SOURCE: AFI
Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has set its sights on enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities with a proposed 6×6 Mine-Protected Vehicle (MPV). This new variant was revealed in the form of a scaled model at the recent 9th International Police Expo and 8th Homeland Security Expo.
The proposed 6×6 MPV leverages the success of VFJ’s existing 4×4 MPVs currently in production for the Indian Army.
This new variant offers several key advantages:
- Increased Capacity: The 6×6 configuration provides additional space, translating into a higher troop capacity. The proposed layout accommodates 2 personnel in the front, 14 in the rear, and an additional 2 jump seats. This increased capacity allows for better troop transportation and mission flexibility.
- Enhanced Power: To handle the additional weight and potential payload, the 6×6 MPV is envisioned to come equipped with a more powerful engine compared to the 4×4 version. This will ensure optimal performance on various terrains.
6×6 MPV will offer protection against powerful mine blasts and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the vehicles provide ballistic protection from small arms fire. The signature V-shaped hull design effectively channels the force of a blast away from the passenger compartment, enhancing crew survivability.