- Yes
- No
Suggestion No.50
G’day lads. I want to suggest a prototype IFV from India for WT, featuring a 40mm autocannon, ATGM’s and a grenade launcher, which is all featured on the Abhay (meaning Fearless) that I’m suggesting :)
Description:
Spoiler
The Abhay IFV is an advanced military vehicle developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed to replace older infantry fighting vehicles in the Indian Army, the Abhay IFV features a crew capacity of three (commander, driver, gunner) and can carry up to seven infantry soldiers. It is armed with a primary 40 mm autocannon capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets, along with a coaxial machine gun and an anti-tank guided missile launcher for additional firepower. Powered by a robust diesel engine, the Abhay IFV offers high mobility and speed across diverse terrains, with an advanced suspension system enhancing its cross-country performance. The vehicle is armored with composite materials (Kanchan), providing protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, and includes a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system to ensure crew safety in contaminated environments. It is also equipped with modern electronics such as night vision devices, a fire control system, and sophisticated communication systems.
History:
Spoiler
The project’s origins can be traced back to the late 1990s when the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiated the development of an indigenous infantry fighting vehicle to replace the aging BMP-2s in the Indian Army. The Abhay, meaning “Fearless” in Sanskrit, was conceived as a technology demonstrator to showcase “advanced capabilities” and set the stage for future armored vehicle developments.
The initial phase of the Abhay project involved the creation of a mild steel prototype by 2003. Everything went, so creation has continued. Following the successful completion of the mild steel prototype, DRDO proceeded to develop the first armored prototype, which was completed in 2004.
However, the Abhay project faced several challenges along the way. One of the most significant hurdles was the imposition of US sanctions on India following the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. These sanctions hindered access to critical technologies and components, forcing DRDO to rely on domestic resources and innovation. Despite these obstacles, the development of the Abhay IFV continued.
By 2008, the Abhay program had successfully completed its technology demonstrator phase. However, production stopped, with only 2 prototypes being made. Although the Abhay IFV was not intended for mass production, it still helped a lot with other developments for India, like the Zorowar light tank, which uses some tech from the Abhay.
Armaments:
Spoiler
1 Bofors L/70 40mm autocannon with 3 different fire rate settings (240 rounds/min, 300 rounds/min, 330 rounds/min), as for rounds, it can use APFSDS and HE, with the APFSDS 100mm RHA penetration from 2 kilometers (some say only one kilometer). The Abhay can carry 210 rounds.
1 30mm AGS-17 grenade launcher (Unknown amount inside)
1 7.62mm coaxial PKT machine gun (Unknown amount inside, but can fire a 250 round belt)
1 Twin ATGM launcher capable of firing BEL modified MILAN’s (3-4km range), Konkurs or Kornet-E ATGM. Can carry 4 ATGM’s, possibly 6 if 2 are already inside the launcher.
6 smoke grenades
Thermals based on Catherine FC for the Gunner
Thermals for the Commander
Laser Warning System
Advanced FCS
Specifications:
Spoiler
I can’t find any source talking about it’s dimensions, but information about it’s engine, weight, etc. does exist, so if you do have information about it’s dimensions, then please do tell me in the replies! Anyway, it has 3 crew members. The weight of the Abhay IFV is around 23 tons (not sure if this is the 1st prototype made of steel, or the 2nd proto, which is 40% lighter), or 25 tons with ERA. It is powered by a Greaves Cotton TD2V8 diesel engine, which delivers an engine power of 550hp, making it go 70km/h on road. The second Abhay prototype is fully made of composite, which made it 40% lighter than the steel one, while still having the same armour as the steel one. It could carry lightweight ERA for further protection.
Sources:
Spoiler
https://web.archive.org/web/20090824164402/http://www.drdo.com/pub/techfocus/2009/aug09.pdf
DRDO Abhay (Fearless) IFV Technology Demonstrator
https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/technology-cluster-links/labs-products-detail/2634/174
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)