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)

Indian Army Releases RFI for Comprehensive Upgrade of BMP-2/2K

BMP-2 Sarath ICVs at RD 2014

On October 21, 2014  Indian Army released a Request for Information (RfI) 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 ICVs 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.

Upgrade proposals would be evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) to ensure compliance with RFP. The equipment of all TEC cleared vendors would be put through a trial evaluation in India. A staff evaluation would be carried out by SHQ to analyse the result of field evaluation and shortlist the equipment for introduction into service.

Qualitative Requirements (QRs) for Upgrade

The upgrade must not compromise the existing amphibious capability of BMP 2/2K, or their ability to operate in varied climatic and terrain conditions varying from extreme hot desert conditions to extremely cold high altitude regions.

Any increase in weight of the APC due to the upgrade must be compensated by a more powerful engine that fits into the existing engine compartment. There should be no reduction in internal space.

The upgrade is expected to span the following major systems of the ICV:

Engine, Transmission, Gear and suspension system, Cooling system, Weapons system and ammunition, Gunner Sighting (Day and Night), Commander Sighting, Fire Control System (FCS), Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), Level of protection and Maintainability,

The Indian Government had earlier announced that the Indian Army would be upgrading it's entire fleet of approximately 1,900 Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) comprising BMP-2/2K to BMP-2M standard to enhance the fleet's firepower and lethality.

Upgraded ICVs will be fitted with the latest generation Fire Control System, Twin Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Launchers, 30 mm Automatic Grenade Launchers and Commander's Thermal Imaging Panoramic sights.

In addition, they will feature better observation and surveillance, night-fighting capability and fire control.

They will be powered by a new 380 HP engine to enhance the ICVs’ cross-country mobility, flotation and gradient negotiating capability. Existing BMP-2s which equip the Indian Army’s Mechanized Infantry regiments are powered by 285 HP Russian-origin UTD-20 285 engine, which limits their versatility.

ICVs are used for breaching enemy defenses and transporting troops behind enemy lines while keeping them safe from small arm fire.

IDP Sentinel members can read details about existing offers from competing vendors for upgrade of BMP-2 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

Upgraded BMP-2 from Kalyani Group at DefExpo 2014

Kalyani's Upgraded BMP-2 with  Rafael's Samson MkII remotely controlled weapon system at DefExpo 2014

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.

Upgraded BMP-2 from Elbit Systems and Kalyani at DefExpo 2014

The upgraded ICV features front, side, skirt and rear passive and reactive armor designed to defeat armor piercing rounds and artillery fragments. The skirt provides protection against IED, EFP and RPG-7.

The design is modular and light weight. The upgraded ICV is lighter than the BMP-2.

Upgraded BMP-2 from Elbit Systems and Kalyani at DefExpo 2014