Howitzers with Allison automatics delivered to Indian Army

The strength and unique drivability of the Allison X1100 transmission is ideal for tracked vehicles that must perform in the harshest conditions

Dana Pittard, Allison Transmission’s Vice President (Defence Programs)

Mumbai-based Larsen & Toubro recently delivered 51 K9 Vajra-T 155 mm | 52 cal tracked self-propelled howitzers equipped with Allison Automatics to the Indian Army in advance of schedule. Allison Transmission, the largest global manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, produces the Allison X1100-5A3 transmission that was selected by L & T for the howitzer. Delivered ahead of schedule, the remainder of the vehicles are due to arrive by the end of 2020.

“Allison’s X1100 Series™ is a cross-drive transmission specifically designed for either military or heavy-duty tracked vehicles,” said Dana Pittard, Allison Transmission’s Vice President (Defence Programs). “These transmissions reflect the cutting-edge and innovative technology proven for over six decades of work in the defence industry. Our superior reliability and durability in severe duty cycles is why many military organisations around the world rely on Allison Transmission,” he added.

A five-man crew operates the vehicle, powered by the German-made 1,000 hp MTU MT 881 Ka-500 V8 water-cooled diesel engine designed for heavy military equipment. These machines weigh nearly 50 tons, have a zero turning radius and can fire projectiles up to a range of 43 km. The strength and unique drivability of the Allison X1100 transmission is ideal for tracked vehicles that must perform in the harshest conditions.