Mahindra's new Light Specialist Vehicle was unveiled at Defexpo 2022. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)
Indian company Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd (MDSL) has showcased 4×4 Light Specialist Vehicles (LSVs) with 81/120 mm mortars at Defexpo 2022, being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 18 to 22 October.
According to MDSL, the LSVs with 81/120 mm mortars are high-mobility, high-firepower, shoot-and-scoot vehicles.
LSVs with 81/120 mm mortars, which MDSL claims to be the world's lightest mortar carrier system, provides high-mobility capabilities to fighting units.
The vehicles are equipped with an electro-mechanical aiming system to provide a fast and accurate orientation mechanism, MDSL said.
LSVs with 81/120 mm mortar software incorporate geographic information system technology and features such as zonal shooting and multiple rounds.
The vehicle is equipped with simultaneous impact functions to facilitate operations and increase the firepower effect over the target.
LSVs with 81/120 mm mortars also integrate a fire-control system.
The vehicle can deploy the mortar and aim the target in 30 seconds and re-aim it automatically in five seconds.
The vehicle will solve the operational problems of current mortar carriers, such as the need for vehicle reinforcement; large platforms usage; overheating; limited firing capabilities; and the ability to provide automated firepower support, mobility, and quick shoot-and-scoot capabilities, MDSL said.
Colonel Manish Kumar (retd), head of sales and marketing of land systems, MDSL, told Janes that the vehicle will provide high mobility along with firing capabilities. “MDSL will start delivering the vehicles to the Indian Army from next year.”
According to MDSL, the LSV is powered by a 3.2 litre 215 hp diesel engine, with a 4/6 speed automatic transmission. With a 1,000 kg payload, each LSV features a “self-recovery winch” and an “all-wheel independent suspension” system.
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