SOURCE: AFI
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar has achieved a significant milestone in the field of defense technology with the successful realization and testing of the indigenously designed and developed CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle (Wheeled) at the National Center for Automotive Testing (NCAT), Ahmednagar. The vehicle’s developmental trials, which included rigorous testing of mobility, obstacle crossing, compliance of CBRN instrumentation, area marking, sample collection, and firing trials of RCWS 7.62mm, were executed with commendable precision and efficiency.
CBRN reconnaissance units play a critical role in safeguarding national security by detecting and responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The successful realization of the CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle underscores VRDE’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the design and development of wheeled combat vehicles.
The CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle, based on a wheeled 8×8 platform, exemplifies a paradigm shift in tactical mobility and reconnaissance capabilities. Its design emphasizes modularity, scalability, and re-configurability, enabling the development of a versatile family of vehicles tailored to diverse mission requirements, including Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs), Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Light Tanks, and CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles.
Salient Features:
- Advanced Mobility: The vehicle boasts exceptional on-road and cross-country mobility, coupled with amphibious capabilities, enabling seamless navigation through diverse terrain and water obstacles.
- Integrated CBRN Instrumentation: Equipped with cutting-edge CBRN instrumentation, the vehicle enables comprehensive reconnaissance over vast areas, detecting and analyzing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards with precision and reliability.
- Enhanced Crew Protection: With ballistic and blast protection conforming to STANAG-II and STANAG-III standards respectively, the vehicle prioritizes crew safety and survivability in hostile environments.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: The vehicle integrates a suite of advanced systems, including Automatic Chemical Agent Detection & Alarm (ACADA), passive IR standoff detector, UV-fluorescent Biological Warfare Agent Detection System, and RADMAC for nuclear detection, ensuring real-time threat identification and response.
- Mission-Critical Systems: From the NBC filtration system and picket driving system to the crew vision system and remotely operated scooping device, the vehicle incorporates mission-critical functionalities to support CBRN reconnaissance operations effectively.
The successful realization and testing of the CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle underscore its readiness for operational deployment with paramilitary forces and the Indian Army. Its innovative design, coupled with cutting-edge technology and robust performance, positions it as a force multiplier, enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities and resilience against CBRN threats.