Designation:

Kestrel

Info
Manufacturer: Tata Motors  
Product type: Armoured Vehicles  
Name: Wheeled armoured personnel carrier  

Tata Motors unveiled at Defexpo 2014 an 8×8 Amphibious Armored Fighting Vehicle Kestrel. The vehicle was designed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Supacat of the UK, an expert in tactical armored vehicles, has also provided vital reconnaissance, mobility, protection and firepower support.

Kestrel weighs 22.5-26 tons (according to configuration)and is powered by a 600HP diesel engine. It has a maximum capacity to carry 12 soldiers. It can carry up to 10 troops and a crew of two. The two front axles are steerable, giving the vehicle a 19 meter turn radius. All tires have runflat capability with central inflation (CTIS) as standard. The amphibious propulsion employs rear mounted waterjet which does not require preparation before entering into water.

The crew compartment is protected to Stanag I to Stanag IV level, depending on the application. The monocoque is comprised of welded armor steel hull with armor applique and inner composite spall liner. The protection modules can be replaced in the field, increasing or decreasing protection level per mission requirement. The belly has a blast guard withstanding blasts up to STANAG III level. The vehicle is equipped with NBC protection and filtering for uninterrupted operation under CBRN conditions.

Troop seats are equipped with energy attenuating mechanism, protecting the troops and crew-members from blast effect. The seats are arranged back to back, enabling the use of firing ports and opening hatches. The vehicle can travel at a speed of 100 km/h on land and 10 km/h in water.

Specifications:
Property Value
Number of drive wheels
8
Number of wheels
8
Weight (kg)
26000
Engine power output (h.p.)
600
Troops
10
Crew
2
Max. road speed (km/h)
100
Max. water speed (km/h)
10
Length (mm)
7800
Width (mm)
2280




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