦ having been incorporated on one "improved Arjun Mk I" tank. A second tank is being cut open to put in three major modifications, including the commander's panoramic sight Mk II.


I could bore you all at some length with this kind of stuff, but will let you chew on this for now"¦


Broadsword: Upcoming modifications on the Arjun Mark II

 

[Galaxy]

Large orders can make Arjun tank cheaper

Ajai Shukla / Avadi/ Chennai November 26, 2011

The army could clear the indigenous Arjun Mark II main battle tank (MBT) for frontline service after trials next year, but a question mark hangs over the Arjun's prohibitive cost. Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi (HVF) has already built 124 Arjun Mark I tanks for the army at Rs 18 crore per tank. But on 29th August, Defence Minister AK Antony sprung a bombshell when he announced in Parliament that, "The likely estimated (sic) cost of each MBT Arjun Mark-II"¦ will be approximately Rs 37 crore."

This is twice the price of the Russian T-90 and not much cheaper than USA's M1 Abrams, the world's most advanced MBT. On 1st July 11, the US Congress was notified that Egypt would buy 125 Abrams tanks for $1.3 billion — i.e. $10.4 million, or Rs 54 crore, per tank.

During a visit to HVF and to the Central Vehicles R&D Establishment (CVRDE), which has developed the Arjun, Business Standard was explained that the cost of the Arjun is easily reduced. If the army places a larger order the price will drop by 30 per cent.
P Sivakumar, Director of CVRDE, explains that 50 per cent of the cost of the Arjun Mark I went on three imported components —the gunner's main sight (GMS) from OIP Systems, Belgium; the gun control equipment (GCE) from Bosch, Germany; and the power pack (engine and transmission) from Renk, Germany — which together cost Rs 12 crore. Ordering just 124 pieces left little leeway to beat down that price.

"If you are talking just 124 tanks, there is a problem. Bring an order for 500 tanks. We will go for ToT (transfer of technology) for the foreign parts"¦ The cost of labour in Germany is the highest in the world. We will build 70 per cent cheaper in India. If we buy the power pack of the Arjun for Rs 7.5 crore on Friday"¦ I will produce it in India for just Rs 4-5 crore," says Sivakumar.

For an army with more than 3,500 tanks, including 2,400 obsolescent T-72s that are crying out for replacement, ordering just 124 Arjun Mark IIs seems unduly cautious. But the army has little incentive to reduce cost. Though the generals are now willing to order more Arjuns, they are placing their orders piecemeal.

Since most of the Arjun's 10,000 components are outsourced, the size of the order is a crucial determinant of what price they are supplied at. Says RK Jain, Additional DG of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) who oversees HVF: "If the army's indent is for just 124 tanks, the vendors charge higher prices. Besides, the amortisation cost of jigs, tools and equipment is reduced over a larger order. HVF and CVRDE have been jointly requesting the army to confirm an order of at least 250 Arjun Mark IIs so that we can negotiate from a stronger position," says Jain.

Another reason for the Arjun Mark II's rising cost becomes obvious at the Arjun production line at HVF, where the army is collecting the last of 124 Arjuns that were cleared for production in 2008. Just as the Rs 50 crore Arjun line has hit its stride, it must shut down for at least two years since another order can come only after the Arjun Mark II trials next year.

I walk through the giant workshop, now almost empty, with the HVF manager who oversees Arjun production, HR Dixit. "Even if the army clears the Arjun Mark II next summer, and indents for 124 more tanks by October 2012 (an optimistic time-frame), we require at least 12 months for obtaining the items that go into the Arjun. So end-2013 is the earliest that the Arjun assembly line can restart," says Dixit.

The skilled workers on the Arjun line, who have developed invaluable expertise while building 124 Arjun tanks, will be distributed to other parts of HVF, Dixit tells me.

"We can send our workers to HVF's other lines. But what can we do about the dislocation of our sub-contractors, many of them small enterprises around Chennai, who supply thousands of Arjun components like fuel pipes and bearings. They will seek other work because they know they will get no orders until an indent is placed for the Arjun Mk II. And, when we need them again, they might not be available," says Ashutosh Kumar, works manager.

Large orders can make Arjun tank cheaper