Mahindra Defence Systems, the defence division of the home-grown carmaker, has been manufacturing and providing heavy armoured solutions to the military and paramilitary forces from last 70 years. Recently, the company introduced a special armoured carrier offering ballistic and mine protection along with the capabilities to face challenges in conflict zones. It also has interrogation arms for lifting roadside IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device).
Called ‘Mine Resistant Ambush Protected’ vehicle, this Made-in-India specialty vehicle is now being exported to United Nations (UN) for peacekeeping operations. What makes the Mahindra MPV-i a “mean machine” is its CEN Level B6 top and side protection. With blast protection of up to Stanag Level 4A, the specialty vehicle can take a hit from a 7.62x51mm ball and 5.55x45mm. Read – 2020 Mahindra Thar To Get Several New Features For the First Time
Furthermore, it’s capable to bear direct ammunition fire (including bombs, bullets, grenades and missiles) from a distance of 10 metres at a 90 degree angle. Mahindra MPV-i also provides protection against landmine blast of minimum 14kg TNT explosives under the hull and minimum of 21kg of TNT under the rear wheel. It can also protect from IED 10kgs TNT from a distance of 5 metres and height of 1.5 metres from the ground.
Powering the Mahindra MPV-i is a V6 diesel engine boosted with turbochargers and intercoolers. The motor, paired to a 6×6 transmission, pushes out a claimed power of 250bhp at 1,200rpm and 960Nm of torque at 1,200rpm. Its suspension setup includes Multi Leaf Spring with shock absorbers upfront and Bogue unit at the rear. Braking duties are done by pneumatic dual brake circuit of 10 bar system along with parking brakes for all 6 wheels. Read – Up to Rs 3.05 lakh On Mahindra SUVs in July, 2020
The list of standard features includes engine and battery protection, protected fuel tank, run-flat system, rear seats, roof hatch, front and rear AC units, gun ports, intercom system, public address system, multi-layered ballistic glass and fit for Radio (FFR).
The new Mahindra specialty vehicle comes with several optional features such as satellite communication, tactical radio, tactical command and control with mapping, rapid deployment broadband, multi-purpose pulse Doppler radar, fire suppression system, GPS and navigation, acoustic multi mission sensors, HF/VHF/UHF radio, advance light packages and laser range finder.
