VRDE Developing BMP-2 Sarath Upgrade

Kayani Group's BMP-2 upgrade concept at DefExpo 2014

Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) has released a tender seeking a development partner for upgrade of BMP-2 Sarath ICV's 30mm Gun turret stabilizer system and development of an interfaced Gunner & Commander sighting system.

The vendor would be required to prove the complete system on the Sarath ICV by demonstrating target acquisition, aiming & firing on the halt and on the move at a static or moving ground & aerial target with an accuracy of 1mil or better.

The Development Partner (DP) would be required to:

1. Develop twin axis stabilized Gunner’s Main sight
2. Develop twin axis stabilized Commander’s Panoramic sight.
3. Engineer Modification on the turret to suitably replace existing Gunner sight and Commander Aerial sight with developed Gunner Sight and Commander sighting system & associated sensors in the same envelope of existing sighting system.
4. Develop & Fabricate necessary adapters for mounting of sights and sensors.
5. Interface sighting system with Stabilizer.
6. Engineer modifications to stabilizer to interface with sighting systems.
7. Adopt of existing Control Handles & other MMIs for operation of complete FCS.
8. Develop FCS, software modifications; incorporate range tables and switch configurations in existing gunner & commander control handles to enable firing of various ammunition from the main gun & co axial weapon from Gunner and Commander sight.
9. Evolve various modes of operation such as commander master, gunner master, target designation, Sight master, Gun Stabilizer master.
10. Supply Gunner & Commander Stations.

In addition, the vendor would be responsible for testing and trials of the systems.

The existing Stabilizer specifications and functionality need to be retained. The modifications need to be carried out in stabilizer system for interfacing & integration with Commander’s Panoramic sight and gunner sight retaining existing modes of operation. The vendor shall have complete know how of existing stabilizer system. No armor cutting on turret will be carried out for fitment of sighting system and associated Electronics.

Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Modernisation

Indian Army released a Request for Information (RfI) on October 21, 2014  from vendors willing to undertake Comprehensive Upgrade of BMP-2/2K covering Mobility, Fire Power and Survivability. The upgrade will be applied to approximately 2,600 vehicles comprising existing inventory as well as APCs to be produced in the future.

Foreign vendors are free to compete directly for the procurement.

Firms bidding for the upgrade contract would be required to upgrade one BMP-2/2K for trials on “No Cost No Commitment” basis.

Russia exhibited its proposed upgrade of the BMP-2 ICV at DefExpo 2014.

The kit based Russian upgrade can be implemented at low cost and in short time. The upgrade requires minimal modifications of the tower. Additional weapon fit can be implemented in place on a BMP-2.

Pune based Kalyani Group pitched an upgraded BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) at the DefExpo 2014.. The upgraded BMP-2 features Rafael's Samson MkII remotely controlled weapon system with a 30mm cannon from ATK and two Spike LR missiles from Rafael. The turret, which features  two MiniPOP optronic sights for the gunner and commander, is designed to fit armor protection according to the level specified by the customer.

IDP Sentinel members can read more at the link below:

Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Modernisation (IDP Sentinel)

Army Tenders for BMP-1 ICV Reengining with Indigenous 400+ HP Automatic Transmission Powerpack

BMP-1 Graphic via Wikipedia

The Indian Army has invited proposals for re-engining its BMP-1 ICVs with an indigenous 400+ HP automatic transmission powerpack.

BMP-1 ICVs are currently powered by the 285 HP UTD-20 engine, which at times is found to be inadequate for cross country mobility, floatation and gradient negotiations.

The laden weight of ICV BMP-I is 13(+2%) Ton and the Army wants the new Powerpack to improve mobility, acceleration and gradient negotiation capability of the ICV without compromising vehicle's floatation capability.

The proposed Powerpack should fit within the existing power pack compartment of BMP-1 without disturbing the ICV's centre of gravity or impairing any of its functional or operational characteristics including floatation. Even the existing final drive location is to be maintained.

The 400+ HP indigenous engine should be diesel fueled, water/liquid cooled, turbo-charged, with at least two PTOs, electronically controlled and should be light
weight for enhanced power to weight ratio. It should be more fuel efficient and should offer extended service intervals. Fuel, lubricants and coolant used should be of the type for which indigenous equivalents are available and preferably of the same grades as those being used by other tracked vehicles in the mechanized forces of the Indian Army. Peak torque of the engine should be over 1200 Nm at 1300-1600 rpm. The engine should incorporate latest technologies with expected life of the engine (MTBO) exceeding 1200 hrs.

Fitted with the new Powerpack, the ICV should be be able to achieve max speed of 65-kph on hard level ground, max mission mode max speed of 20-kph and min speed of 5-kph for 8 hrs. It should be able to negotiate gradients of 35-deg in soft sand/ loose sand/ hard level ground/ marsh land.

Increment in the weight of BMP-I due to integration of the upgraded Powerpack should not exceed 500 kg. It must be ensured that amphibious capability of the BMP-I is not compromised due to the additional weight.

The transmission should be fully automatic and modular in design for easy installation and maintenance. It should preferably have 3 or 4 forward and at least one reverse range (ratio). The steering should be infinitely variable & regenerative type without use of brakes and clutches with pivot turn and dead Engine steering capability. It should have manual over ride facility. Parameter requirements are as under:-

A cruise range of 550-km is required

Infantry Modernization Projects - IDP Sentinel Members Only

DAC Clears Light Multipurpose Armored Vehicle (LAMV) Purchase

Tata Motors LAMV a DefExpo 2014

The TOI reported on February 25, 2014 that DAC has cleared the purchase of 702 light armored multi-purpose vehicles  for Rs 1,200 crore during a meeting on February 24, 2014.

The Indian Army had released a RFI for a LAM vehicle in June 2010.

The vehicle is intended for cross country movement in operational conditions.

Tata Motors, which displayed its LAMV at DefExpo, is likely to win the contract.

IDP Sentinel Members can peruse LAMV QR's and Tata Motors LAMV capabilities at the link below.

Light Armored Multi-Purpose (LAM) Vehicle (IDP Sentinel)

Schilka ZSU-23-4 Upgrade

BEL's Schilka ZSU-23-4 Upgrade at DefExpo 2014

BEL is upgrading Schilka lightly armored tanks equipped with the ZSU-23-4 gun system. Primarily developed to engage low flying aircraft, Schilka  tanks were imported from Russia in 1984-85 and have been in use since.

Around 80-90 tanks still remain in service. The original technology that went into the weapon system has now hopelessly outdated. As a result, BEL has been tasked to completely refit the system to extend its service life.

BEL, in a tie up with an Ukrainian firm,  won the contract to overhaul the tanks in a global tender, outbidding the original Russian manufacturers.

BEL is not just replacing the existing systems (Radar, analog computer, engine, GTE ) with more modern one, but adding new features to increase crew comfort and safety. This upgraded system has dramatically improved operational performance and accuracy and MTBF with much lower power consumption. An electro-optical system has been added, which operates in parallel with the radar enabling accurate identification, acquisition and tracking of targets while operating in an ECM environment.

The upgraded Schilkas feature

• 3D Active Phased Array Radar
• Single Target Tracking
• Multiple Target Tracking due to Electronic Steering in Elevation
• ECCM Features
• Low Output Power
• Optronic System (CCD / TI / LRF)
• Operator Comfort with Air Conditioner
• User Friendly Operator Displays
• New Engine with drastic reduction in fuel consumption
• Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection system

They have the ability to engage aerial targets while on the move during day or night and in all weather conditions. They can be cued using an external Surveillance Radar.