sudhir007
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The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Nation
The Army is modifying its BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles to enhance their amphibious capability, especially for sea-borne assault operations. The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) along with the private industry has undertaken the project, which will involve retrofitting hydrojets on either side of the combat vehicles for propulsion in water. These jets would increase their power and speed, overcoming the limitation of using the BMP’s tracks for propulsion.
The BMP is a fully amphibious combat vehicle and uses its tracks to “swim” while negotiating water obstacles like rivers. The hydrojets will increase its amphibious speed from 7 kph to 12 kph in seas.
According to Army officers, enhanced speed and power have impact during operations in the seas where tides and high water levels have to be taken into account. Higher speeds and power would give commander greater options while planning operations.
The Army has several versions of the BMP that equip the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the Brigade of Guards. Some specialised versions are also in service with the armoured corps and the engineers. Though of Russian origin, they are manufactured in India by the ordnance factories.
There are over 1,500 BMPs in service with the Army. The Army also has a project to upgrade its entire fleet of BMPs with better armour protection, enhanced mobility and increased firepower.
The Army is modifying its BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles to enhance their amphibious capability, especially for sea-borne assault operations. The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) along with the private industry has undertaken the project, which will involve retrofitting hydrojets on either side of the combat vehicles for propulsion in water. These jets would increase their power and speed, overcoming the limitation of using the BMP’s tracks for propulsion.
The BMP is a fully amphibious combat vehicle and uses its tracks to “swim” while negotiating water obstacles like rivers. The hydrojets will increase its amphibious speed from 7 kph to 12 kph in seas.
According to Army officers, enhanced speed and power have impact during operations in the seas where tides and high water levels have to be taken into account. Higher speeds and power would give commander greater options while planning operations.
The Army has several versions of the BMP that equip the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the Brigade of Guards. Some specialised versions are also in service with the armoured corps and the engineers. Though of Russian origin, they are manufactured in India by the ordnance factories.
There are over 1,500 BMPs in service with the Army. The Army also has a project to upgrade its entire fleet of BMPs with better armour protection, enhanced mobility and increased firepower.
