Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, part of the Indian Ordnance Factory, displayed its famed Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) that attracted a lot of show visitors.
The vehicle on display consisted of monocoque hull/body with the cabin built of high steel alloy. It offers maximum safety of the crew from ballistic and other forms of attack by virtue of the “V” shaped envelop of the body, according to Mr. Chander Singh, Junior Works Manager, Vehicle Factory.
Notably, the “V” shaped design provides for ease of replacement of axles and other aggregates in the field. It uses a HA57 L135/5 turbo-charged and inter-charged 6-cylinder, inline diesel engine that offers power of 135 KW @ 2400 rpm. The 4×4 configuration also can be operated by changing it to 4×2 to suit the road conditions. The 11880 KG GVW vehicle boasts of a seating capcity of 10 troops + 1 driver and co-driver or a drinking water tank of approximately 20 litres.
The Indian Ordnance Factories organisation, a family of 41 ordnance factories under the aegis of its corporate headquarters Ordnance Factory Board, Kolkata, has the unique distinction of over 200 years’ experience in defence production. The company is engaged in production, testing, logistics, research, development and marketing of a comprehensive product range in the area of land, sea and air systems.
Indian Ordnance Factories is the oldest and largest industrial set-up functioning under the Department of Defence Production of the Ministry of Defence. The factories form an integrated base for indigenous production of defence hardware and equipment, with the primary objective of self-reliance in equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art battlefield equipment.