The Indian Army currently has large fleet of BMP-2 IFVs and APCs of Soviet origin. Over time, these vehicles have become obsolete and incapable of taking on the challenge of modern-day warfare.DRDO originally started the development with WhAP(Wheeled Armoured Platform). WhAP is a common platform for multiple variants such as Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, unmanned armored vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle.[6] Tata Motors along with collaboration of DRDO developed the Kestrel, an Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), a variants of the WhAP for optimised survivability, all-terrain performance and increased lethality.[7] Tata Motors developed another vehicle called LAMV with technical inputs from Supacat of the UK based on WhAP platform.[7][8]
Development of WhAP 8 × 8 Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle was taken up to provide common platform for various vehicle type like Wheeled APC, 30 mm Infantry Combat Vehicle, 105 mm Light Tank, command post vehicle, ambulance, special purpose platform, 120 mm mortar carrier, CBRN Vehicle based on the same chassis of Kestrel.[9]
In October 2019, the Indian Ministry of Defence cleared the Kestrel for production and export to friendly nations. The Indian Army planned to acquire 200 Kestrels.[10]
Exports
The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces will get 150 WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles from TATA Advanced Systems. The project, which is scheduled to be finished in 36 months, will begin with a local integration rate of 35% and is anticipated to rise to 50%. It is anticipated to create 250 indirect jobs in addition to 90 direct positions. Ministers from National Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry, and Investment, as well as representatives from the FAR General Staff and the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), signed the agreement, which offers financial, fiscal, and customs incentives.[11][12] To contribute to vehicle modifications during the supply period, the manufacturers will collaborate closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation.[13]
Kestrel is designed for modern day warfare keeping in mind the crew survivability, protection against small arms fire, mobility and protection against concealed explosives. The armour is made up of applique and composites along with welded steels. Additional armour kit can be applied in heavy firing zones. The hull floor is further strengthened to defeat mines and similar explosives. The seats are attached to the roof for improved blast protection. Fuel tanks are placed outside the troop compartment for additional safety.
The 8×8 wheel configuration is set on a hydropneumatic suspension utilizing double wishbone arrangement. All wheels have run flat capability to allow the vehicle to move even after suffering punctures. There are four axles, the front axle is steerable which minimizes the turning radius of the vehicle.
WhAP undergoing high speed maneuver test.
The glacis plate is very shallow, and the fuel tank is mounted outside the vehicle to improve survivability. A standard operating crew of two including driver and commander, with a full mechanized squad of 12 members.[2] Anti-blast seats are installed to absorb any shocks and secondary slams, reducing brain and spinal injuries.[14]
Engine is placed at front left. Passengers are placed in the centerline in a back-to-back fashion, each facing a firing port.The Kestrel has high power-to-weight ratio for mountainous terrain and is powered by a 600hp turbocharged diesel engine. The vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled by two waterjets.[15] It can reach up to 100 km/h.[16]
As reported in December 2021, Ashok Leyland has partnered with Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under the DRDO to design, develop and produce a 600-hp indigenous engine for the DRDO WhAP. As per the reports the prototype engine has been manufactured and will undergo rigorous testing in the lab and will be qualified for application in armoured fighting vehicles (AFV). Serial production would beign post-induction of the design. The testing was inaugurated in the Engine Development Centre, Ashok Leyland, Vellivoyalchavadi, near Chennai.[17]
The vehicle has been designed to provide protection against land mines. It ranges from Stanag 4569 Level I to Level IV[14] with the hull being designed with protection up to Stanag Level III.[18] The hull configuration evolved follows a 'V’-type bottom with double configuration consisting of an inner panel and bottom panel. The bottom panel is designed to deflect the blast energy and get deformed to minimize the blast effects.[2]
Snap-on modules are used in the Kestrel in order to easily configure it according to needed roles in the field.[18]
The vehicle has been fitted with INS and GPS as its primary navigation equipment and is also fitted with Modular (UHF, VHF, HF) communication systems.[19]
Weapons
The Kestrel has been unveiled in 2 weapon configurations which were shown in DefExpo 2014 and DefExpo 2016 respectively.
In 2014, the WhAP was showcased equipped with a roof-mounted remote controlledKongsbergProtector MCT-30R (RWS), which is outfitted with a 30×113 mm autocannon and 7.62×51 mmcoaxial machine gun. The autocannon has an effective range of 3,000m.[20][21] The RCWS adds a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and has an option for adding up to two anti-tank guided missile launcher in quick fire mode. So, the vehicle is capable of countering enemy infantry, light armoured vehicles even main battle tanks.[22]
In DefExpo 2016, a Kestrel was seen outfitted with the BMP-2 turret. The turret includes a 30 mm2A42 autocannon and 7.62 mmPKT coaxial machine gun (2,000 rounds) mounted to the left of the cannon. The version is also fitted with an ATGM launcher.[23]
Second generation
During a Defence Exhibition held at Pune on 24 February 2024, Mahindra Defence unveiled a second generation Amphibious 8×8 CBRN variant of WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform) developed with DRDO. As of August 2024, the vehicle is undergoing trials with the Army on various terrains.
The design is compact includes a 600 hp diesel engine and enhanced armour. It implements a STANAG II level protection from blast as well. The crew configuration is 3+8. While the TATA variant employs a 30 mm turret, this variant is fitted with 7.62 mm calibre remote controlled machine guns. It has a maximum speed of 95 km/h on road, 35 km/h off road and 8 km/h in water (using hydrojets). It has a range of 500 km and power-to-weight ratio of 24 hp/tonne.[24][25][26]
Reportedly, as of August 2024, the Army is planning to order another batch of 105 WhAPs from Tata Advanced Systems Limited.[34][35]
Variants
Planned variants include ambulance, NBC recon, Command Post and engineer vehicle.[14]
Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV): Used by the Indian Army.[36] Amphibious variant with a 7.62mm remote controlled medium machine gun (optional).[37][38]
Paramilitary variant: Used by CRPF.[33][39] Amphibious variant with 7.62mm remote controlled medium machine gun.[40]
