SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards bolstering its off-road mobility with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 24 units of the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) SHERP-N 1200, also known as the ATOR N1200. This robust vehicle is being indigenously manufactured by JSW Gecko Motors Pvt Ltd, marking the JSW Group’s foray into the Indian defense sector.
JSW Gecko Motors, a subsidiary of the leading JSW conglomerate, recently acquired a majority stake in Gecko Motors, an established player in the extreme off-road vehicle domain. Production of the ATOR N1200 is underway at JSW Gecko’s newly established manufacturing facility in Chandigarh, Punjab.
The ATOR N1200 is the indigenized version of the SHERP N1200, a highly mobile amphibious vehicle originally designed by Copato Ltd. of the United Kingdom. This all-wheel-drive ATV boasts true go-anywhere capabilities, conquering challenging terrains like dense forests, uneven ground, gravel, swamps, snow, and even water bodies.
The secret behind the ATOR’s resilience lies in its virtually indestructible load frame. Constructed entirely from Docol high-strength steel, this frame can withstand deformations of up to 1000 Mega Pascal. To further enhance its durability, the frame features a flat bottom for smooth gliding over obstacles and a zinc coating that extends its service life by an impressive 30 years.
Measuring 3.98 meters long, 2.57 meters wide, and 2.84 meters tall, the ATOR is a true off-road behemoth. Its most striking feature is its massive 1.8-meter-high tires, contributing significantly to its overall height and exceptional obstacle-climbing abilities. These colossal wheels allow the ATOR to not only navigate treacherous terrain but also propel it through water bodies like swamps and rivers at a speed of up to 6 km/h.
On land, the ATOR boasts a respectable top speed of 40 km/h. Despite its imposing size, the vehicle offers impressive payload and towing capacities. With a curb weight of 2,400 kg, it can carry a payload of 1,200 kg and tow an additional 2,350 kg. Adding to its versatility, the spacious cabin can accommodate up to eight passengers alongside the driver.
Powering this formidable machine is a compact and reliable 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine designed to function flawlessly in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees Celsius. This engine generates a maximum power of 55 bhp and a maximum torque of 190 Nm. The ATOR also features a Renault-sourced 6-speed manual transmission for optimal performance.
The impressive 95-liter main fuel tank, coupled with four additional 58-liter fuel canisters, provides the ATOR with a remarkable total fuel capacity of 232 liters. This translates to an operational range of approximately 61 hours, making it a dependable companion for extended off-road missions.
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