Tata Motors bagged an order from the Indian Army for 619 of its 6X6
HMVs (High-Mobility Vehicle) units. The
contract signed is a follow-on to supply an additional 619 units of its 6X6
HMV multi-axle trucks. These HMVs are built with material handling cranes to
be used for loading-unloading and transporting ammunition pallets, spares and
other operational equipment to border areas.
Tata Motors was previously given an order for 1239 units of the same
6X6 Multi-Axle HMVs which was one of the largest orders awarded to any Indian
private OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in land systems by the Indian
army, under the Indian Ministry of Defence DPP (Defence Procurement Procedure).
The Tata 6X6 HMV has been developed indigenously and is an all
terrain, all wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle has proved its metal in some of
the most demanding conditions the country has to offer. The HMV has been built
on a platform for capable of handling diverse tasks and terrains by using the
company's unique systems and aggregates. The vehicle can handle extreme on road
and off-road loads and has been put through trials like deep water-fording as
well as Vehicle Research & Development Establishment's torture track.
The Tata 6X6 HMV comes with a high ground clearance which allows the
truck negotiate through sand dunes,
off-road terrains and trenches. The vehicle also has a higher water & mud
fording capability even with it designated military payload. The truck also
comes with a central tire inflation system (CTIS) which enables the driver to
adjust the tyre pressure from the seat. The truck can achieve a speed of 40
kmph on severe cross country terrains as well and has been equipped with a
self-recovery winch. The Tata 6X6 HMV also has a modular cabin with HVAC
(heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and has provisions to armour up
the vehicle also.
Vernon Noronha, Vice President, Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors Limited said, “We at Tata Motors are extremely encouraged by the country’s thrust towards ‘indigenization’, which not only helps strengthen the country’s defence manufacturing base, but also emphasizes on cost effective maintenance, serviceability and upgradation of defence equipment. With this contract we are proud to have received an additional order for 619 units, of our indigenously developed Tata 6 X 6 high-mobility vehicle, having cleared rigorous trials and successfully competed against products from rival bidders, from top European and global defence companies, underlining the stringent requirements of the Indian army, and the global standards of our defence offerings. In line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, we will continue to focus on further developing a comprehensive range of defence vehicles right here in India, including front line combat vehicles such as the FICV, to meet the evolving requirements of defence forces in India, and around the world.”