Currently, the Indian Army is looking for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), light bullet proof vehicles (Lt BPVs), light strike vehicles (LSVs) for the infantry battalions for its various roles in external and internal security duties and reconnaissance vehicles for the armoured and mechanised units and NBC units

For Indian Army, the term special vehicle has a number of connotations and therefore there are a large variety of vehicles which fall under this term. They range from the heavy vehicles category like the tank transporters which are meant to transport 40 to 60 tonne tanks mounted on trailers towed by more powerful high mobility vehicles to high mobility trucks required to carry heavy logistic loads like fuel oil and lubricants (FOL) and tank, artillery and air defence ammunition, when moving across country, away from metalled roads, behind strike formations, in offensive operations. The latter (special logistic vehicles) cater to all types of logistic loads to enable the strike formations to have a “self-contained capability” for a limited period of time during which period the combat engineers are expected to lay “tracks” in the area overrun by the attacking formations to establish their normal daily replenishment schedule. Thus the concerned formations establish their daily replenishment schedule through a supply chain management established by the administrative staff of the higher formation. The replenishment vehicles which move on tracks made by the engineers are based on normal trucks which may be termed as heavy or medium depending mainly upon their load carrying capability. The medium category is used as ambulances for transportation of troops, or even mounting of heavier weapons, etc. These types of vehicles are available in the market except that the ones used by the Army are specially modified according to the service requirement and all are invariably 4x4 wheeled drive with a better capability to travel across the country, away from metal roads. Another category of heavy vehicles are the heavy recovery vehicles of the electrical and mechanical engineers (EME) for recovering tanks, infantry combat vehicles, missile vehicles, command post vehicles, and other heavy vehicles which break down or get stuck in mud or sand.

Light and Medium Category Vehicles

In the light and medium vehicles category are also included vehicles which are used for transportation of limited number of troops, liaison of commanders, radio fitted vehicles of commanders at various levels, for mounting of heavy weapons, movement of reconnaissance teams for reconnaissance of terrain and obstacle systems and for special purposes such as nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance. All these types of vehicles have the same chassis but are modified for their specific role. Currently, the Indian Army is looking for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), light bullet proof vehicles (Lt BPVs), light strike vehicles (LSVs) for the infantry battalions for its various roles in external and internal security duties and reconnaissance vehicles for the armoured and mechanised units and NBC units.

This article gives a few examples of high mobility multipurpose (wheeled) vehicles available in the market which can be put to use in the above roles.

Humvee

The high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), better known as the Humvee, is a military 4x4 (wheel drive) motor vehicle manufactured by AM General. It has largely taken over the roles formerly served by smaller Jeeps. It is extensively used by the United States Armed Forces and now it is also used by a large number of other countries and organisations. Its civilian adaptations (Hummer series of vehicles) have also become quite popular. The Hummer series was also inspired by the HMMWVs. The Humvee uses independent suspensions and portal geared hubs similar to portal axles, which ensures 16 inches of ground clearance. The vehicle also has disc brakes on all four wheels, and four-wheel double-wishbone suspension. The brake discs are not mounted at the wheels as on conventional automobiles, but are inboard, attached to the outside of each differential. The front and rear differentials are Torsion type, and the centre differential is a regular, lockable type. There are at least 17 variants of the HMMWV in service with the United States armed forces. HMMWVs serve as cargo/troop carriers, automatic weapons platforms, ambulances (four litter patients or eight ambulatory patients), TOW missile carriers, howitzer prime movers, Avenger pedestal mounted stinger platforms, direct air support vehicles, shelter carriers, and other roles. The HMMWV is capable of fording 2.5 ft (76 cm) normally, or 5 ft (1.5 m) with the deep-water fording kits installed.

Optional equipment includes a winch (maximum load capacity 2,700 kg) and supplemental armour. The M1025/M1026 and M1043/M1044 armament carriers provide mounting and firing capabilities for the M134 minimum, the Mk 19 grenade launcher, the M2 heavy machine gun, the M240G/B machine gun and M249 LMG. The M1114 “up-armoured” HMMWV, introduced in 2004, also features a similar weapons mount. In addition, some M1114 and M1116 up-armoured and M1117 armoured security vehicle models feature a common remotely operated weapon station (CROWS), which allows the gunner to operate from inside the vehicle, and/or the Boomerang anti-sniper detection system. Recent improvements have also led to the development of the M1151 model, which is quickly rendering the previous models obsolete. By replacing the M1114, M1116, and earlier armoured HMMWV types with a single model, the US Army hopes for lower maintenance costs.

IVECO Defence Vehicles

Based in Bolzano, Northern Italy, IVECO Defence Vehicles are well-known for their ability to apply advanced automotive innovations and leading edge protection solutions to practical and purpose-built designs, resulting in a full range of military trucks, armoured vehicles, protected and multi-role vehicles. At present it is estimated that over 30,000 IVECO vehicles are in military service worldwide.

Multi-role vehicles were developed to counter the evolving threat. The multi-role vehicle range encompasses 4x4 personnel carrier and patrol vehicles which combine exceptional mobility, agility and terrain accessibility with high levels of protection against both ballistic and mine attack. They are equally effective in both peacekeeping and counterinsurgency missions.

Light multi-role vehicle (LMV) is a purpose built military vehicle which nonetheless benefits from the use of many commercial components. Rugged and highly mobile, it is designed as a chassis cab which permits the installation of many different modules including a cargo platform, an ambulance and a weapon carrier. Anti-mine protection has also been given a high priority, with the over-riding aim being to ensure the survival of the crew. Since LMV’s first deployment to Afghanistan, IVECO’s integrated solution has ensured the survival of all of its occupants whenever the vehicle has been attacked. The LMV was selected for frontline duties by the armies of Italy (1,260 units), UK (401 units), Spain (120 units), Norway (60 units), Belgium (440 units), Croatia (10 units), the Czech Republic (21 units), and most recently Austria (150 units).