At the ongoing DEFEXPO India 2012, Tata Motors have showcased its range of defense vehicles including troop carriers, combat vehicles, logistics vehicles, tactical vehicles and equipments which are in its concept stage, but the prototypes seems to have cleared the basic clearance of the defense forces for further tests and trials. The Tata Safari Storme GS 800 4×4 was the centre of attraction with its other brethren, which were Tata Safari Storme Armoured and Tata Xenon Recce 4×4.
The Tata Safari Storme GS 800 4×4 is built for the specific purpose as a general service vehicle for the armed forces.It can also be used as a patrolling vehicle, escort vehicle or a staff car. Tata’s own direct injection common rail, 2.2 liter turbocharged intercooled diesel engine pumps out 140 hp at 4000 rpm with a peak torque of 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm where power to weight ratio of the car is 33 kW per tonne. The engine can make this mammoth vehicle chase anything at a top speed of 160 kmph. The minimum turning circle diameter is 10.8 meter with a max gradeability of 26 degrees and the fording depth is 300mm. The gross vehicle weight without the payload is approximately 3000 Kilograms, which the payload could be 825 kilograms. The power steering fitted vehicle has AC with multi-directional nozzles dispenses air supply which could be adjusted for passengers with a 4-speed blower and a unique roof AC for the rear passengers which is completely concealed. The front glass of windshield has hot air type defrosting and demisting efficiency. There are airbags for driver and passenger with a lot of other safety features. These include ABS (anti-lock braking system), engine immobilizer with the central door locking by remote control along with interior light unit works the same way as theatre dimming system, the armed forces specificities,as in light for separate map reading for front as well as rear passengers, approach light, ORVM (outside rear view mirrors) with LH/RH defrosters and blinkers which can be electrically adjusted as per requirement from inside the vehicle. All the 4 side doors have power windows with door safety lamps cum puddle lamps fitted on each four door.
No doubt that this olive green mammoth is seen as the most mobile platform for transporting the officers during the conflict moments to the much appreciated peacetime across anywhere in India. This vehicle was designed and developed in Tata Motor’s facility as per the specific requirement of the Defense Forces.
Other than the Storme GS 800 the Storme Armoured is made to cater to the VVIPs for their movement without any worry, anywhere. Xenon Recce 4×4 is very much like the Storme GS 800 for it is also used in general service. The new MBPV (Micro Bullet Proof Vehicle) by Tata Motors is a very refined combat vehicle which could be used in urban warfare. The firm has launched four more vehicles for the armed forces- the Tata Light Armoured Vehicle, Tata 12×12 Prahaar Missile Carrier, Tata 6×6 7kl Refueler and Tata Mobile Bunker. There were few more concept vehicles in which Tata QDMCT (Quick Deployment Mobile Communication Terminal) was a prominent one. The idea behind these magnificent concepts of the company is primarily not to make profit but to assist the elite forces of the nation in situation of indoor combat.