Arjun News & Discussions

[Adux]

43rd Armour Regiment and ex-officer’s satisfied with Arjun Tank
7 May, 2007 (FIDSNS)

Replying to Standing Committe on Defence(2004-2005) the representative of the Ministry of Defence during oral evidence has stated “We have no difficulty to go this summer with the five tanks which the Army would like to put through its own accelerated user trials. Arjun has been checked by the DRDO alongwith 43 Armour Regiment”

On April 22, 2006, in an ‘Know Your Army’ exhibition, when asked by a reporter on Arjun tank, Brig (Retd) Prabir Goswami replied “it’s a highly-sophisticated tank with several state-of-the-art components and a ”very high first round hit capability,” a must to survive in an increasingly hostile battlefield having multiple anti-tank threats compounded by developed terrain restrictions on India’s western border.”

On being asked that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed MBT Arjun’s 120 mm-calibre rifled gun was of the same diameter as the M256 smoothbore gun on the US Army’s M1A2 Abrams, the expert said, ”The gun is very important but it is a part of a weapon system - the whole tank - and the difference is that the Americans are old hands at this game.

”The American advantage of private firms manufacturing prototypes for trials, as part of a competitive environment entailing selection of the best, bespeaks of the amount of finances these firms are willing to spend to develop such sophisticated weaponry. Still, the MBT has several good points and should help the DRDO develop more efficient models in future.”

Brig (Retd) Prabir Goswami who commanded 16 Independent Armoured Brigade during Operation Vijay the Kargil conflict is also awarded with Vishisht Seva Medal.

Arjun Tank and DRDO have been under attack from vested interest from both within the Indian Army, middlemen and foreign agencies who would not like to see India to produce major weapon systems indegenously. While there have doctored media report in media against Arjun Tank, the Indian Army Tank users do not have problems with Arjun Tank. The T-90S tanks imported from Russia are under cloud as the tanks have developed defects. The tanks were imported without proper testing and despite the T-90S failing tests in Indian desert conditions. T-90S is not ment for Indian conditions, where as, Arjun Tank has been tested more than 100,000 kilometers and perfected in Indian conditions.


http://*****************/43rd-armour-regiment-and-ex-officers-satisfied-with-arjun-tank/

 

[con]

The production of Main Battle Tank Arjun has commenced at Heavy Vehicle Factory (HVF) -- Avadi, Chennai. Army has placed an indent for manufacture of 124 Tanks at a cost of Rs. 1760 crore. As on 31st March 2007, HVF has made an expenditure of Rs. 1270.82 crore against this indent.

An indent for manufacture of 124 Tanks has been placed on Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in March 2000. Five Tanks have already been handed over to Army in 2005 and nine more Tanks are ready for delivery. The remaining quantity is expected to be delivered by 2009.

All issues related to production of MBT Arjun have been resolved and the production is getting stabilized. At present there is no such proposal to take cooperation of private sector as a joint venture. However, private sector is involved in the project as supplier of various components/assemblies.

Presently, Army is using tanks imported from various countries. This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi in Rajya Sabha today.

The Arjun (Mk I) was developed after three decades of identifying requirements, design, evaluation, redesign process involving the DRDO and the Indian Army. Weighing in at 58.5 tons, it is significantly heavier than the Soviet-era T-series tanks used presently by the Indian Army, and requires changes to the army's logistics establishment. This along with concerns about the imported content and the required changes in production facilities has slowed adoption by the Indian Army.

Armed with a 120 mm rifled gun, it is capable of firing APFSDS (Kinetic Energy) rounds, HE, HEAT, High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) rounds and the Israeli semi-active laser guided LAHAT missile. In addition, it is armed with a 12.7 mm AA machine gun and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.

A special prefragmented round is also under development. This shell has a proximity fuse designed to be used against low-flying aircraft, such as attack helicopters. This round could now be supplanted by the LAHAT ATGM which is to be acquired for the Arjuns.

The Fire Control System is stabilised on two axes, and with an extremely high hit probability (design criteria call for a greater than 90% Pk) replaces an earlier analogue one, which had problems due to the extreme conditions during tests. The combined day sight from Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Thermal imager (formerly from Sagem, now reported to be from El-Op) is the gunner's primary sight. The first batch of tanks of the 124 ordered by the Army, will have an all digital Sagem FCS, whereas the second block will have the BEL unit, which will be used for all units thereafter. The design and development of the BEL IGMS (Indigenous Gunners Main Sight), the name for the local fire control system, is a huge step forward for Indian industry, given its demanding specifications. The commander's own stabilised panoramic sight, allows him to engage targets and/or hand them over to the gunner. The Arjun was to be supplied by an auxiliary power unit to operate weapon systems in silent watch mode, but space constraints may have led to this requirement being dropped.

The tank incorporates GPS based navigation systems, sophisticated frequency hopping radios. The state-of-the-art Battlefield Management System, developed by DRDO allows it to network with other fighting units. It is protected by a Laser warning system and smoke launchers for counter measures. To further enhance combat survivability, the tank has an auto-fire detection and suppression system. Ammunition is also stowed in watertight containers to reduce the risk of fire.

Arjun has been designed with Western design practices in mind, especially reflected in its crew protection features. With a crew of four, it incorporates heavy composite armour and significant crew protection measures, including ammunition separated from the crew, and blow off panels on the turret bustle, and an integrated fire detection and suppression system. It also incorporates nuclear, biological and chemical protection. Further, Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) panels can be added, though the current Kanchan armour is deemed sufficient for the Arjuns tank-killing role. The turret and glacis are heavily armoured and use "Kanchan" (gold) composite armour. A new honeycomb design Non-explosive and non-energetic reactive armour (NERA) armour is being tested on the Arjun and is reported to be working perfectly. The turret has been designed with the ergonomics of Indian Army troops in mind. The typical crew consists of a Gunner, Commander, Loader and Driver.

The engine and transmission are provided by MTU and Renk respectively. The engine generates 1,400 hp and is integrated with an Indian turbocharger and gearbox. A local transmission is under trials and will ultimately replace the Renk supplied unit. The tracks which were being supplied by Diehl are now being manufactured by L & T, an Indian company. The cooling pack has been designed for desert operations. The Arjun has a lower ground pressure than the lighter T-72, due to its design. The Arjun, despite using a bulkier and older powerplant than comparable western tanks, still boasts a lower silhouette. This was a significant design success for Indian engineers.

The Arjun has a state of the art hydro-pneumatic suspension. This coupled with the Arjun's excellent stabilisation and fire control system, allows the tank superb first-hit probability. Its ride comfort is highly praised, though on the negative side, it is a more maintenance-intensive and expensive system, even if more capable, than the simpler and cheaper torsion bar system utilized on many tanks worldwide.

The Arjun has a capability to network with other tanks, thanks to its Battle Management System. In a search and engage operation, referred to as the "Wolfpack/Hunter Network", several Arjun Tanks can monitor an opponent and his moves, and eliminate him in a chase or ambuscade.

http://www.india-defence.com/reports-3162

 

[Bull]

CHENNAI: The first batch of 14 Arjun MBTs (Main Battle Tanks), the Defence Research and Development Organisation's flagship weapons system, has been delivered to the Army and they are to be put on reliability analysis in Rajasthan deserts this June.

Talking to reporters, who visited the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of the DRDO here on Saturday, S. Sundaresh, Director, said that in 2000 the Army had placed orders for 124 Arjun tanks, enough to equip two regiments.

Rs. 50-cr. facility


The CVRDE established a Rs. 50-crore facility here to complete delivery of the entire consignment to the Army by July 2009. "We, however, are keen to get orders for another batch of at least 124 MBTs to put the facility to its optimum use," said R. Jayakumar, Additional Director, CVRDE.

Earlier, Mr. Sundaresh said Arjun underwent exhaustive field trials before the Army placed the orders. Thermal imaging for nigh-time warfare, high acceleration, mobility and hydro gas suspension were some of the significant features of the totally indigenous Arjun, comparable to all tanks of its class in the world.

Factory's progress


Highlighting the performance of the factory, Mr. Sundaresh said noteworthy progress had been made in armoured patrol car, armoured recovery vehicle, self-propelled medium artillery gun and bridge layer tanks. Scientists were working on missile firing capability, advance air defence gun, automatic target tracking and stealth technology such as unmanned drones, which detect and clear mines.

Mr. Jayakumar said Arjun was the most tested battle tank in the world, as it had clocked 70,000 km, in addition to about 10,000 trial firings. Major General H.M. Singh, Additional Director in charge of trial and evaluation, said last year's user field trial report had certified that the accuracy and consistency of the weapon system was proved beyond doubt.

R. Shankar, Director of Combat Vehicles, DRDO headquarters at New Delhi, said a total of 27 tanks — 15 pre-production and 12 prototype — were produced with a budget outlay of a "paltry" Rs. 300 crore. Arjun was the cheapest tank in its class, he said, adding the CVRDE was ready to supply the system to friendly nations if the Government takes a policy decision


http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=8679

 

[ahussains]

43rd Armour Regiment and ex-officer’s satisfied with Arjun Tank
7 May, 2007 (FIDSNS)

Replying to Standing Committe on Defence(2004-2005) the representative of the Ministry of Defence during oral evidence has stated “We have no difficulty to go this summer with the five tanks which the Army would like to put through its own accelerated user trials. Arjun has been checked by the DRDO alongwith 43 Armour Regiment”

On April 22, 2006, in an ‘Know Your Army’ exhibition, when asked by a reporter on Arjun tank, Brig (Retd) Prabir Goswami replied “it’s a highly-sophisticated tank with several state-of-the-art components and a ”very high first round hit capability,” a must to survive in an increasingly hostile battlefield having multiple anti-tank threats compounded by developed terrain restrictions on India’s western border.”

On being asked that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed MBT Arjun’s 120 mm-calibre rifled gun was of the same diameter as the M256 smoothbore gun on the US Army’s M1A2 Abrams, the expert said, ”The gun is very important but it is a part of a weapon system - the whole tank - and the difference is that the Americans are old hands at this game.

”The American advantage of private firms manufacturing prototypes for trials, as part of a competitive environment entailing selection of the best, bespeaks of the amount of finances these firms are willing to spend to develop such sophisticated weaponry. Still, the MBT has several good points and should help the DRDO develop more efficient models in future.”

Brig (Retd) Prabir Goswami who commanded 16 Independent Armoured Brigade during Operation Vijay the Kargil conflict is also awarded with Vishisht Seva Medal.

Arjun Tank and DRDO have been under attack from vested interest from both within the Indian Army, middlemen and foreign agencies who would not like to see India to produce major weapon systems indegenously. While there have doctored media report in media against Arjun Tank, the Indian Army Tank users do not have problems with Arjun Tank. The T-90S tanks imported from Russia are under cloud as the tanks have developed defects. The tanks were imported without proper testing and despite the T-90S failing tests in Indian desert conditions. T-90S is not ment for Indian conditions, where as, Arjun Tank has been tested more than 100,000 kilometers and perfected in Indian conditions.


http://*****************/43rd-armour-regiment-and-ex-officers-satisfied-with-arjun-tank/

Well Well its really nice to here at last some thing about the Arjun is it finally completed or handed over for the Trials to 43 Regiment. Did they make some more changes in the Design Weight Armour Engine or in any other area ??

 

[Adux]

 

[Interceptor]

Cool kit for soldiers in tanks
JOY SENGUPTA
Heat escape

Ranchi, May 5: India’s main battle tank will never be the same again.

A team of engineers, led by Suchitangshu Chatterjee, from the Ranchi-based Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (Mecon) Ltd, has developed the technology to keep gunners cool in the confined space and for a long period.

The device, smaller than a tabletop computer, took eight years to develop. It was tested in desert conditions on India’s western front and in Chennai, where the main battle tank, Arjun, is built, says a communication from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The army has found it suitable for use.

An elated Chatterjee told The Telegraph that only the US had the technology so far to keep a tank in motion “cool”.

Conditions inside a tank, he said, are demanding and the temperature hovers between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. Sitting in the cramped conditions and in such heat takes a toll on the toughest of soldiers. Many gunners have suffered anxiety syndrome, loss of memory and even temporary insanity.

An airconditioner cannot be fitted in the tank, Chatterjee, a deputy general manager in the company he joined in 1987, said. Any device to be designed by the team had to be small and access energy conveniently. The device ensures continuous air-flow, through tubes, to a special costume that keeps body temperature hovering between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. This will now protect the gunners from fatigue.

The Mecon team has also developed a pair of battery-operated gloves and socks for soldiers camping at high altitudes and in severe cold. They are yet to undergo field tests, though.

But Chatterjee exuded confidence that they would function in Siachen, where the field tests are likely to be conducted.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060506/asp/frontpage/index.asp

 

[Adux]

Now that is an impressive equipment, 22 - 24 degree's in my opinion the best temperatures to work in.

 

[Interceptor]

The source is from 2006 though, what is happening to the Arjun from that point I am still puzzeled with. The report you showed is weired with respect it shows a opposite opinion from the past when the tank was said not performing up to need and now its performing this is probably a media spining.

 

[Interceptor]

The thing about the Arjun I like is that its robust it has that flair to become a top tank but it requires lots safe tuning I mean why not ask Russia to participate in the Arjun its your close ally and it has the Worlds best tanks I really mean that.

 

[BATMAN]

The device ensures continuous air-flow, through tubes, to a special costume that keeps body temperature hovering between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius.

I wonder how long it can work.
I strongly believe that it would be some thing very impractical for tanks application.
The details of device are not mentioned but I assume it may be some sort of tubes assembly which is sprayed with nitrogen sort of gas through tubes, with tiny jets.
Hence at some point this device may needs to be refilled or connected to a larger gas storage tank, again impractical in war situation.

 

[Keysersoze]

Cool kit for soldiers in tanks
JOY SENGUPTA
Heat escape

Ranchi, May 5: India’s main battle tank will never be the same again.

A team of engineers, led by Suchitangshu Chatterjee, from the Ranchi-based Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (Mecon) Ltd, has developed the technology to keep gunners cool in the confined space and for a long period.

The device, smaller than a tabletop computer, took eight years to develop. It was tested in desert conditions on India’s western front and in Chennai, where the main battle tank, Arjun, is built, says a communication from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The army has found it suitable for use.

An elated Chatterjee told The Telegraph that only the US had the technology so far to keep a tank in motion “cool”.

Conditions inside a tank, he said, are demanding and the temperature hovers between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. Sitting in the cramped conditions and in such heat takes a toll on the toughest of soldiers. Many gunners have suffered anxiety syndrome, loss of memory and even temporary insanity.

An airconditioner cannot be fitted in the tank, Chatterjee, a deputy general manager in the company he joined in 1987, said. Any device to be designed by the team had to be small and access energy conveniently. The device ensures continuous air-flow, through tubes, to a special costume that keeps body temperature hovering between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. This will now protect the gunners from fatigue.

The Mecon team has also developed a pair of battery-operated gloves and socks for soldiers camping at high altitudes and in severe cold. They are yet to undergo field tests, though.

But Chatterjee exuded confidence that they would function in Siachen, where the field tests are likely to be conducted.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060506/asp/frontpage/index.asp

I believe that this is not related to the Arjun but to the T-series of tanks. The T-series cannot retro-actively fit a air-con unit because of the turret size (The air-con units were not ordered with the tanks) It doesn't make sense that a large turret like the one on the Arjun would not have room to fit a air-con unit. and if it didn't have one electronics on the system would be under greater stress because of the heat etc etc.

 

[Interceptor]

I believe that this is not related to the Arjun but to the T-series of tanks. The T-series cannot retro-actively fit a air-con unit because of the turret size (The air-con units were not ordered with the tanks) It doesn't make sense that a large turret like the one on the Arjun would not have room to fit a air-con unit. and if it didn't have one electronics on the system would be under greater stress because of the heat etc etc.

Keys for your information Arjun is still under development .

 

[Interceptor]

Keys when I read it I thought it was about the Arjun tank if you believe it shouldn't belong here delete its probably my mistake. However, I remember reading that the Arjun had heating problems with engine and crew.

 

[Keysersoze]

Keys when I read it I thought it was about the Arjun tank if you believe it shouldn't belong here delete its probably my mistake. However, I remember reading that the Arjun had heating problems with engine and crew.

Hey it might be relevant to this thread I am not sure.....so it will stay for now.

 

[Keysersoze]

The Mecon team has also developed a pair of battery-operated gloves and socks for soldiers camping at high altitudes and in severe cold. They are yet to undergo field tests, though.

But Chatterjee exuded confidence that they would function in Siachen, where the field tests are likely to be conducted.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060506/asp/frontpage/index.asp

On a related note the above ideas are a utter waste of time. They were commercially marketed for a while (for skiers)and were a failure because a) battery life is poor and b) the weight is still prohibitive when working at higher altitudes (where every gram counts)