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Undid revision 1034002347 by Helios007 (talk) Improper citation, WP:copyvio, close paraphrasing, sloppy edits removed, PS: This page is currently submitted for A-class review and GA review please don't make unnecessary edits, I've created a section in talk page please visit
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[[File:Arjun Mk.1 Alpha tank.jpg|thumb|Arjun MK1A with its redesigned turret, hull glacis and side skirt protected with ERA]]
[[File:Arjun Mk.1 Alpha tank.jpg|thumb|Arjun MK1A with its redesigned turret, hull glacis and side skirt protected with ERA]]
The Arjun MK1 tanks are protected by an indigenously developed armour called [[Kanchan armour]], named after the city Kanchanbagh, where the [[Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory]] (DMRL) which designed and developed the armour locates.<ref name="Kanchan">{{cite web|url=http://frontierindia.net/the-kanchan-armor/ |title=Frontier India, The Kanchan armour |publisher=Frontierindia.net |date=24 September 2007 |access-date=10 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725073043/http://frontierindia.net/the-kanchan-armor/ |archive-date=25 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Kanchan is a composite armour consists of ceramic tiles and composite panels sandwiched between [[Rolled homogeneous armour]] (RHA) plates, its exact composition, material used and manufacturing process are kept highly secret.<ref name="Kanchan" /> The armour was fielded on Arjun tanks after extensive evaluation trials carried out against a variety of modern anti-tank ammunitions including APFSDS.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Armour Materials & Modules: MBTs and Other Combat Vehicles {{!}} Defence Research and Development Organisation – DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/armour-materials-modules-mbts-and-other-combat-vehicles|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.drdo.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="Kanchan" /> The Arjun tanks are also protected with ultra-high strength low alloy DMR-1700 steel armour plates developed by the DMRL, which offers enhanced protection against [[kinetic energy penetrator]] projectiles such as APFSDS (125 mm) rounds, over the existing RHA plates by a margin of 20 per cent and 25 per cent against 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm [[Armor-piercing bullet|armour-piercing projectiles]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kutumbarao|first=V. V.|date=2020-10-13|title=DMR 1700 Low Cost High Performance Steel for Defence Applications|url=https://publications.drdo.gov.in/ojs/index.php/dsj/article/view/16403|journal=Defence Science Journal|language=en|volume=70|issue=6|pages=701–702|issn=0976-464X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Singh|first=B Bhav|last2=G|first2=Sukumar|last3=Senthil|first3=P. Ponguru|last4=Jena|first4=P.K.|last5=Reddy|first5=P.R.S|last6=Kumar|first6=K. Siva|last7=Madhu|first7=V|last8=Reddy|first8=GM|date=June 2017|title=Future Armour Materials and Technologies for Combat Platforms|url=|journal=Defence Science Journal|publisher=Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre|volume=Vol:67 No.4|pages=412–419|doi=10.14429/dsj.67.11468}}</ref>
The Arjun MK1 tanks are protected by an indigenously developed armour called [[Kanchan armour]], named after the city Kanchanbagh, where the [[Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory]] (DMRL) which designed and developed the armour locates.<ref name="Kanchan">{{cite web|url=http://frontierindia.net/the-kanchan-armor/ |title=Frontier India, The Kanchan armour |publisher=Frontierindia.net |date=24 September 2007 |access-date=10 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725073043/http://frontierindia.net/the-kanchan-armor/ |archive-date=25 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Kanchan is a composite armour consists of ceramic tiles and composite panels sandwiched between [[Rolled homogeneous armour]] (RHA) plates, its exact composition, material used and manufacturing process are kept highly secret.<ref name="Kanchan" /> The armour was fielded on Arjun tanks after extensive evaluation trials carried out against a variety of modern anti-tank ammunitions including APFSDS.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Armour Materials & Modules: MBTs and Other Combat Vehicles {{!}} Defence Research and Development Organisation – DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/armour-materials-modules-mbts-and-other-combat-vehicles|access-date=2021-07-02|website=www.drdo.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="Kanchan" /> The Arjun tanks are also protected with ultra-high strength low alloy DMR-1700 steel armour plates developed by the DMRL, which offers enhanced protection against [[kinetic energy penetrator]] projectiles such as APFSDS (125 mm) rounds, over the existing RHA plates by a margin of 20 per cent and 25 per cent against 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm [[Armor-piercing bullet|armour-piercing projectiles]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kutumbarao|first=V. V.|date=2020-10-13|title=DMR 1700 Low Cost High Performance Steel for Defence Applications|url=https://publications.drdo.gov.in/ojs/index.php/dsj/article/view/16403|journal=Defence Science Journal|language=en|volume=70|issue=6|pages=701–702|issn=0976-464X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Singh|first=B Bhav|last2=G|first2=Sukumar|last3=Senthil|first3=P. Ponguru|last4=Jena|first4=P.K.|last5=Reddy|first5=P.R.S|last6=Kumar|first6=K. Siva|last7=Madhu|first7=V|last8=Reddy|first8=GM|date=June 2017|title=Future Armour Materials and Technologies for Combat Platforms|url=|journal=Defence Science Journal|publisher=Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre|volume=Vol:67 No.4|pages=412–419|doi=10.14429/dsj.67.11468}}</ref>

The arjun tanks are equipped with "SPADE" steel armour [https://www.drdo.gov.in/armour-materials-modules-mbts-and-other-combat-vehicles] . The "SPADE" armour is used for manufacturing the structural parts and base armour of the tank [https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rourkela-steel-plant-supplies-parts-for-agni-missile-116080301419_1.html]. The spade armour offers enhanced protection of about 25 percent against [[Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot|APFSDS]](125mm) rounds and 10-15 percent against 7.62 and 12.7 mm armour piercing rounds over existing RHA plates [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318368846_Future_Armour_Materials_and_Technologies_for_Combat_Platforms]. The SPADE armour also offers easy weld ability required for the construction of the structure over existing RHA plates.[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333263409_Weldability_ReportPDF]


The latest variant Arjun MK1A has a completely redesigned turret protected with improved Kanchan armour, [[Reactive armour#Explosive reactive armour|explosive reactive armour]] (ERA) panels (ERA MK-II) on turret, hull glacis and side skirt, MK1A also has [[non-explosive reactive armor|non-explosive reactive armour]] (NERA) protection.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /> The turret is redesigned to reduce silhouette thereby delaying detection at ranges using modern electro-optical sights.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|date=2021-04-25|title=Why the Arjun MK-1A Main Battle Tank May Prove to Be a Costly Mistake for the Army|url=https://thewire.in/government/defence-arjun-mk-1a-main-battle-tanks-indian-army|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Wire}}</ref> The tank has [[CBRN defense|NBC protection]] and [[Automatic fire suppression|Automatic fire detection and suppression]] system for enhanced crew protection and survival.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Ayush|date=2021-04-26|title=Indian Army's Arjun Mk-1 Alpha Tanks 'Desert-Storms' India-Pakistan Border; Tests Firing Capability|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/watch-indian-armys-home-grown-arjun-mk-1a-tank-showcases-its-fire-power/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-20|website=The Eurasian Times|language=en-US}}</ref>
The latest variant Arjun MK1A has a completely redesigned turret protected with improved Kanchan armour, [[Reactive armour#Explosive reactive armour|explosive reactive armour]] (ERA) panels (ERA MK-II) on turret, hull glacis and side skirt, MK1A also has [[non-explosive reactive armor|non-explosive reactive armour]] (NERA) protection.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /> The turret is redesigned to reduce silhouette thereby delaying detection at ranges using modern electro-optical sights.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|date=2021-04-25|title=Why the Arjun MK-1A Main Battle Tank May Prove to Be a Costly Mistake for the Army|url=https://thewire.in/government/defence-arjun-mk-1a-main-battle-tanks-indian-army|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-02|website=The Wire}}</ref> The tank has [[CBRN defense|NBC protection]] and [[Automatic fire suppression|Automatic fire detection and suppression]] system for enhanced crew protection and survival.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Ayush|date=2021-04-26|title=Indian Army's Arjun Mk-1 Alpha Tanks 'Desert-Storms' India-Pakistan Border; Tests Firing Capability|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/watch-indian-armys-home-grown-arjun-mk-1a-tank-showcases-its-fire-power/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-20|website=The Eurasian Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:16, 17 July 2021

Arjun
Arjun MBT Mk.1 (Republic Day Parade 2010).
TypeMain battle tank
Place of originIndia
Production history
DesignerCombat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, DRDO
Designed1983–1996
ManufacturerHeavy Vehicles Factory
Unit cost₹55.9 crore (US$6.7 million)[1]
Produced2004–present
No. built141 (as of 2021)[N 1]
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
MassMk.1: 58.5 tonnes (57.6 long tons; 64.5 short tons)
Mk.1A: 68 tonnes (67 long tons; 75 short tons)[4]
LengthMk.1: 10.19 metres (33 ft 5 in)
Mk.1A/Mk.2: 10.64 metres (34 ft 11 in)
WidthMk.1: 3.85 metres (12 ft 8 in)
Mk.1A/Mk.2: 3.95 metres (13 ft 0 in)
HeightMk.1: 2.32 metres (7 ft 7 in)
Mk.1A/Mk.2: ~2.8 metres (9 ft 2 in)
Crew4 (commander, gunner, loader and driver)
ArmourERA, NERA, Kanchan armour (classified)
Main
armament
1× 120 mm rifled tank gun capable of firing LAHAT, SAMHO,[5] HEAT, APFSDS, HESH, PCB & Thermobaric Rounds
(Rate of fire: 6–8 rounds/minute, total: 39 containerized rounds)[6][7]
Secondary
armament
1× NSV 12.7mm AA MG (1000 rounds)
1× MAG 7.62 mm Tk715 coaxial MG (3000 rounds)[6]
12 × smoke grenades
EngineMTU MB 838 Ka-501 V10; 1,400 hp (1,044 kW) liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel engine.
CVRDE – BEML 1500 HP (1,118 kW) V12 diesel engine (Testing Phase)[8]
Power/weightMK1: 24 hp/ton[9]
TransmissionRenk epicyclic train gearbox, 4 forward + 2 reverse gears.
CVRDE Automatic Transmission – In Development
SuspensionHydropneumatic suspension
Ground clearance0.45 metres (1 ft 6 in)
Fuel capacity1,610 litres (350 imp gal; 430 US gal)
Operational
range
MK1: 450 kilometres (280 mi)[10]
Maximum speed MK1: ~70 km/h (43 mph)
40 km/h (25 mph) cross country[11]

The Arjun (pronounced [ɐɽˈdʑʊn]) is a third generation main battle tank developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), for the Indian Army.[12][13] The tank is named after Arjun, the archer prince who is the main protagonist of the Indian epic Mahabharata.

Design work commenced in 1986 and was concluded in 1996 after which the Arjun main battle tank entered service with the Indian Army in 2004.[14] The 43rd Armoured Regiment, formed in 2009, was the first regiment to receive the Arjun.[14][15]

The Arjun features a 120 mm rifled main gun with indigenously developed armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot ammunition, one PKT 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a NSVT 12.7 mm machine gun. It is powered by a single MTU multi-fuel diesel engine rated at 1,400 hp, and can achieve a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). It has a four-man crew: commander, gunner, loader and driver.

In 2010 and 2013, the Indian Army carried out comparative trials in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, pitting the newly inducted Arjun MK1 against the Indian Army's frontline Russian-designed T-90 tanks, during which the Arjun reportedly exhibited better accuracy and mobility.[16][17] The fire-control system (FCS) originally developed for the Arjun main battle tank has been integrated into the T-90 tanks built in India under a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement by the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) at Avadi.[18]

History

In 1972, after the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Indian Army issued a general staff qualitative requirement (GSQR) for a new battle tank, which called for a 50 tonne main battle tank equipped with a 120 mm rifled gun, computerised FCS and powered by a 1400 hp diesel engine.[19][20] The programme to develop an indigenous tank viz, Arjun was authorised in 1974 and the fund was released for the development. In 1976, CVRDE was established under the DRDO to undertake the development of Arjun main battle tank and to carry out research and development (R&D) on future combat vehicles for the Indian Army.[21] In 1983, the project definition was commenced with Krauss-Maffei, which had previously developed Leopard 2, was chosen as the consultant while Indian state owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and HVF were also joined with CVRDE in the development of Arjun.[2] The original plan envisaged the development and rollout of the first tank prototype by 1980, which was later revised to 1987 while, the first prototype was delivered only in 1989. The prototype tank resembled the Leo2A4 main battle tank of Germany.[19]

From 1993 to 1996, the Indian Army carried out an extensive series of trials, which revealed some major defects in the tank such as overheating of engine, suboptimal performance of the weapon system etc.[N 2] By the end of 1996, total 14 pre-production series (PPS) tanks (PPS-1 to PPS-14) were built and delivered to the Indian Army for conducting trials. Based on the trials, the Army identified 10 shortcomings that needed to be addressed before the induction of tank into the service.[2] During this period the cost of Arjun programme has significantly increased from 1974 estimate of ₹15.50 crore (equivalent to ₹464 crore or US$55.6 million in 2023) to developmental cost of ₹307.48 crore (equivalent to ₹18 billion or US$219.5 million in 2023) up to 1995.[22][23] The initial delays and cost escalations are mainly attributed to the sequential revision done in the original GSQR issued in 1974, to accommodate new features.[2] In 1996, the development of the PPS 15 tank prototype was initiated to address the shortcomings listed by the Army. In 1997, a 'joint action plan' was formulated to address the flaws identified and to make the tank ready for induction.[2] By 1999, both the Army and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave clearance for a limited production run of the Arjun main battle tank based on the PPS-15 prototype. In 2000, the Indian Army placed an order for the procurement of 124 Arjun MK1 tanks.[N 3][2]

Production and deployment

One Arjun tank (PPS-15) operated by the 43rd Armoured Regiment made a public appearance in 1997 and 2001 Republic Day Parades.[19][24] The serial production of Arjun main battle tank was began in 2003 at HVF Avadi, the first tank equipped with BEL developed Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS), ballistic computer and gunner's main sight, was rolled out in 2004 and delivered the first batch of five Arjun tanks on 7 August 2004.[25][26] The first tranche of production version Arjun tanks were delivered to the 43rd Armoured Regiment in 2004 and by 2009, two armoured regiments had been equipped with the vehicle.[14][27] The first test firing of the LAHAT gun-launched anti-tank guided missile was carried out in 2004.[26] By 2006, unit maintenance and unit repair vehicles developed for the Arjun-equipped regiments had been cleared for induction.[28] In 2008, a multi-purpose mobile camouflage system (MCS) developed as part of the Defensive Aid System (DAS) project has been successfully completed field eveluation trials on Arjun MK1 main battle tank in 2009.[29][30] In 2009, an advanced laser warning countermeasure system (ALWCS) and fibre-optic gyro based sensor package unit was developed and integrated on the Arjun MK1 main battle tank after field trials were carried out in two phases from May to August 2009.[30] The first batch of Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) developed recoil system for Arjun has been delivered to the HVF Avadi after successful completion of field trials in 2009, the total order was for 124 such systems.[30] In 2010, combat simulators (turret and driver simulators) developed for Arjun has been inducted into the Army, its development was authorised in 2009.[31][30] As of June 2011 more than 100 tanks have been delivered to the Indian Army.[11] The delivery of all 124 tanks was completed by mid 2012.[32] From 2013 to 2015, 75% of the Arjun tanks had to be grounded due to a lack of spare parts. By 2016, this problem had been rectified and the tanks were put back in to active service.[2]

Upgrades

In 2010, the DRDO proposed an improved variant of Arjun designated as Arjun MK2 as a next step in the programme.[33] The configuration of the new variant was finalised in mid-2010 after consulting the army. The new tank was redesigned to have 89 major and minor improvements intended to enhance the firepower and survivability of the tank, of these 73 improvements could be easily fitted on the existing MK1 variant tanks. In the same year the Indian Army placed an order for the procurement of 124 Arjun MK2 tanks, which was later approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).[33] In 2011, the first MK2 prototype was built incorporating some 20 improvements including a new commander's independent panoramic sight system and handed over to the army for carrying out validation trial phase 1.[33][32] By 2012, first complete prototype incorporating all listed improvements was rolled out and given for system validation trial phase 2.[34] As part of the developmental trials, first phase of LAHAT gun-launched anti-tank guided missile firing trials were carried out by 2013.[35][36] In 2015, DRDO developed Integrated Automotive Vetronics System (IAVS) was integrated into the Arjun MK2 prototype tank and field trials were carried out covering 430 km under harsh environmental conditions.[37][38] In 2014 and 2016, two new rounds, Penetration Cum Blast and Thermobaric, were developed for the Arjun tank and successfully tested. Impact assessments were also carried out with instruments to measure shock and blast pressure.[39] In the meantime, the Arjun MK2 variant was redesignated as Arjun MK1A. By 2018, two Arjun MK1A prototypes had been built and completed user trials by the end of the year.[3]

Design

Arjun MK1

Armament

Primary

The Arjun main battle tank has an indigenously developed 120 mm rifled gun fitted with (ARDE) developed recoil system, muzzle reference system and fume extractor, which can fire a variety of guided – unguided anti armour munitions.[40] The main gun is made from high strength electro-slag remelting (ESR) steel which is insulated with thermal sleeve and autofrettaged to withstand higher pressure.[11] The newer Arjun MK1A variant will retain the 120 mm rifled gun with improved barrel, although India has developed an indigenous 125 mm smoothbore gun for the T-90 tanks, which is under license production.[18][41][42] The Arjun MK1 is capable of firing several types of munition including an indigenously developed armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) round and a dual purpose high explosive squash head (HESH) round. The Arjun MK1 can carry a mix of 39 APFSDS and HESH rounds in blast-proof canisters with blow out panels.[11] In 2017, the Mark 2 variant of the APFSDS with a long rod tungsten alloy penetrator was developed and successfully tested by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) for the new Alpha variant of Arjun (MK1A). The new APFSDS Mark 2 round reportedly has an improved penetration performance in comparison with the existing Mark 1 round.[43] In addition to the existing rounds, the ARDE has also developed and successfully tested two high explosive 120 mm rounds for Arjun viz, Penetration Cum Blast (PCB) and Thermobaric (TB) Ammunition for urban warfare, which can be fired from existing MK1 and newer MK1A tanks.[44][45]

SAMHO

In order to enhance the firepower of Arjun, DRDO earlier considered equipping Arjun tanks with LAHAT gun launched anti-tank guided missile, but in 2014 it was announced that plan to equip LAHAT was dropped. In the same year DRDO announced the development of an indigenous gun launched guided missile under Cannon Launched Guided Missile Programme (CLMDP) viz, SAMHO.[36] In 2020, DRDO successfully test fired SAMHO from an Arjun main battle tank.[46] The SAMHO missile was developed by ARDE in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE).[47] The SAMHO guided missile has two high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) tandem warheads designed to defeat explosive reactive armour (ERA) protection.[46] The SAMHO is a dual purpose guided missile which can engage and neutralize armoured vehicles, tanks as well as low flying targets such as attack helicopter at a minimum range of 1.5 km and maximum range of up to 5 km.[47][48]

Secondary

In addition to the main gun, the Arjun has two machine guns:

  1. A 12.7 mm NSV heavy machine gun mounted in front of the gunner's hatch for engaging armoured vehicles, low flying aircraft and attack helicopters. In Arjun MK1 it is operated manually while in MK1A it has been replaced with a remotely operated gun turret which can be operated from inside the tank without exposing to the hostile battlefield.[49]
  2. A 7.62 mm machine gun in coaxial weapon mount.[50]

Fire control and sights

The Arjun tanks are equipped with an indigenous fire control system developed by BEL viz, Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS).[26] The IFCS consists of digital ballistic computer which cues information from microprocessor based sensors for wind-speed, tilt angle, target range, vehicle speed etc., to provide accurate firing solution.[50] The Arjun's IFCS is designed for quick target acquisition with "first round-first hit probability" during day and night and at all weather conditions. The Arjun has a gun control system integrated into its 120 mm rifled gun which electro-hydraulically stabilizes the gun to retain aim accurately irrespective of the terrain disturbances (while moving).[50] The two axis stabilized gun control system interfaced with the IFCS offer high accuracy and slewing speed for engaging moving targets while on the move.[50]

The gunner's main sight on Arjun has integrated laser range finder, day sight and thermal sight for day and night target recognition and engagement. The gunner's main sight has dual magnification and fibre-optic gyro based two axis stabilization.[50] The Arjun MK1A has an indigenous gunner's main sight integrated with automatic target tracking system developed by DRDO.[51]

The Commander's panoramic sight is stabilized in two axis with 360 degree surveillance coverage, its operation is independent of turret movement. The Arjun MK1A has an indigenous commander's independent panoramic sight system stabilized with fibre-optic gyro, which have an integrated laser rangefinder, day sight with dual magnification and thermal imaging camera for day and night all weather 360 degree surveillance.[32] The commander's independent panoramic sight system is interfaced with the ballistic computer which enables the commander to override the gunner, select and engage target by himself (hunter-killer).[32][52] In addition to the laser rangefinder, the Arjun MK1A variant has an integrated laser target designator for providing guidance to the SAMHO gun-launched guided missile.[53]

Protection

Armour

File:Arjun Mk.1 Alpha tank.jpg
Arjun MK1A with its redesigned turret, hull glacis and side skirt protected with ERA

The Arjun MK1 tanks are protected by an indigenously developed armour called Kanchan armour, named after the city Kanchanbagh, where the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) which designed and developed the armour locates.[54] Kanchan is a composite armour consists of ceramic tiles and composite panels sandwiched between Rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) plates, its exact composition, material used and manufacturing process are kept highly secret.[54] The armour was fielded on Arjun tanks after extensive evaluation trials carried out against a variety of modern anti-tank ammunitions including APFSDS.[55][54] The Arjun tanks are also protected with ultra-high strength low alloy DMR-1700 steel armour plates developed by the DMRL, which offers enhanced protection against kinetic energy penetrator projectiles such as APFSDS (125 mm) rounds, over the existing RHA plates by a margin of 20 per cent and 25 per cent against 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm armour-piercing projectiles.[56][57]

The latest variant Arjun MK1A has a completely redesigned turret protected with improved Kanchan armour, explosive reactive armour (ERA) panels (ERA MK-II) on turret, hull glacis and side skirt, MK1A also has non-explosive reactive armour (NERA) protection.[52][58] The turret is redesigned to reduce silhouette thereby delaying detection at ranges using modern electro-optical sights.[59] The tank has NBC protection and Automatic fire detection and suppression system for enhanced crew protection and survival.[58]

Defensive aid system

Passive protection is provided by multi-purpose mobile camouflage system (MCS) developed by DRDO, it is integrated on Arjun tanks and evaluations were carried out in 2009.[30] The Arjun also has anti-infrared/anti-thermal paints to reduce its IR signature.[51]

Active protection is provided by Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System (ALWCS), consists of four laser warning receivers mounted on the top of the turret to provide 360 degree protection cover. The ALWCS alerts the crew and indicate the direction of threat when laser rangefinder/designator, IR illuminator is pointed at the tank.[60] The ALWCS has integrated IR jammers and aerosol based smoke grenades to confuse the anti-tank guided munitions. The ALWCS is interfaced with the FCS of the Arjun tank, which autonomously rotates the grenade launcher in the direction of threat perceived and fires aerosol smoke grenades.[30][61] It has auto and manual modes of operation.[61]

Crew safety and protection

The Arjun has a crew of four – commander, gunner, loader and driver. The Arjun's crew compartment is ergonomically designed for crew safety and comfort and is protected with armour and ERA.[51] The Arjun's crew compartment and engine compartment are equipped with automatic fire detection and suppression system, which automatically detects and suppress fire within 200 milliseconds,[40] while ammunition rounds are stored in containerised ammunition bin with individual shutter with blow off panels to mitigate the hazard caused by ammunition cook off.[51] The Arjun MK1A variant tank has track width mine plough to reduce the risk of anti-tank mines, the tank also has NBC protection.[51]

Mobility

The Arjun is a heavy main battle tank that moves on 7 roadwheels on each side, supported by indigenously developed hydropneumatic suspension system and powered by an MTU 838 Ka 501 turbo charged 10 cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine with a rated power output of 1400 hp at 2400 rpm, which gives the tank 70 km/h top speed and 40 km/h cross country speed.[62] The latest Arjun MK1A variant retains the 1400 hp diesel powerplant but with a redesigned hydropneumatic suspension system and new advanced running gear system for optimal performance and efficiency.[51] Earlier Arjun tanks were equipped with tracks supplied by German company Diehl, now these are replaced with tracks supplied by Larsen & Toubro.[59]

The Arjun tanks can ford though 2.15 meter deep water without using snorkel, during this operation air for the fuel combustion is drawn through the commander's and loader's hatches.[50]

The MK1A variant has a new auxiliary power unit (APU) with double power generation capacity, which allows the tank to operate in silent watch mode while main engine is off, the use of APU reduces the IR/thermal and acoustic signature and enhance the ambush attack capability.[59] The Arjun MK1A has an Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) in addition to the GPS/inertial navigation system it retains from its predecessor, for enhanced navigation in uncharted hostile enemy territory.[51] In Arjun MK1A variant, the driver has uncooled Night Vision camera and unclooled thermal imager with binocular vision for effortless drive with reasonable speed in pitch-black night.[51]

Integrated Automotive Vetronics System

Developed by CVRDE, the Integrated Automotive Vetronics System (IAVS) is a health monitoring system developed for tanks and armoured fighting vehicles operated by the Indian Army.[38] The IAVS is a "system of systems" which integrates sensors and subsystems onboard Arjun to make the tank an efficient fighting machine. The IAVS monitors the databus that interlacing the hull and turret subsystems, analyse automotive performance and alert the crew when maintenance is due.[38] The system also integrates the driver's enhanced sight system and provides automated drivers operation.[38] The tank crew interacts with the system through an integrated touch screen display.[38] Its trials were successfully completed in August 2015 covering 430 km under harsh weather conditions.[37]

Operational history

Since its induction into service, the Arjun has participated in a number of wargames carried out by the Indian Army. In 2010, the first two armoured regiments equipped with Arjun tanks participated in the Army's annual winter exercise. The same year, the Indian Army carried out a comparative trial pitting the newly inducted Arjun MK1 tanks against the imported T-90 tanks.[33] The trial was carried out in four phases from 19 February 2010 to 12 March 2010, checking the subsystem performance, medium fording capability, automotive run and firing trials.[33] The result of the comparative trial was not published until 2013, when it was reported that the Arjun had outperformed the T-90.[17] During the comparative trials, the Arjun reportedly demonstrated its ability to target and engage moving targets while on the moving in the opposite direction. In addition, it also demonstrated a zero water ingress medium fording capability, multiple target discrimination, and effortless automotive performance was achieved even in the heavy dunal desert terrain.[63] In 2013, the Indian Army announced that it would not purchase any additional vehicles above the 124 Arjuns that had already been ordered.[17] In 2014, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India commented that critical parameters of the 2010 comparative trials had been significantly relaxed for the T-90 tanks.[63]

Variants

  • Arjun MK1: First production variant Arjun tank similar to Leopard 2A4, entered service with the Indian Army in 2004.[40] It is a 58.5 ton main battle tank equipped with Kanchan composite armour, 120 mm rifled gun and an indigenous FCS with digital ballistic computer. It has laser warning receiver based active protection system.[50]
  • Bhim SPH: A 155 mm self-propelled howitzer variant of the Arjun has been prototyped by fitting the South African Denel T6 turret, which comes with the G5 howitzer to the Arjun chassis. This project has been cancelled as Denel has become embroiled in a corruption scandal in India.[64]
  • Arjun Catapult System: A 130 mm catapult system based on Arjun chassis. The trials were successfully concluded and the Indian Army is expected to place an order for 40 systems.[65]
  • Bridge Layer Tank (BLT) based on the Arjun chassis developed by the CVRDE.[66] It has "scissors type" bridgelaying method, which does not raise the bridge high up into the air, and hence make it visible from afar.[67]
  • Arjun ARRV: Armoured recovery and repair vehicle based on the Arjun chassis developed by CVRDE and BEML, for supporting Arjun tank regiments in battlefield.[68]
  • Tank EX: A hybrid experimental tank prototype, coupling T-72 chassis with Arjun turret.[69]
  • Arjun MK1A: The MK1A (Previously designated as MK2) is a new variant of Arjun tank designed to enhance firepower, mobility and survivability. It has a completely redesigned turret protected with improved Kanchan armour and ERA. The MK1A has 89 major and minor improvements, of these 73 could be easily incorporated into the MK1 Variant. The major improvements includes improved Kanchan armour, ERA, NERA for protection, integration of gun-launched SAMHO ATGM, gunner's main sight integrated with automatic target tracking system, commander's panoramic sight (CPS MK-II) with laser rangefinder and dual magnification day sight and uncooled thermal sight interfaced with the FCS for hunter killer capability, driver's uncooled sight system with binocular vision, remote controlled weapon station, track width mine plough, containerized ammunition bin with individual shutter (CABIS) for crew safety, advanced land navigation system, new auxiliary power unit with double power generation capacity, redesigned hydropneumatic suspension system with new advanced running gear system (ARGS) to enhance agility etc,. The Arjun MK1A has considerable more indigenous content than previous variant.[70][52]

FMBT

Variably referred to as the Arjun MK2, Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) or Future MBT (FMBT), the FMBT is an upcoming main battle tank developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.[2][71] The FMBT is designed to be considerably lighter than Arjun variants, planned to be equipped with advanced electro-optical sight systems and possibly high power laser based weapon system in addition to the main gun.[2] The type and calibre of the main gun has not been decided yet but according to the DRDO the FMBT will have a main gun capable of firing high velocity projectiles at a longer distance.[71] The FMBT will also have network centric warfare capabilities.[71] The FMBT is intended to be a replacement for the T-72 fleet of the Indian Army, and will be a 50 tonne tank powered by a 1500 hp or 1800 hp indigenous engine with automatic transmission system collectively called "Bharat Power Pack".[71][72][18] The planned FMBT will have a modular design to accommodate emerging technologies.[72] Early in the concept phase, it was decided to commence the development of FMBT only after the completion of Arjun MK1A (previously designated as Arjun MK2).[72]

Specifications

Arjun specifications
Arjun MK1 Arjun MK1A
Designer Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE)[11]
Manufacturer Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF)
Produced 2004–2012 2021 –
Operator Indian Army
Technical details
Length 10.6 m (with gun forward)[11]
Width 3.9 m[11]
Height 2.32 m (turret roof) 3.03 m (with gun mount)[11]
Weight 58.5 tons[11] 68 tons[52]
Engine 1400 hp MTU 838 Ka 501 turbo charged diesel engine[11]
Power/weight 24:1 hp/ton[11]
Range 450 km
Max.speed 70 km/h[11] 58 km/h[52]
Suspension Hydropneumatic suspension[11]
Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)[11]
Armament
Primary 120 mm rifled gun with recoil system[11]
Ammunition APFSDS (MK-I & MK-II), HESH, PCB, TB, SAMHO[11]
Secondary 1×12.7 mm HCB[11]

1×MAG 7.62 mm Tk 715 A

1×12.7 mm remotely operated gun turret[49]

1×MAG 7.62 mm Tk 715 A

Protection
Armour Kanchan composite modular armour [11] Improved Kanchan, ERA, NERA[52]
Passive Multi-spectral mobile camouflage, anti-infrared/anti-thermal paint[30][51]
Active Advanced Laser Warning Countermeasure System (ALWCS) with IR jammer[30]
12 × Smoke grenades[11] 16 × Smoke grenades[19]

Operators

  •  India
    • Indian Army
      • 124 Arjun MK1 tanks in service.[73]
      • 2 MK1A (prototypes) in service, with 118 MK1A tanks on order.[3][74]
      • 40 130 mm M-46 Catapults based on Arjun chassis.[75]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ 15 pre-production prototypes (PPS-1 to PPS-15), 124 Arjun MK1, 2 MK1A prototypes.[2][3]
  2. ^ The initial prototypes of Arjun were equipped with FCS developed for Vijayanta Mark 1B main battle tanks.[19]
  3. ^ First variant of Arjun MBT is designated as Arjun MK1 or Mark 1.[2]

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