Ashok Leyland FAT 6x6
Ashok Leyland FAT 6×6 has
been showcased at the ongoing Defence Expo in Goa – DefExpo. Indian Army has
ordered 450 units of these Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) 6x6 vehicles along
with other similar Super Stallion vehicles. The total order is worth INR 800
crore (including 825 units of Ambulance 4x4).
Purpose built for carrying
out military operations, Ashok Leyland FAT 6x6 is powered by a diesel engine
which generates maximum power of 345 hp. Mated to a manual transmission, which
distributes power to all six of the specially made Pirelli tyres. With a
payload capacity of 8 tonnes and GVW of 26.5 tonnes, it has a top speed of 90
km/h and a range of 800 km on one full tank of fuel.
Apart from carrying crew and
ammunition to the remotest of location, it can also be used to carry howitzers
and field funs of up to 155 mm. Ashok Leyland FAT 6x6 replaces the ageing
Scania SBAT 6x6 artillery tractors which have been in service of Indian Army
since 1986.
Key features of Ashok
Leyland FAT 6x6 are – engine brake ensures safety of engine and higher braking
efficiency, bead lock to prevent tyre from sliding off the rim in the event of
tyre puncture, rear view camera, automated and centralized tyre inflation
system (CTIS), emergency power steering, voice communication arrangement
between crew and driver cabin, provisions inside the cab for tandem drive control,
fire and smoke detection unit, swiveling / self-locking tow hook.
