Armoured Vehicles: News & Discussion
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
I am relieved that the army has not asked for photon torpedo in this iteration of the FM BT.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Five years from now there will be another RFI for future tank.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
The cost should hold true for order of 120 tanks onlySingha wrote:sounds like they want the suspension of a BMW, the engine of a ferrari, protection of a merkava, and firepower of a abrams...at the cost of a T90
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Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Considering the glacial speed of events in the DGMF, it is entirely possible that the document was created several months ago in a pre-Armata time, and hastily modified to accommodate the Armata style multiple product-single chassis concept, hence the "medium tank".
JMT...
JMT...
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Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
That will be one of the 93 changes they will demand on the original for the MK2....the one they might consider buying in quantity. Some of the others include:Pratyush wrote:I am relieved that the army has not asked for photon torpedo in this iteration of the FM BT.
[*] A DiLithium crystal powered Warp Drive
[*] A cloaking device
[*] Protective Force Field
[*] Tractor Beam
[*] Built-in Replicator
[*] Built-in Transporter
[*] Shape-shifting function
[*] Ability to traverse/hop across 12 Dimensions
[*] Time Travel
etc.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
It will be more like five years from now PA gets new Chinese MBT Type-99. There is panic amongst the Indian generals to purchase an equivalent. Armata T-14 to the rescue!!!Karan M wrote:Five years from now there will be another RFI for future tank.
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Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Completely unfair!! I wonder why was shape morphing and trans warp drive left out?
Aim for the stars but please, not stars in a distant galaxy gazillions of light years.
Aim for the stars but please, not stars in a distant galaxy gazillions of light years.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Armata: The ultimate tank.
These are the voyages of the Indian Armoured Corps...
Its never-ending mission: to explore this new Russian tin can,
To create a RFP based on the Armata's specifications.
And to boldly go where no man has gone before....
These are the voyages of the Indian Armoured Corps...
Its never-ending mission: to explore this new Russian tin can,
To create a RFP based on the Armata's specifications.
And to boldly go where no man has gone before....
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Rakesh
one correction. To boldly screw where no one has screwed before.
one correction. To boldly screw where no one has screwed before.
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Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Pratyush wrote:Rakesh
one correction. To boldly screw where no one has screwed before.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Is India's Main Battle Tank Finally Doomed?
Last week, the Indian Army released a global request for information (RFI) inviting responses by 31 July to develop a multi-purpose Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) in order to replace older license-built Soviet-era main-battle tanks (MBTs).
“The Indian Army is planning to design and develop a new generation, state-of-the-art combat vehicle platform for populating its armored fighting vehicle fleet in the coming decade. This vehicle, which will be called the future ready combat vehicle (FRCV), will form the base platform for the main battle tank which is planned to replace the existing T-72 tanks in the Armored Corps,” the RFI reads.
The Indian military envisions the FRCV system as a platform for as many as 11 different tracked vehicles, including light tracked, wheeled, bridge layer and trawl tanks, self-propelled howitzers (SPH), air defense guns, artillery observation post and engineering reconnaissance vehicles, and armored ambulances.
Additionally, the RFI notes that the FRCV “should be in the ‘Medium Tank’ category” and should “match contemporary MBTs in engagement ranges, all weather day/night fighting capability, depth of penetration and variety of ammunition.” The Indian Army wants the new FRCV ready for induction by 2025-27 – a deadline that almost certainly will have to be extended given India’s defense procurement track record.
Consequently, in the meantime, India will do well to continue upgrade its 1900 strong T-72 MBT force. As I noted in a previous article (“Breakdown: What’s Happening With India’s Tank Force?”), New Delhi has so far failed to successfully mass-produce an indigenously developed modern main battle tank.
The recent RFI could also very well ring the final death-knell for India’s indigenously developed third generation Arjun MK-I main battle tank – a poorly designed vehicle (e.g., too much heavy armor versus too little horsepower) that encountered repeated delays due to a flawed procurement and testing process. Almost eighty percent of the 124-strong Arjun MK-I tank force is currently grounded due to more than 90 technical issues.
India has been working on an improved version of the Arjun, the MK-II, which has done very well in comparative trials with license-built Russian tanks such as the T-90M. It displays more than 93 improvements over the older version and contains 60 percent locally manufactured components. However, a decision to indigenously develop a new anti-tank missile to be fitted onto the MK-II will, in all likelihood, delay the induction of the upgraded platform.
As I noted in my previous article:
Due to the repeated delays, India decided to acquire T-90s main battle tanks from Russia in the early 2000s. While the first 310 were directly imported from Russia, India is currently locally producing a customized and improved version of the T-90, the T-90 M Bhishma. A total of 500 T-90 and T-90 M tanks are currently in service in the Indian Army. India plans to field 21 tank regiments of T-90s by 2020 through license-production, with 62 tanks per unit and more than 1,300 armored fighting vehicles total, although that number could go up.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
^^^
The author got his details wrong on the Arjun comparative trials; it was Mk.1 vs T-90S not Mk.2. Except for the missile firing part, Arjun Mk.1 bested the T-90S. He also sounds confused about the 93 upgrades/enhancements, which he calls defects. Horsepower is adequate for its weight. And regarding grounding, that had more to do with spare parts procurement practices of the IA than with Arjun itself. Look at other servicibility rates for IA's equipment overall.
All in all this one can be labeled as a DDM piece. They need to get the details correct.
The author got his details wrong on the Arjun comparative trials; it was Mk.1 vs T-90S not Mk.2. Except for the missile firing part, Arjun Mk.1 bested the T-90S. He also sounds confused about the 93 upgrades/enhancements, which he calls defects. Horsepower is adequate for its weight. And regarding grounding, that had more to do with spare parts procurement practices of the IA than with Arjun itself. Look at other servicibility rates for IA's equipment overall.
All in all this one can be labeled as a DDM piece. They need to get the details correct.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Also after the improvements suggested by IA and incorporated the Mk2 has weight gain of 4 tons!
If earlier Mk1 was heavy this one is even more heavy based on improvements demanded by IA.
If earlier Mk1 was heavy this one is even more heavy based on improvements demanded by IA.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Instead of such vague requirements, it will be much easier if we can say what we actually want to buy. This will save us from a lengthy 10yr dog and pony show which will ultimately result in direct government to government contract for Armata.VinodTK wrote:Is India's Main Battle Tank Finally Doomed?......................
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Additionally, the RFI notes that the FRCV “should be in the ‘Medium Tank’ category” and should “match contemporary MBTs in engagement ranges, all weather day/night fighting capability, depth of penetration and variety of ammunition.” The Indian Army wants the new FRCV ready for induction by 2025-27 – a deadline that almost certainly will have to be extended given India’s defense procurement track record.
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But on the bright side, who knows in 10yrs Armata MKI might be available and will provide Russians ample time to actually develop all those wonderful ideas which are still on paper (ahem.. i mean already in production).
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
The ideas will be developed with Indian money. With India getting screwdriver rights. The best part will be that the Arjun will still beat the imported product. After which the IA will ask for 100 improvements in Arjun for it to become acceptable to it while ordering 2000 imports.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
you forget current MOD is bania to the core, earlier was like we want this MOD would procure now IA sends in a procurement request, MOD request back you have left out the finance part mistake perhaps, rectify it and send in the finances lets us say in 3 days time. you will to see it for yourself to believe the takleef in MOD babus and IA procurement affsars running around explaining themselves from financial POV, just wait for few months IA will find new love named ArjunPratyush wrote:The ideas will be developed with Indian money. With India getting screwdriver rights. The best part will be that the Arjun will still beat the imported product. After which the IA will ask for 100 improvements in Arjun for it to become acceptable to it while ordering 2000 imports.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
if it truly happens - you and rest of the folks(including moi) battling for Arjun deserve "Arjun" loads of mithai.niran wrote:< snip> just wait for few months IA will find new love named Arjun
am also waiting for "make in India, buy in India" to happen esp armed forces.
Other fervent wish to see India exporting weapons to countries surrounding our enemies.
anyway one step at a time
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Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
^Exactly what is going to happen. What I would give to see the scene when the retarded old fools in the DGMF have to explain their nonsense in financial terms.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
It's disgusting watching the IA doing everything it can to kill indigenous development and then unfairly blaming the DRDO scientists.
Coming up with a technically impossible set of goals and preparing ground to import foreign goods in lieu of kickbacks.
Its shamefully we are watching our nation's defenses being degraded in front of our eyes and doing nothing about it.
I hope Modi and his national security team take a hard look at the corrupt dealings of these traitors in the army and deal with them strictly.
Coming up with a technically impossible set of goals and preparing ground to import foreign goods in lieu of kickbacks.
Its shamefully we are watching our nation's defenses being degraded in front of our eyes and doing nothing about it.
I hope Modi and his national security team take a hard look at the corrupt dealings of these traitors in the army and deal with them strictly.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
the answerArun Menon wrote:^Exactly what is going to happen. What I would give to see the scene when the retarded old fools in the DGMF have to explain their nonsense in financial terms.
MOD motaboss is reviewing, DGMF files daily DGMF are to explain the files first thing every Monday morning if they explain themselves (inclusive of the financial aspect) it is approved every fortnight.AvinashR wrote:I hope Modi and his national security team take a hard look at the corrupt dealings of these traitors in the army and deal with them strictly
the flies tells me motaboss has asked for justification on T90s maintenance/upgrade bills and why has IA not ordered Arjun to replace Vijayant tanks (note now it is Vijayant for now) he has provided the real figures about finances in INR right down to the INR spent on presentation by Ruski teams(yeah it was MOD money on Ruski team as opposed to Ruski money) WRT T90, DGMF is currently in the process of tallying the figures by motaboss and scratching his beard for an explanation or else... all within a time limit of 8 weeks from today. let us see his explanation.
most prolly motaboss will say no have that much moolah, have this much onree, you need this much MBT so the best is Arjun, oh! don't worry, will talk to Avadhi, they will ramp up production go get me a proposal for the same and yes i want it by next Monday (heaven forbid if this is a fridin)
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
^ Glad to hear the good news but the corruption is endemic in the army procurement process. Since independence the army has a long history of requesting a weapon system and then when finally the weapon is ready to be delivered shifting the goalposts and buying a foreign system.
example https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRDO_Anti_Tank_Missile
.......
The DRDO Anti-tank missile (ATM) is a first generation wire-guided missile developed in India by Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has a subsonic speed up to 300 ft/s (91 m/s) with a range of 1.6 km and carries a 106 mm HEAT warhead.
In 1959, India started a feasibility study on a First Generation Anti Tank Missile (ATM). New General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) were issued and the task of preliminary study and wind testing was assigned to Department of Aeronautics and Institute of Science, Bangalore.
In 1962, DRDO was granted 6,00,000 Indian Rupees to begin work on developing an Anti-Tank missile due to conflict with China in Ladakh. It has a range of 500 meters to about 4 km.
The missile was test-fired near Imarat, a village on the outskirts of Hyderabad, which held the reliability order of 65%. The test trials were attended by Gen Bewoor, then Deputy Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. The missile was tested 16 times and hit its target 14 times. Two Indian army teams which were trained on European ATMs, Cobra and ENTAC, carried out the tests
In 1969 ATM project was terminated as the Indian Army revised its General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). The new GSQR extended the range of the missile from 1.6 km to 3 km. They also required the previously man-portable missile to be capable of being mounted and fired from a mobile-launcher. This led to production of SS11B1 at Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad under license from France.
......
who benefits from this criminal enterprise? the foreign weapons lobby and the corrupt people in the army.
who is the loser? The indian tax payer and the scientists who lose morale and have rightly come to the conclusion that the army will not accept weapons designed by them and in turn will badmouth them using the presstitutes in the media.
example https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRDO_Anti_Tank_Missile
.......
The DRDO Anti-tank missile (ATM) is a first generation wire-guided missile developed in India by Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has a subsonic speed up to 300 ft/s (91 m/s) with a range of 1.6 km and carries a 106 mm HEAT warhead.
In 1959, India started a feasibility study on a First Generation Anti Tank Missile (ATM). New General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) were issued and the task of preliminary study and wind testing was assigned to Department of Aeronautics and Institute of Science, Bangalore.
In 1962, DRDO was granted 6,00,000 Indian Rupees to begin work on developing an Anti-Tank missile due to conflict with China in Ladakh. It has a range of 500 meters to about 4 km.
The missile was test-fired near Imarat, a village on the outskirts of Hyderabad, which held the reliability order of 65%. The test trials were attended by Gen Bewoor, then Deputy Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. The missile was tested 16 times and hit its target 14 times. Two Indian army teams which were trained on European ATMs, Cobra and ENTAC, carried out the tests
In 1969 ATM project was terminated as the Indian Army revised its General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). The new GSQR extended the range of the missile from 1.6 km to 3 km. They also required the previously man-portable missile to be capable of being mounted and fired from a mobile-launcher. This led to production of SS11B1 at Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad under license from France.
......
who benefits from this criminal enterprise? the foreign weapons lobby and the corrupt people in the army.
who is the loser? The indian tax payer and the scientists who lose morale and have rightly come to the conclusion that the army will not accept weapons designed by them and in turn will badmouth them using the presstitutes in the media.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
^^^
Another shameful sabotage by the IA on an indigenous program. By now 50-years later, imagine what types of ATGM designed and developed in India would have been! No need for Israeli or American ATGM in 2015. It shows lack of long-term strategic vision. The generals fail to understand that to be considered a true world power you need to have indigenous MIC to support your aspiration. You will only be a second class power being depended on foreign systems.
Another shameful sabotage by the IA on an indigenous program. By now 50-years later, imagine what types of ATGM designed and developed in India would have been! No need for Israeli or American ATGM in 2015. It shows lack of long-term strategic vision. The generals fail to understand that to be considered a true world power you need to have indigenous MIC to support your aspiration. You will only be a second class power being depended on foreign systems.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
I dont think its fail to understand but are pushed to make such decisions by the arms import lobby. Having anther competition is not in the interests of dominant countries in the world and they use every leverage from children's Visas, safety, MOD, Babuddam , politicans in select promotions etc to further thier interests.srai wrote:^^^
Another shameful sabotage by the IA on an indigenous program. By now 50-years later, imagine what types of ATGM designed and developed in India would have been! No need for Israeli or American ATGM in 2015. It shows lack of long-term strategic vision. The generals fail to understand that to be considered a true world power you need to have indigenous MIC to support your aspiration. You will only be a second class power being depended on foreign systems.
Armymen afterall have to follow orders and its alaways easier for the press to say Army, airforce want it and quote an outlier rather than stating, so and so politicians, arms vendors, middle agents and media owners profit from these decisions.
I am sure there is some back room pressure which is not discussed in the press.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
The building of the domistic MIC was not really the core focus of the armed forces. If it was, it would be a bonus. You need to look at the political context in which the armed forces exist, in order to have an accurate understanding of why the domestic MIS has not been build in the country since 1947.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
For every rupee sent outside the coutry, they have give one back to MOD from their budget. Seriously, I hope someone infuses a sense of strategic worth of a local MIC and IA's obligation to support it, atleast in peace time.Pratyush wrote:The building of the domistic MIC was not really the core focus of the armed forces. If it was, it would be a bonus. You need to look at the political context in which the armed forces exist, in order to have an accurate understanding of why the domestic MIS has not been build in the country since 1947.
What is more important to fight a war - the man or the machine? If machines are everything, why all the training? When the machines stop during a war, due to armtwisting or a blockade, they will realize the value of each fighting man's life. May be imported maal saves a few lives when they begin the war, but unless your MIC significantly developed, you cant crank out numbers during a war.
Time to become realistic about what you have and what you want, form your strategies based on that - rather than basing your GSQR on latest brochures. Spending on the infrastructure to move Arjuns where you want them is better than help arm Russians with your money.Only realistic way to put the brakes on this attitude is to ration their budgets.
We have take the turn somewhere. Yes politicans let us down, we suffered one defeat in the hands our bigger neighbour. We didnt learn, may be its time we lose one more war to get some seriousness. Every jawan is willing to put down his life for the country, should make us realize that the country is worth more than any individual's (or IA's) wellbeing.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
The problem is wider than the Army itself.Glad to hear the good news but the corruption is endemic in the army procurement process. Since independence the army has a long history of requesting a weapon system and then when finally the weapon is ready to be delivered shifting the goalposts and buying a foreign system
The Government and people of India need to take a good deal of the blame for such things.
Not too late to change it either.
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Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
^That may be the case, but we must remember, the Indian Navy is part of India too. The DGMF has been downright anti-national with its boundless love for imports.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Avinash R wrote:^ Glad to hear the good news but the corruption is endemic in the army procurement process. Since independence the army has a long history of requesting a weapon system and then when finally the weapon is ready to be delivered shifting the goalposts and buying a foreign system.
example https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRDO_Anti_Tank_Missile
.......
The DRDO Anti-tank missile (ATM) is a first generation wire-guided missile developed in India by Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has a subsonic speed up to 300 ft/s (91 m/s) with a range of 1.6 km and carries a 106 mm HEAT warhead.
In 1959, India started a feasibility study on a First Generation Anti Tank Missile (ATM). New General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) were issued and the task of preliminary study and wind testing was assigned to Department of Aeronautics and Institute of Science, Bangalore.
In 1962, DRDO was granted 6,00,000 Indian Rupees to begin work on developing an Anti-Tank missile due to conflict with China in Ladakh. It has a range of 500 meters to about 4 km.
The missile was test-fired near Imarat, a village on the outskirts of Hyderabad, which held the reliability order of 65%. The test trials were attended by Gen Bewoor, then Deputy Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. The missile was tested 16 times and hit its target 14 times. Two Indian army teams which were trained on European ATMs, Cobra and ENTAC, carried out the tests
In 1969 ATM project was terminated as the Indian Army revised its General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). The new GSQR extended the range of the missile from 1.6 km to 3 km. They also required the previously man-portable missile to be capable of being mounted and fired from a mobile-launcher. This led to production of SS11B1 at Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad under license from France.
......
.
AvinashR, Thanks for the link and the report. In mid 70s IITM, random vibrations lab had a fiberglass ATM for studies. I used to wonder what the heck was it. The link takes you to Mosquito page. The ATM model looked vaguely like that.
I guess it went into developing the Nag control laws.
Also Wings of Fire documents Kalam insisted on developing an ATM and named it Nag after Dr. Nag-Chaudhri, the DRDO chief behind the ATM project.
If it was so close to complete the IA should have used a few in 1965 war and the 1967 Nathu La incident.
From technical point of view you see DRDL hallmarks:
- Dual pulse motors : star grain booster and end burn sustainer
- Gyroscope guided missile
- Use of existing 106mm HEAT warhead from RCL.
And damn inexpensive at Rs6 lakh development cost.
Could have made a very good bunker buster for Ichogil Canal defences.
The IA folks who rejected it should be shot. I guess their counterparts in TSP already had the Cobra made by MBB.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
i think we can save money by disbanding dgmf and getting russian armour brochures directly from their consulate.
there is no need for another marketing office if all they like is russian kit.
there is no need for another marketing office if all they like is russian kit.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
IIRC all 183 improvements/modifications/addons/replacements etc.. asked for by the IA was part of an intiative for a "weight loss" programme launched after Arjun "blew" away (as per some jernail turned journo) the T-90. what's the result? instead of weight loss, DRDO ends up with weight gain!! whose fault is it?ramana wrote:Also after the improvements suggested by IA and incorporated the Mk2 has weight gain of 4 tons!
If earlier Mk1 was heavy this one is even more heavy based on improvements demanded by IA.
still, IA went out of their way to accomodate - by 'redefining' the new "medium" wt category with an upper limit @ about 55T or thereabouts. (dont ask for source. won't tell). what happens? while Armata sits sweetly in this new medium category, Arjun can't even dream!!
so, what choice IA has? can someone enlighten?
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Pragnya
>>>IIRC all 183 improvements/modifications/addons/replacements etc.. asked for by the IA was part of an intiative for a "weight loss" programme launched after Arjun "blew" away (as per some jernail turned journo) the T-90. what's the result? instead of weight loss, DRDO ends up with weight gain!! whose fault is it?
Arjun blew away the T-90 per official trial data released by CAG as well. Please look it up. The only reason the T-90 was rated somewhat equivalent in the overall firepower metric was thanks to missile firing capability. In other criteria, including fire on the move, the Arjun is far ahead of the T-90.
Note there is no CAG "interpretation" or usual bean counting subjectivity here. Plain and simple staff requirement data.
Leaving that aside, your claim that it was a weight loss program alone for Arjun (93, not 83) improvements is completely inaccurate.
Some were armor/firepower focused eg missile, FSAPDS/new round, ERA+ passive protection sensors, new sight, some were tech improvements for ease of use (muzzle ref sight), some reliability and cost improvements (new roadwheel), and so forth. Most of these improvements were streets ahead of the T-90 anyhow which has nothing of the sort. The Army asked for an even higher power APU on the Arjun. Improve its watch capability without starting the main engine, significantly. The T-90 has no APU.
Add all these together, and no way can weight decrease. The ERA alone would significant add weight. This despite the fact that current Arjun has protection in the same class as the T-90 using passive armor alone.
>>>what happens? while Armata sits sweetly in this new medium category, Arjun can't even dream!!
Armata sits nowhere. Its hilarious that some demo is trotted out and suddenly its in some category. Anyone who looks at how much time and effort Russian prototypes take to enter production, in recent years, would wonder at such comments.
What you have seen on the parade is a prototype. Its not a production model, its not a proven item. Production units will have more weight.
Next, there are significant issues with the design as it stands currently, huge turret with minimum armor (chances of mission kill being high). In contrast, current tanks with heavily armored turrets stand a much better chance of surviving a stand up fight.
Completely disproportionately sized doghouse optics (again, chances of mission kill being high).
No clear idea about whether the Russians have managed to tackle the issue with stabilization influencing motion sickness for commanders in a fixed position w/crew (this was one of the reasons the US didn't go for an unmanned turret in eons past).
Yes, Arjun can't dream of being where the Armata is. That's a good thing, because right now, Armata is a pipedream. It will be taken apart by any first class MBT fielded today & is yet to achieve even the basic operational performance of any in production MBT like the Arjun or even the T-tanks (but for their horrible sight issues).
To achieve even a fraction of the capability western MBTs achieve (and which Arjun Mk1/Mk2 seek to replicate), the Armata would have to:
1. Get more armor (as versus the mockup turret)
2. Improve main armament demonstrably (instead of talk about super rounds)
3. Improve optics to worldwide standards (right now Russia can't even field a single worldclass FCS+TI sight combo)
4. Demonstrate high reliability in operational trials
5. Redesign the tank for a better silhouette to properly take advantage of its so called unmanned turret (otherwise no advantage of fielding a tank that can be M-killed)
In the whole process, one would rather stick with what works, which is the Arjun and derivatives thereof. Instead of taking one more Russian lemon and then running around the whole world, asking the Israelis, to DRDO to Indian industry to somehow rectify fundamental flaws with the design such as its inability to field complex electronics which cant withstand heat.
>>>IIRC all 183 improvements/modifications/addons/replacements etc.. asked for by the IA was part of an intiative for a "weight loss" programme launched after Arjun "blew" away (as per some jernail turned journo) the T-90. what's the result? instead of weight loss, DRDO ends up with weight gain!! whose fault is it?
Arjun blew away the T-90 per official trial data released by CAG as well. Please look it up. The only reason the T-90 was rated somewhat equivalent in the overall firepower metric was thanks to missile firing capability. In other criteria, including fire on the move, the Arjun is far ahead of the T-90.
Note there is no CAG "interpretation" or usual bean counting subjectivity here. Plain and simple staff requirement data.
Leaving that aside, your claim that it was a weight loss program alone for Arjun (93, not 83) improvements is completely inaccurate.
Some were armor/firepower focused eg missile, FSAPDS/new round, ERA+ passive protection sensors, new sight, some were tech improvements for ease of use (muzzle ref sight), some reliability and cost improvements (new roadwheel), and so forth. Most of these improvements were streets ahead of the T-90 anyhow which has nothing of the sort. The Army asked for an even higher power APU on the Arjun. Improve its watch capability without starting the main engine, significantly. The T-90 has no APU.
Add all these together, and no way can weight decrease. The ERA alone would significant add weight. This despite the fact that current Arjun has protection in the same class as the T-90 using passive armor alone.
>>>what happens? while Armata sits sweetly in this new medium category, Arjun can't even dream!!
Armata sits nowhere. Its hilarious that some demo is trotted out and suddenly its in some category. Anyone who looks at how much time and effort Russian prototypes take to enter production, in recent years, would wonder at such comments.
What you have seen on the parade is a prototype. Its not a production model, its not a proven item. Production units will have more weight.
Next, there are significant issues with the design as it stands currently, huge turret with minimum armor (chances of mission kill being high). In contrast, current tanks with heavily armored turrets stand a much better chance of surviving a stand up fight.
Completely disproportionately sized doghouse optics (again, chances of mission kill being high).
No clear idea about whether the Russians have managed to tackle the issue with stabilization influencing motion sickness for commanders in a fixed position w/crew (this was one of the reasons the US didn't go for an unmanned turret in eons past).
Yes, Arjun can't dream of being where the Armata is. That's a good thing, because right now, Armata is a pipedream. It will be taken apart by any first class MBT fielded today & is yet to achieve even the basic operational performance of any in production MBT like the Arjun or even the T-tanks (but for their horrible sight issues).
To achieve even a fraction of the capability western MBTs achieve (and which Arjun Mk1/Mk2 seek to replicate), the Armata would have to:
1. Get more armor (as versus the mockup turret)
2. Improve main armament demonstrably (instead of talk about super rounds)
3. Improve optics to worldwide standards (right now Russia can't even field a single worldclass FCS+TI sight combo)
4. Demonstrate high reliability in operational trials
5. Redesign the tank for a better silhouette to properly take advantage of its so called unmanned turret (otherwise no advantage of fielding a tank that can be M-killed)
In the whole process, one would rather stick with what works, which is the Arjun and derivatives thereof. Instead of taking one more Russian lemon and then running around the whole world, asking the Israelis, to DRDO to Indian industry to somehow rectify fundamental flaws with the design such as its inability to field complex electronics which cant withstand heat.
Last edited by Karan M on 19 Jun 2015 07:01, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Regarding the trials:
Funny, how the Army was reporting all sorts of problems with the Arjun and suddenly the trials are held, and the complaints ceased for a while.
The marginal advantage to the T-90 accrued from the long range (and expensive) Refleks which has a higher penetration ability than most other rounds. With that taken out of the picture, the Arjun outperformed the T-90 in firepower trials. Again, note these were per whatever criteria the IA utilized - we don't know whether the IA for instance fired on moving targets at >20km/hr for which the Arjun excels. At slower targets, the T-90 would approach Arjun performance.
In short, with further improvements, eg ERA to existing armor, the Arjun would pull far ahead of the T-90. Leave aside internal changes etc.
What the Army/DGMF have savvily (and cynically done) is sabotage the program by ordering so few that spares production and sustainment become a challenge. The plan is quite clearly to keep using this as a stick and then deinduct the tank over time, citing it as a problem.
In short, the tanks performed equivalent in all metrics bar firepower (otherwise the score reports would have been lopsided in favor of the T-90).Comparative field trials of MBT Arjun with T-90 tanks took place in February/ March 2010. Till such time, the Army had been consistently reporting quality problems in MBT Arjun; this was also reported to the Standing Committee on Defence (2007-08). The comparative trials were on four parameters viz. fire power, survivability, reliability and miscellaneous issues of the tank with weightage of 40, 35, 15 and 10 respectively. As per the trial report, MBT Arjun performed marginally better than the T-90 tank in accuracy and consistency of firepower. However, T-90 tank performed better in lethality and missile firing capability. The Army concluded (April 2010) that “Arjun had performed creditably and it could be employed both for offensive and defensive tasks with same efficacy of T-90 tank.†The Army also recommended upgrades to make the Arjun tank a superior weapon platform. We were informed (February 2014) that the Mark-II version of MBT Arjun was under trials by the Army and that it would include the upgrades recommended by the Army.
We found that the MBT Arjun and T-90 tank were not exactly comparable in missile firing ability; the higher score of T-90 tank was mainly due to missile firing ability which was not in the design of MBT Arjun. Barring missile firing ability, the scores of MBT Arjun and T-90 tank would be 25.77 and 24.50 respectively in firepower. In the overall comparative score, T-90 tank scored 75.01, marginally higher than MBT Arjun which scored 72.46, mainly because of higher score on missile firing ability of T-90 tank.
Funny, how the Army was reporting all sorts of problems with the Arjun and suddenly the trials are held, and the complaints ceased for a while.
The marginal advantage to the T-90 accrued from the long range (and expensive) Refleks which has a higher penetration ability than most other rounds. With that taken out of the picture, the Arjun outperformed the T-90 in firepower trials. Again, note these were per whatever criteria the IA utilized - we don't know whether the IA for instance fired on moving targets at >20km/hr for which the Arjun excels. At slower targets, the T-90 would approach Arjun performance.
In short, with further improvements, eg ERA to existing armor, the Arjun would pull far ahead of the T-90. Leave aside internal changes etc.
What the Army/DGMF have savvily (and cynically done) is sabotage the program by ordering so few that spares production and sustainment become a challenge. The plan is quite clearly to keep using this as a stick and then deinduct the tank over time, citing it as a problem.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
^^^^^ the report does not say anything on the accuracy of Arjun fire on the move(stationary targets) at 500 meters, 1000 meters, 2000 meters and 3000 meters arjun scored full marks T90 40% then retest with on the move for Arjun and stationary for T90 Arjun full T90 73% then the test altogether deleted.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Pappu went up against a highly seasoned campaigner got his head handed back. so the exam was discredited and pappu was still passed on the principal's discretion. in any other country pappu would get a F and demoted two classes down.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Karan M,
that IA has effectively killed the Arjun is an 'urban legend'.
but come on, you are one poster who can see thro' both the poster and the post - for which i have admiration for you. it is surprising that you are responding to posts which are filled to the brim by 'sarcasm' just like the above ones!!!
that IA has effectively killed the Arjun is an 'urban legend'.
but come on, you are one poster who can see thro' both the poster and the post - for which i have admiration for you. it is surprising that you are responding to posts which are filled to the brim by 'sarcasm' just like the above ones!!!
Last edited by pragnya on 19 Jun 2015 06:58, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Niran, very interesting, I take it thats direct info? I recall you had posted on the firepower trials even before.
Any data on the armor, reliability etc match up?
Any data on the armor, reliability etc match up?
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Sorry, couldn't make out at all you were being sarcastic. Usually smilies etc do the trick to make me understand. The net is a tricky medium. So just responded with data. Hopefully some others not familiar with the Arjun debacle would find it interesting.pragnya wrote:Karan M,
that IA has effectively killed the Arjun is an 'urban legend'.
but come on, you are one poster who can see thro' both the poster and the post - for which i have admiration for you. it is surprising that you are responding to posts which are filled to the brim by 'sarcasm' just like the above ones!!!
Last edited by Karan M on 19 Jun 2015 07:04, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
Per Niran's post, the T-90 seems to be an even bigger dawg than we had thought. The original estimate was only the thermal optics were an issue. Looks like the whole FCS plus stabilization is far behind that on the Arjun or on world class western tanks.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
The basic issue is that a bunch of folks at the DGMF level have sabotaged the program even after it came good. It remains to be seen whether the present GOI can force the issue and reverse such stupidity.Singha wrote:Pappu went up against a highly seasoned campaigner got his head handed back. so the exam was discredited and pappu was still passed on the principal's discretion. in any other country pappu would get a F and demoted two classes down.
Re: Armoured Vehicles Discussion Thread - August 9 , 2014
like the Arjun fire computer with M$ joystick acquired/aimed and discharged a round in under 4 seconds or the 4 man crew were able to put in 12 rounds on a stationary target in 10 seconds flat while T90 could manage 23 seconds and full one minute(60 sec)? discounting the fact after discharging the 5th round T90 fire kompooter konked and another tank was used to complete the test.