TATA WhAP 8x8 IFV: The Indian Bird of Steel

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 3:37am

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TATA Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP 8x8) IFV: The Indian Bird of Steel

220px-ADGPI_Indian_Army_svg.png.9aa496fd

Disclaimer : There is a lot of conflicting information on this vehicle, if there is anything incorrect or misrepresented, please share in the comments and provide a source and I will take care of it.

The most recent version of the WhAP 8x8 armed with the turret of a BMP-2 and new thermal imagers.

A heavily modified WhAP 8x8 equipped with a 30mm and Javelin ATGM.

A WhAP 8x8 prototype equipped with the UT30MK2 remote weapon station with integrated laser warning receiver.

Description :
- The TATA Wheeled Armoured Platform 8x8, or WhAP 8x8, also referred to as the Kestral, is an 8x8 armored vehicle developed by TATA, DRDO, and Supacat. Development of the TATA WhAP began in the early 2010’s by TATA Advanced Systems Limited to develop a multi-role wheeled platform for the Indian Army with the first vehicle being unveiled at the 2014 DefExpo in New Delhi, India. This platform was designed to incorporate a 30mm cannon, a 105mm cannon, a mortar system, a light RWS to function as an APC, an IFV, and more. Not only that but it emphasizes India’s “Make in India” initiative. One prototype was released of the WhAP 8x8 utilizing a BMP-2 turret mounted centrally on the roof of the vehicle to allow for the engine compartment to be in the front next to the driver. The BMP-2 turret was utilized due to the large stock of BMP-1 and BMP-2 IFV’s in the Indian Army’s inventory. The turret features a 2A42 30mm autocannon that can fire a wide variety of munitions such as APDS-T, HEF-I and more. On the top of the turret is a 9P56M launcher capable of firing 9M113M Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles or ATGM’s. The vehicle is also equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and multiple firing ports. For optics, the Gunner and Commander utilize panoramic Electrical-optical sights from BEL that have integrated laser rangefinders and 3rd-generation thermal imagers. The Driver has access to multiple day periscopes as well as a front and rear thermal camera. For mobility, the WhAP 8x8 features a 600hp Cummins ISX 600 Turbocharged Diesel Engine coupled to an automatic transmission that allows for speeds of up to 110km/r. The vehicle is also equipped with a splash plate, bilge pumps, and dual propulsors to allow for amphibious operations. The vehicle is mounted on 8 wheels, utilizing a double-wishbone/hydropneumatic suspension that provides excellent cross country/off-road capabilities. For armor protection, the vehicle is equipped with modular armor that can change its amor protection from STANAG 4569 Level 1 to Level 4. The bottom of the hull was designed in a V-shape to allow for detonating IED’s and mines away from the vehicle, increasing crew survivability. The bottom of the hull is rated STANAG 4569 Level 3. This vehicle would see a slight transition from its prototype phase to its production variant, with changes to the armor structure, headlights, and more. This version was adopted by the Indian army in 2017. An updated version of the WhAP 8x8 was revealed in 2020 at the DefExpo in Lucknow, India featuring several upgrades over the original with a slightly redesigned hull that changes the front end of the vehicle including a new splash plate, as well as a multiple new sensors and a laser warning receiver to increase crew awareness. The turret was replaced with a Kongsberg MCT-30R featuring a Mk44 30mm autocannon, a 7.62mm machine gun mounted above the barrel, a Javelin launching system on the side of the turret and a CROWS-J equipped with a Javelin launcher for fierce anti-tank capabilities. The MCT-30R Remote Weapon Station is also equipped with the latest 3rd-generation thermal imagers for both the Gunner and Commander, offering advanced capabilities and longer range engagements. This version remains a prototype, showcasing the modularity of the WhAP-platform. Another version showcased by TATA Motors introduces a UT30MK2 remote weapon station housing a 30mm autocannon and laser warning system, further highlighting the vehicles dexterity. The WhAP 8x8, due to its capabilities, is being offered by TATA Motors for international export as well as is expected to fully replace the BMP-1 and BMP-2 in the Indian Army. In 2024, a second-generation of the WhAP 8x8 developed by TATA-DRDO has been released during an expo revealing a much sleeker, and more efficient model which will be competing with the United States’ Stryker APC for the first 8x8 in the Indian Army.
Role : Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Origin :
- India
Armament :
- Turret: BMP-2 Turret
  - Primary: 2A42 30mm Autocannon
    - Cartridge: 30x165
      - Ammunition:
        
        Possibly FSAPDS-T, status unknown.
        
        3UBR8 APDS-T (BP)
        
        3UBR6 AP-T (BT)
        
        3UOR6 HEF-I (OFZ)
        
        3UOF8 F-T (OT)
    - Feed System:
      - Dual-belt Fed
  - Coaxial: PKT-7.62mm Machine Gun
  - Roof-Mounted:
    - 9P56M Launcher:
      - Optics:
        
        9Sh119M1 Daylight Sight
      - Guidance: Wire-guided/SALCOS
      - Elevation: -10/+20 degrees
      - Rate of Fire (RoF): 3 Missiles/Min
      - Missile(s):
        
        9M113M Konkurs-M
        
        Warhead: Tandem HEAT
        
        Penetration: 750-800mm behind ERA
        
        Diameter: 135mm
        
        Weight: 14.5kg (Missile only)
        
        Propulsion: Single-Stage Solid Propellant Rocket Motor (and Booster)
        
        Range: 75-4,000m (3,500m Passively)
        
        Speed:
        
        Average: 208m/s
        
        Max: 300m/s
  - 6x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
  - Laser Rangefinder
  - Optics:
    - Gunner: BEL Panoramic Thermal Camera (3rd-generation thermal imager)
    - Commander: BEL Panoramic Thermal Camera (3rd-generation thermal imager)
- Turret: Kongsberg MCT-30 Remote Turret
  - Primary: 30mm Mk. 44 Bushmaster II Automatic Cannon
    - Ammunition:
      - Mk 258 APFSDS-T
      - Mk 238 HEI-T/SD
      - Mk 264 MPLD-T
      - Mk 310 HEAB-T (Airburst)
  - Coaxial: 7.62mm Machine Gun
  - Roof-Mounted: 12.7mm Protector Remote Weapon Station (CROWS-J)
  - Optional:
    - Anti-tank Guided Missile Launcher:
      - FGM-184 Javelin Missile
        
        Characteristics:
        
        Mass: 15.9kg (Missile/Tube)
        
        Length:
        
        Missile: 1.1m
        
        Launch Tube: 1.2m
        
        Diameter:
        
        Missile: 127mm
        
        Launch Tube: 142mm
        
        Target Acquisition: Fire and Forget
        
        Guidance: Infrared Homing
        
        Engine: Solid-fuel Rocket
        
        Warhead:
        
        Type: Tandem-charge HEAT
        
        Weight: 8.4kg
        
        Penetration:
        
        750mm through RHA
        
        600mm through RHA w/ ERA
        
        Detonation Mechanism: Impact
        
        Effective Range: 4,750m (from vehicles)
        
        Flight Patterns: Top Attack & Direct-Fire
        
        Max Height: 150m Top Attack/60m Direct-Fire
  - Laser Rangefinder
  - Optics:
    - Gunner: Gunner’s Thermal Imager (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
    - Commander: Commander’s Panoramic Thermal Imager (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
- Turret: Elbit System’s UT30MK2 Remote Turret
  - Primary: 30mm Mk. 44 Bushmaster II Automatic Cannon
    - Ammunition:
      - Mk 258 APFSDS-T
      - Mk 238 HEI-T/SD
      - Mk 264 MPLD-T
      - Mk 310 HEAB-T (Airburst)
  - Coaxial: 7.62mm Machine Gun
  - Optional:
    - Anti-tank Guided Missile Launcher
  - Laser Rangefinder
  - 8x Smoke Grenades
  - Optics:
    - Gunner: Gunner’s Thermal Imager (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
Maneuverability:
- Engine: 600hp - Cummins ISX 600 Turbocharged Diesel Engine
- Transmission: Automatic Transmission (Gear ratio has not been released.)
- Chassis: 8x8
  - Double-wishbone Suspension
- Max Speed: 110km/h (10km/h on water)
Dimensions:
- Length: 7.80m
- Width: 2.95m
- Height: 2.28m
- Weight: 25-26t
Crew (3x):
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- 9x Additional Personnel
Features :
- Laser Warning Receiver
- Turret:
  - Modified BMP-2 Turret
  - Kongsberg Protector MCT-30R
  - Elbit System’s UT30MK2
- Amphibious
  - Splash Plate
  - 2x Propulsors
- Armor:
  - STANAG 4569 Level 1-4 for Ballistic Protection with addon armor.
  - STANAG 4569 Level 3 for Mine Protection.
- General NVD:
  - Driver: Thermal Cameras
In-game :
- A wildcard for any future Indian Ground Forces tree, the WhAP 8x8 comes equipped with a turret from the BMP-2 which we’re all to familiar with, a UT30MK2 remote weapon station, and a MCT-30R with top-attack engaging Javelin missiles. All turrets house a laser rangefinder which provides a significant boost in targeting far contacts.These turrets are mounted on a fast wheeled platform, playing a similar role to vehicles such as the Italian VBC. One thing to note is with the BMP-2 turret, the depression will be very limited due to the turret being mounted centrally.
- Estimated Battle Rating:
  - MCT-30R: 10.3
  - BMP-2 Turret: 9.3-9.7
  - UT30MK2: 9.7
Sources:

Imagery

Spoiler

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Multiple images of the early WhAP 8x8. Some with and without the applique armor.

A late version of the WhAP 8x8 with the BMP-2 turret. This version has new thermal imagers and laser rangefinders for both the Gunner and Commander.

Another late version of the WhAP 8x8 at a defense exposition.

Front camera on the Kestrel.

Kestrel_8x8_wheeled_amphibious_armoured_

Tata-Kestrel-front-three-quarter-live.jp

Tata-Kestrel-rear-three-quarter-left-liv

Tata-Kestrel-radar-assembly-detail-live.

Tata-Kestrel-top-mounted-gun-turret-live

Images of the prototype featuring the MCT-30R.

The vehicle equipped with the UT30MK2 remote weapon station.

The next-generation version of the WhAP being tested. Currently this version has only been seen with the BEL 12.7mm RCWS.

https://youtu.be/QZJ2NoiSYBQ

Video covering the history and modularity of the Kestrel Platform.

https://youtu.be/HSmcgDYbFG4

Video showcasing the abilities of the Kestrel.

Yontzee · September 17, 2024, 1:40am

Other Images

The WhAP 8x8 with a remote UT30MK2 equipped with a 30mm autocannon.
This variant provides a strong MK258 APFSDS-T round for the vehicle while the BMP-2-turret equipped version would still use 3UBR8 APDS.
Source:
- Tata Advanced Systems

The WhAP 8x8 with a BMP-2 turret undergoing testing.
Appears the vehicle has EO sights from BEL, likely being 3rd-generation Panoramic Thermal Imagers for both the Gunner and Commander.
The BMP-2 turret version could also receive the dual-Konkurs-M ATGM launcher. This will likely cause the ATGM system to be unable to turn left or right too far but will retain its elevation capabilities.
Sources:
- https://idrw.org/drdos-whap-8x8-apc-showcases-enhanced-capabilities-with-bmp-2-turret-and-konkurs-m-atgm/#google_vignette
- ICPS for MBT ARJUN MK I A - BEL

Post will be Revamped to include fixed images.

Godvana · September 17, 2024, 2:48am

DEFINETLY one of the wheeled IFVs of all time.

It could probably fit will into Britain, since there aren’t that many options for wheeled IFVs for them.

Sebbo_the_Plebbo · September 17, 2024, 7:38am

It could probably fit will into Britain, since there aren’t that many options for wheeled IFVs for them.

40mm Boxer with Javelins would definitely be preferable

Or the Patria with a similar Warrior 40mm turret

Or the Alvis Piranha II with Delco 25mm

artan24 · September 17, 2024, 8:09am

poor brit players need it lol

Yontzee · September 17, 2024, 9:17am

While British designs are important of course, this has a little more leeway since it’s part of the sub-tree rather than a British vehicle, it has a little more independence on its implementation. By that, I mean you can expect to see this along with British wheeled IFV designs rather it being a “one or the other” situation.

Also, there’s an updated version of the WhAP, a second generation of it. Looks a lot cleaner. Still waiting on the turret version:

This specific model only has the BEL RCWS for a weapon so far. Expect to see 30mm versions.

Edit: Suggestion has been edited with new images and information. The most likely version of the vehicle to be added is the variant with the BMP-2 turret. On a positive note, this version actually has received some solid upgrades such as a LRF and 3rd-generation thermal imagers for both the Gunner and Commander. That paired with the Konkurs-M tandem-HEAT missile, it can do some damage. The heavily modified version featuring the CROWS-J could be a premium.

Yontzee · September 17, 2024, 11:07pm

I can’t tell what the optical sights on the BMP-2 turret are. I’m pretty confident its a BEL Optical Sight that’s similar to the ICPS used on the Arjun Mk. 1A. BEL doesn’t have it on there website but it’s clear the two sights are highly comparable in structure to one another. Could be the ICPS being tailored specifically to the BMP-2 turret platform. Regardless it’s a 3rd-generation thermal imager as that’s all BEL offers and the only part that’s different is the right side which is the Laser Rangefinder. If anyone has any information on this I’d appreciate it. LRF’s are at the bottom.

ICPS from the Arjun Mk. 1A shown here:

Compared to the WhAP 8x8 with the BMP-2 turret (w/ 9M113M Konkurs-M) itself:

The likely Laser Rangefinder of the ICPS from BEL’s website:

The likely Laser Rangefinder of the WhAP’s Optical Sight from BEL’s website:

BEL Optical Sight Source:
- Electro Optics - BEL

somebody_Else · September 18, 2024, 12:16am

This and a full independent India tree would be awesome

Yontzee · September 28, 2024, 8:17pm

https://idrw.org/tata-to-build-150-drdo-developed-whap-armored-vehicles-for-morocco/

Morocco to be the first nation outside of India to use the vehicle.

Yontzee · October 3, 2024, 4:12am

The newly unveiled Moroccan version of the WhAP tailored for anti-drone situational awareness.

While this specific version of the WhAP isn’t something that can come to the game, it’s a major milestone for the Indian defense industry as the vehicle is going to be used outside the country in masse. This version is tailored for anti-drone due to the rising threat of drones as a whole. The vehicle has 4x RADAR’s that provide 360-degree coverage, mounted on the top-center of the vehicle for situational awareness and other differences from the base version which can be seen in the link below. The MAF plans to procure 150 vehicles in all.
- Tata Motors Unveils WHAP 8×8 Model for Moroccan Armed Forces with Counter-UAS Capability – Indian Defence Research Wing

Yontzee · November 1, 2024, 4:33pm

More information and images of the Moroccan WhAP from the Marrakesh Air Show 2024:

Yontzee · November 2, 2024, 7:22pm

Further updates to the WhAP, new turrets are in the works as well as concept designs to incorporate a 105mm gun, a new 30mm turret, and more. India’s 8x8 is coming a long way.