An Insight Into Defence Vehicles Used by the Armed Forces

Defence or military vehicles are automobiles used by the Armed Forces, for land fights, as well as for transportation purposes. Selected organizations get the opportunity to produce these automobiles, and Ashok Leyland is one amongst them.

It is a renowned name in the auto industry and it manufacturers some of the best busses, trucks, light vehicles, and defence vehicles.

We explore these automobiles produced by the ace Indian manufacturer.

Stallion: The Stallion is available in four variants – 4 x 4, 6 x 6, Gun Tower, and the Light Recovery Vehicle. With a wheelbase of 4500 mm, the 4 x 4 model guarantees a speed of 90 kmph. It comes with two engine options. The first one, with 160 litres X 2 fuel tank capacity, musters 180 hp of power at 2400 rpm and a peak torque of 660 Nm at 1600-1800 rpm. The second one, with 250 litres X 2 fuel tank capacity, yields 230 hp power at 2500 rpm and a peak torque of 800 Nm at 1400-1900 rpm.

The 6 x 6 variant comes with a wheelbase of 4267 mm and a maximum speed of 108 kmph. It produces 230 hp at 2500 rpm and 800 Nm at 1400-1900 rpm.

The Gun Tower comes with a payload capacity of 5 tonnes and 7 tonnes. The significant features include integral power steering, 6-speed synchromesh transmission, full air brakes, and more.

Powered by a HA57L135 (BSIII) engine, the Light Recovery Vehicle (LRV) has a wheelbase of 4200 mm and a ground clearance of 360 mm. With a top speed of 92 kmph, the fuel tank capacity is 160 litres X 2.

Super Stallion: This model is also available in four variants – 4 x 4, 8 x 8, Field Artillery Tractor (FAT), and 10 x 10. Both the 4 x 4 and 8 x 8 models guarantee a maximum speed of 90 kmph, and their significant features include 350/400 litres fuel tank capacity, diaphragm pull type clutch, manual 9 speed or automatic gearbox, and more.

The FAT model has a wheelbase of 4660 mm and a ground clearance of 400 mm. It produces 360 Hp power at 2200 rpm and 1400 Nm at 1300 – 1500 rpm.

The optimum speed of the 10 x 10 variant is 90 kmph and the fuel tank capacity is 350 litres. The automobile specifications include manual/automatic transmission, diaphgram pull type clutch, twin speed transfer case, and more.

The company also produces some special applications which include multi fuel dispenser, truck fire fighting, refrigerated truck, water bowser, ambulance, snow clearing truck, and much more.