Source : Indian Defence Analysis
The TATA Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (QRFV) is a 4X4 wheeled platform produced by Tata Motors Defence Solutions, for the military, paramilitary, and police forces. The vehicle has been designed for counter-insurgency operations as well as escort and patrolling missions. It was first unveiled as Tata MPV at Defence Expo 2010. These vehicles will boost the combat potential of the army in all-weather & all-terrain conditions.
Tata Advanced Systems to deliver 3rd batch of QRFV to Indian Army
Design features of TATA MPV
The armored hull of the TATA MPV is based on a 4×4 chassis with a conventional layout integrating the engine at forward, crew cab in the center, and troop compartment at rear. The crew cab accommodates two personnel while the troop section accommodates up to 12 troops on inwards-facing side suspended seats.
The crew cab is fitted with a single-piece windshield. The driver and co-passenger can enter the cab through a door fitted on either side of the vehicle. A spare wheel is attached to the left side of the hull. A single door at the rear allows the entry and exit of the troops. The vehicle is provided with an air conditioning system.
The MPV measures 6.58m in length and 2.60m in width. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 14.3t and can carry a maximum payload of 1,400kg.
Observation and fire control
The troop section of the MPV is provided with nine observation glass windows. Each glass pane includes a firing port for allowing firing from inside the vehicle. Two roof hatches on the hull further enhance the observation of occupants. Nova Integrated Systems, a TATA company, in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) TAMAM, has installed the mini plug-in optronic payload (MiniPOP) electro-optic (EO) system and the advanced navigation system (ADNAV) on the MPV.
The MiniPOP gyro-stabilized electro-optical (EO) system integrates a day color camera, a thermal imaging camera, a laser range finder, and a laser designator. It ensures high-quality image processing and automatic video tracking of the objects of interest.
Armament and self-protection
The roof-mounted turret of the TATA MPV can be installed with a light or heavy machine gun. The turret fitted with armored sheets and bulletproof glass allows the crew to safely operate the weapon. The MPV integrates an armored V-shaped monocoque hull for protecting the crew against ambushes and surprise attacks employing powerful explosive mines. The vehicle offers high levels of troop protection without compromising mobility and maneuverability.
The vehicle provides NIJ Level III ballistic protection against 7.62mm guns, ball ammunition, and AK-47 rounds fired from a 10m range at a 90° angle of attack.
The vehicle can survive a 14kg TNT blast force under the hull and a 21kg TNT explosion under any wheel. The MPV can even withstand against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Anti-Personnel (AP) mines.
Engine & Performance
The MPV is powered by Cummins ISBe EURO III turbocharged, after-cooled diesel engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. The engine develops a maximum power of 242hp at 2,500rpm and can generate a maximum torque of 925Nm from 1,200rpm to 1,700rpm. The vehicle has a power-to-weight ratio of 16hp/t and can attain a maximum speed of 80km/h.
The all-wheel drive vehicle incorporates leaf-spring non-independent suspension for front and rear axles. The tires incorporate a run-flat system while drum-type brakes are equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
The vehicle requires a turning circle diameter of 16m. It has 315mm ground clearance and can negotiate a gradient of 30°.
QRFV delivery
In July 2022, the TASL delivered the first batch of Tata QRFV to the Indian Army. Since then, the vehicle has been successfully operating in difficult terrains, and based on their performance and capabilities, the Indian Army placed a reorder with TASL for a larger quantity to be supplied. On 27th December, the TASL informed that a substantial fleet of these vehicles is set for delivery. In the picture shared by TASL, we could see nearly 12 QRFVs lined up for the delivery.
Tata Motors had also delivered over five MPVs to the Jharkhand Police force in August 2012 for the support of missions in Naxal-Infested mine-prone regions. 32 MPvs have also been delivered to the Maharashtra State Police in late 2012.
