For the first time at an Indian public fair and particularly at the Defexpo, TATRA showcased the new ‘TATRA FORCE’. The new management who has bought the licenses and production rights of TATRA in 2013 looked upbeat about the new innings for the brand which is the second oldest automotive brand in the world formed in 1850.
David Pipal, Commercial Director, Tatra Trucks, said: “We want to communicate to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that we are modernizing our trucks and offering best solutions for the military forces. The vehicle on display ‘T 815-790R99,38 300 8×8.1R’, called as the TATRA FORCE, offers a much lower centre of gravity. The cabin also offers armourisation upto level stage 3 B, which means 5 tonnes of TNC blown off under the wheel or cabin will not affect the people in the cab or in the vehicle, keeping them safe.”
It is believed that the Indian Army has more than 8,000 TATRA vehicles. In the future the advanced range could replace the older TATRA vehicles. “We can provide plenty of super structures and our partner for the same in India is BEML which has been a traditional partner of ours. We are very pleased with the improved partnership and co-operation with them. Our focus is the chassis itself we can even mount a missile on it,” beamed Pipal.
Notably, the superstructure of Tata Force is a cargo body with tarpaulin, foldable benches for 24 troops. It also has a rear foldable access and container locks in floor for one 20´container and two 10´containers.
While for defence trucks Tatra partners BEML in India, for the civilian (on-road & off road vehicles) it is looking for strategic partners. “We are looking for partners in our civilian range like the Tatra Phoenix and the Tatra Terrn, who can help us pave way into the mining, oil and gas industries,” revealed Pipal.
Specifications of the Tatra Force
- Engine TATRA T3C-928-90, EURO 3, 300 kW, 2,100 Nm/1,000 RPM
- Transmission TATRA 14 TS 210L, semi-automatic split, 14-speed
- Cab 1+3 seats, C-130 transportability, add-on armoring
- Wheelbase 1,950 + 2,860 + 1,450 mm
- Gross vehicle weight (max.) 38,000 kg
- Payload (max.) 21,100 kg
- Top speed 110 km/h