India's AVNL Unveils 1500 HP Indigenous Tank Engine for Arjun Mk1A Amidst German Hurdles

New Delhi: India is initiating a mission to develop an indigenous power plant for its Arjun Mark 1A tanks, as delays in procurement of German engines threaten to stall project for approximately four years. Interestingly, following Defence Secretary’s visit on Tuesday, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) unveiled its 1500 HP engine for Arjun MBT series. 

According to defence sources, German engine manufacturers have indicated a 48-month time frame for restarting production of engines crucial for deployment of Arjun Mark 1A tanks, particularly in desert sector.

German Setbacks Les to Me-in-India’s Comeback

In response to this setback, authorities are leveraging delay period to spearhe development of an indigenous engine capable of powering Arjun Mark 1A tanks. " agencies concerned are now trying to use period of delay in project to develop an indigenous engine that can be used for powering Arjun Mark 1As," sources ded.

Despite challenges, progress is underway, with existing engines held by development agencies set to initiate production of initial tanks under Defence Ministry's order for 118 locally manufactured Arjun Mk-1A tanks. This order, valued at Rs 7,523 crore, was placed with Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avi in 2021.

However, previously India's aspirations to develop a light tank also faced hurdles, primarily due to delays in engine supplies from Germany. This compelled Larsen and Toubro, alongside Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to opt for an American Cummins engine as an alternative solution.

Development of Engine for Futuristic Main Battle Tank

Indian agencies are alrey looking towards future, actively working on development of an engine for a futuristic main battle tank. "Indian agencies concerned have alrey started working on developing an engine for a futuristic main battle tank," officials affirmed. y furr noted that this same engine could potentially be apted for Arjun Mark 1A project, though requiring certain modifications and justments.

Following a visit by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, AVNL also shared specifications of its developed 1500 HP Arjun Mk1As. engine designated for Arjun 1A tank, known as MB 838 Ka-501 or Datran, has a 90-degree Vee design with 10 cylinders, operating on a four-stroke cycle. Turbocharged and liquid-circulation cooled, engine also delivers a said 1500 HP at 2400 rpm, with a maximum torque of 5013 Nm at around 1600 rpm.

With a bore of 170 mm and piston stroke of 175 mm, its engine capacity is 39.7 dm3, according to AVNL. Furrmore, operating at an idling speed of 850 rpm and a top speed of 2400 rpm.

Arjun Mk-1A is more powerful and capable than its predecessor, Arjun Mk-1 main battle tank, currently in service with Indian Army. With 72 upgres, including 14 major improvements, new variant would augment tank regiment's lethality, mobility, and survivability on battlefield.