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Arjun (tank)

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Arjun MBT
TypeMain Battle Tank
Place of origin India
Production history
DesignerCVRDE, DRDO
DesignedMarch 1974 - present
ManufacturerHeavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi
Unit cost$3.4 mn (Rs 16.80 crore)
Produced2004 - present
No. built64+
VariantsTank EX
Specifications
Mass58.5 tonnes
Length10.638 m
Width3.864 m
Height2.32 m
Crew4 (commander, gunner, loader and driver)
Armorsteel/composite Kanchan armour.
Main
armament
120 mm rifled tank gun
LAHAT anti-tank missile
HEAT, APFSDS, HESH Rounds
Secondary
armament
HCB 12.7mm AA MG
Mag 7.62mm Tk715 coaxial MG
EngineMTU 838 Ka 501 diesel
1400 hp (1040 kW)
Power/weight24 hp/tonne
Suspensionhydropneumatic
Ground clearance0.45 m
Fuel capacity1610 Litre
Operational
range
450 km
Maximum speed 72 km/h

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Arjun (Sanskrit: अर्जुन) is a main battle tank developed by India's largest defense contractor, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), for the Indian Army. The tank is named after Arjun, one of the main characters of the Indian epic the Mahabharata.

Although the development of the tank began in the early 1970s, it was only in 1996 that the Indian government decided to mass produce the tank at DRDO's facility in Avadi.[1] However, the first five units were not delivered until 2004.[2] Meanwhile, the delays and problems in the Arjun project prompted the Indian Army to order vast numbers of T-90S tanks from Russia to meet the defense needs the Arjun had been expected to fulfill.[1][3]

The Indian Army has shown little interest in the Arjun, believing it will soon be obsolete.[4][3] In July 2008, the Indian Army said it would cap Arjun's induction at 124 units, thus effectively putting an end to the Arjun MBT and its derivative Tank EX program.[5] India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to deliver the remainder of the 124 tanks to the Indian Army by 2009.[6]

History

Initial plans and development

Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Indian government decided to indigenously develop a main battle tank, for introduction by the early 1990s.[citation needed] The programme was approved in 1972,[citation needed] and a General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) was released by the Indian Army.

DRDO, with CVRDE as the main laboratory, was tasked with developing the hull, armor, turret, running gear and gun, with the powerpack being bought from abroad.[7] Originally intended to be a 40-ton MBT armed with a 105 mm gun, the Arjun’s project requirements were upgraded to 58.5 tons with a 120 mm gun.[citation needed]

Despite DRDO's attempts at indigenization, the Arjun relied heavily on foreign components and technology. DRDO received design assistance from Krauss Maffei, the developer of the German Leopard 2 tank, and several other German firms. As a result, Arjun's design is similar to that of Leopard 2A4 tank.[8] About 60% of the tank's components are imported, which include the engine, transmission, gun barrel, tracks, and fire control system.{{fact|date=April 2009))

The Arjun project has experienced serious budget overruns and repeated delays that resulted in a protracted development time of 36 years.{{fact|date=April 2009)) While the government sanctioned Rs. 15.5 Crore for the initial part of the programme in May 1974,[7] by 1995, DRDO had spent Rs. 300 Crore, due to changing requirements and inflationary cost increases.[9] This was the highest over-run by percentage for any DRDO project.[10]

Production

The Indian Army ordered 124 Arjuns in 2000. The first five were delivered to the army in August 2004.[11] The first 15 tanks have been activated. Of the remaining tanks, which are being manufactured in batches, 14 of these have been handed over to the Indian Army for winter trials.[citation needed] All 124 units will be delivered to the Army by the end of 2009.{{fact|date=April 2009)) The planned production rate is currently pegged at thirty tanks per year, with the Army requesting fifty per year as the ideal.[citation needed]

Trials and exercise

July 2005

During the summer trials in 2005, it was reported that the Arjun suffered problems with its main gun sight, suspension system, and fire control system. Moreover, engine failures occurred in temperatures averaging 55-60 degrees Celsius.[12]

Summer 2006

There are conflicting accounts of Arjun's trial results in 2006. In 2007, Major General H.M. Singh, a director in charge of trial and evaluation, said that the last year's user field trial report had certified that the accuracy and consistency of the weapon system was proved beyond doubt."[13][14] However, the 2006 army trial results showed that "the decade-old problem of overheating persists" and that "tank’s main subsystems, the fire control system (FCS) and integrated gunner’s main sight, which includes a thermal imager and laser range-finder, are rendered erratic and useless by the Arjun’s abnormally high peak internal temperature, which moves well beyond 55 degrees Celsius. This is in testimony to the Parliamentary committee."[15]

Exercise 2007

The Arjun tank was fielded during the exercise Ashwamedha in the deserts of Rajasthan.[16] The army was extremely unhappy with the tank, citing 14 defects that included "deficient fire control system". "inaccuracy of its guns", "low speeds in tactical areas", and "inability to operate over 50 degrees Celsius".[17]

September 2007 winter trials

Staring with the September 2007 winter trials, the Indian army deemed Arjun's performance unsatisfactory, including at least four engine failures.[18][19]

DRDO, on the other hand, insisted the tank was a viable choice for adoption and suggested the unsatisfactory performance of the engine during the winter trials was due to sabotage.[3]

2008 summer trials

According to an official Indian government press release[20] and various other news sources, during the most recent "accelerated user-cum-reliability trials" (a.k.a Summer Trials) in 2008, the Arjun "was found to have low accuracy, frequent break down of power packs and problems with its gun barrel", and "the tanks also had problems with consistency, recorded failure of hydropneumatic suspension units and shearing of top rolls" as well as a "deficient fire control system", "low speed in tactical areas", and "the inability to operate in temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius".[21][22][19]

A different path

In September 2008, the Indian Army signed a deal with Russia to import 347 T-90 tanks and license build a further 1000.[23][24][25] Transfer of key T-90 technologies has also been agreed upon as a part of the deal.[26][27][28]

In 2008, the Indian Army announced plans to acquire an entirely new main battle tank unrelated to the Arjun, to be inducted after 2020.[29] The Indian Army has held an "international seminar on future MBTs", during which the parameters and requirements of this future MBT were identified.[29] As a result, Russia has offered to team with India on developing this future tank.[30][31] These developments do not bode well for the future of the Arjun project.[32][33]

According to Jane's, the Indian Army has confirmed that the Arjun's production will be capped at 124 units. Lt General Dalip Bharadwaj, the Director General for the Mechanized Infantry, said that "Army will place no more orders for Arjun beyond 124 that was already contracted", because the "Army is now looking 20 years ahead and wants a futuristic MBT."[3][34]

Latest developments

According to the transcript of the testimony to the Indian Parliament by the Defense Minister, the Arjun's latest defects have been rectified "periodically", and the army has "categorically" indicated Arjun's performance as satisfactory. 124 Arjun tanks will be inducted into the army, "one regiment by the end of this year (2008) and the next regiment by the summer of next year (2009)".{{fact|date=April 2009))

The Arjun is to undergo comparative trials against the Indian Army's Russian-built T-90 tanks in June of 2009.[35] This is seen as a desperate, last-ditch effort to save the Arjun project, which requires an order of at least 500 units to make it feasible.[35]. Retired Lt. Col. Anil Bhat, a strategic analyst, pointed out that “the Arjun tank is cumbersome for strategic movement, i.e. to be taken from one sector to another. It is too wide and too heavy to be moved in the railway carriages that we have in India. The comparative trials are just an eyewash as Arjun is incomparable to T-90".[35] Recent reports suggest that Indian army is satisfied with the performance of Arjun. After the Winter 2008 trials, the Indian Army chief, wrote to the defense ministry appreciating the tank's performance. In the letter he stated that "the tank was subjected to the most strenuous of tests and it performed admirably well".[36]

Specifications

Weighing in at 58.5 tons, the Arjun tank is significantly heavier than the Soviet-legacy tanks used presently by the Indian Army, and requires changes to the army's logistics establishment, including new rail cars to transport the bigger and heavier Arjuns. The required logistical changes are also being made.

Armament

Armed with a 120 mm rifled gun, the Arjun is capable of firing APFSDS (Kinetic Energy) rounds, HE, HEAT, High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) rounds at the rate of 6-8 rounds per minute and the Israeli semi-active laser guided LAHAT missile. In addition, it is armed with a 12.7 mm AA machine gun and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.[37] The Arjun can carry 39 rounds in special blast-proof canisters. Loading is manual.

The Arjun's rifled main gun is a rarity, since only the British Challenger 2 tanks are equipped with rifled guns, although they are now being upgraded with the smoothbore Rhinemetall 120mm guns. Main battle tanks of other countries have smoothbore guns as the standard.

Fire control and Navigation

Fire control and navigation technologies are provided by Elbit, an Israeli defence company. The Fire Control System is stabilised on two axes, and with an extremely high hit probability (design criteria call for a greater than 0.9 Pk) replaces an earlier analogue one, which had problems due to its inability to function under the harsh desert conditions. However, the new fire control system also frequently malfunctions when subjected to temperatures greater than 42 degrees Celsius.[38] The combined day sight from Bharat Electronics Ltd. and the thermal imager (formerly from Sagem, now reported to be from El-Op) constitute the gunner's primary sight. The first batch of tanks of the 124 ordered by the Army will have an all-digital Sagem FCS, whereas the second block will have the BEL unit, which will be used for all units thereafter. The commander's own stabilised panoramic sight allows him to engage targets and/or hand them over to the gunner. The Arjun has an auxiliary power unit to operate weapon systems in silent watch mode as well.

The tank incorporates GPS based navigation systems and sophisticated frequency hopping radios. The state-of-the-art Battlefield Management System, co-developed by DRDO and Ebit Israel, allows it to network with other fighting units. The Arjun has the capability to network with other tanks, thanks to its Battle Management System. In a search and engage operation, several Arjun Tanks can monitor an opponent and his moves, and eliminate him in a chase or ambush.

Protection

The Arjun has been designed with Western design practices in mind, especially reflected in its crew protection features. With a crew of four, it incorporates heavy composite armour and significant crew protection measures, including ammunition separated from the crew, and blow off panels on the turret bustle, and an integrated fire detection and suppression system. It also incorporates nuclear, biological and chemical protection.[39] Further, Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) panels can be added, though the current Kanchan armour is deemed sufficient for the Arjuns tank-killing role.

The turret has been designed with the ergonomics of Indian Army troops in mind. The typical crew consists of a gunner, commander, loader and driver. It is protected by a laser warning system and smoke launchers for counter measures. To further enhance combat survivability, the tank has an auto-fire detection and suppression system. Ammunition is also stored in watertight containers to reduce the risk of fire.[37]

The turret and glacis are heavily armoured and use "Kanchan" ("gold") modular composite armour. The Kanchan Armor got its name from Kanchan Bagh, Hyderabad, where the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) is located.[40] The armour is made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA) to defeat APFDS or HEAT rounds. During the trials in 2000 ,the Kanchan was able to withstand a hit from a T-72 at point blank range, and was able to defeat all available HESH and FSAPDS rounds, which included the Israeli FSAPDS rounds.[40] A new honeycomb design non-explosive and non-energetic reactive armour (NERA) armour is reportedly being tested on the Arjun.[41]

Mobility

The engine and transmission are provided by German companies MTU and Renk respectively.[citation needed] The water-cooled engine generates 1,400 hp and is integrated with an Indian turbocharger and epicyclic train gearbox with four forward and 2 reverse gears.[citation needed] A local transmission is under trials and will ultimately replace the Renk-supplied unit.[citation needed] The tracks which were being supplied by German company Diehl are now being manufactured by L & T, an Indian company.[citation needed] The cooling pack has been designed for desert operations. The Arjun has a lower ground pressure than the lighter T-72, due to its design.[citation needed]

The Arjun has a state-of-the-art hydro-pneumatic suspension.[citation needed] This coupled with the Arjun's stabilisation and fire control system allows the tank superb first-hit probability against moving targets while on the move.[citation needed] Its ride comfort is highly praised.[citation needed] Though on the negative side, it is a more maintenance-intensive and expensive system, even if more capable than the simpler and cheaper torsion bar system utilized on many older tanks worldwide.[citation needed] During trials, the Arjun showcased its fording capability, by driving under 6 feet of water for 20 minutes.[42]

A new 1500 hp engine is being developed that will eventually replace the present engine. An allocation of 40 crore Rupees has been allocated for the project which is expected to be completed within five years.[43]

Variants

  • A 155 mm self-propelled howitzer variant of the Arjun (labelled 'Bhima') 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 delayed as DENEL has become embroiled in a corruption scandal in India, and hence the Indian Ministry of Defence has suspended the Bhim.
  • A bridge layer based on the Arjun chassis has also been displayed by the DRDO[1]. Developed in cooperation with Indian industry, this bridge layer is deemed superior to the T-72 based units, as it can handle a larger load and uses a "scissors type" bridgelaying method, which does not raise the bridge high up into the air, and hence make it visible from afar.
  • Armoured engineering vehicles based on the Arjun are also assumed to be in development, as the Arjun induction will require units of a similar power to weight ratio or powerful enough to tow it, or recover it on the battlefield.
  • Tank EX: A new tank obtained by coupling a T-72 chassis and an Arjun turret. Only prototypes have been built so far.

References

  1. ^ a b Arjun globalsecurity.com
  2. ^ http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/jdw/jdw050921_1_n.shtml
  3. ^ a b c d Times of India, No more Arjuns for Indian Army
  4. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1994156,prtpage-1.cms
  5. ^ http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200807051550.htm
  6. ^ http://www.rxpgnews.com/india/Indian-Army-to-receive-124-Arjun-tanks-by-2009_27217.shtml
  7. ^ a b Smith, Chris. India's Ad hoc Arsenal: Direction or Drift in Defence Policy?. Sipri. pp. 148–151. ISBN 978-0198291688. Retrieved 2008-04-23.
  8. ^ Specifications india-defence.com
  9. ^ "Arjun Battle Tank" (Press release). Government of India. 2008-05-05. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
  10. ^ Ranjan, Amitav (2006-11-27). "Arjun, Main Battle Tanked". Indian Express. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
  11. ^ Bedi, Rahul (2005-09-21). "System failures stall Arjun trials". Jane's Information Group. Retrieved 2008-10-02.
  12. ^ System failures stall Arjun trials
  13. ^ Fourteen Arjun main battle tanks delivered to the Army
  14. ^ Armed forces prefer Russian armour
  15. ^ Arjun, Main Battle Tanked
  16. ^ Arjun MBT to Participate in Indian Army Desert War Games
  17. ^ Indian Army unsure about Arjun tank's role
  18. ^ Indian Army sounds indigenous battle tank's death knell
  19. ^ a b indianexpress.com, Arjun tank fails winter trials, Army Chief writes to Antony
  20. ^ Arjun Battle Tank Lok Sabha PIB release
  21. ^ Government of India, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Arjun Battle Tank Lok Sabha release
  22. ^ Times of India, Defects found in Arjun tank during trial
  23. ^ Defence ties with Russia extended by another 10 yrs
  24. ^ All dressed up and no Takers
  25. ^ Indian army wants to add another 1000 T-90 tanks by 2020
  26. ^ India, Russia to step up strategic ties
  27. ^ Russia and India agree to transfer of key technology for T-90 tanks
  28. ^ India buying 347 Russian T-90 tanks
  29. ^ a b "India sets in motion plans to build futuristic tanks". India Times. 2008-07-22. Retrieved 2008-09-30. Cite error: The named reference "Futuristic" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  30. ^ Jane's Defence News, Russia offers to team with India on new MBT.
  31. ^ Kommersant, Russia, India Negotiate Smart Tank Creation.
  32. ^ Business Standard, India`s future tank nowhere in sight
  33. ^ India plans to cap Arjun tank production
  34. ^ Indian Army abandons plans to order more Arjuns
  35. ^ a b c A last bid to save the Arjun thaindian.com
  36. ^ Army takes a U-turn on Arjun tank
  37. ^ a b Ministry of Defense, India, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Main Battle Tank, Arjun
  38. ^ Federation of American Scientists (fas.org) Arjun.
  39. ^ Frontier India, Indigenous NBC sensor for Arjun MBT.
  40. ^ a b Frontier India, The Kanchan armour
  41. ^ INDIADEFENCE, Indian Army to Acquire 124 Arjun MBTs By 2009: Defence Ministry
  42. ^ Indian Army to take all 14 MBT Arjun tanks for trial by September End
  43. ^ DRDO, 1500 HP engine development
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