Tata Merlin Is A Defence Vehicle And Not A Safari Replacement as rumored earlier to be. It has been seen inside the Tata factory premises
Tata Motors Defence Solutions has partnered with the UK-based Supacat to design the 4×4 defence vehicle. LAMV uses a monocoque composite material pod mated to a steel bottom V Hull for superior occupant protection which is based on the Supacat Protected Vehicle 400. There is an addition of two seats in the front cabin for
the driver and commander, and comes with forward facing seats at the rear for four crew members. The LAMV will be called Tata Merlin.
The Merlin has a weight of 8 tons and a cargo capacity of 1.5 ton. This vehicle is powered by a turbocharged BSIV engine with intercooler, and comes paired to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The peak power is 210 bhp at 2400 Rpm and peak torque is 780 nm at 1250- 2000 rpm. There are disc brakes on all 4 wheels with hydro booster and ABS to help in efficient braking. The top speed of this LAMV is 105 km/hr, and it takes 20 sec to achieve 0-60 km/hr
The Tata Merlin has huge 335/80/20 tyres which gives the vehicle a ground clearance of 300 mm. Tata Merlin has a length of 5550 mm, a width of 2500 mm and a height of 2350 mm. This vehicle is completely dependable on adverse situations because it has a 40 degree approach angle, a 150 litre fuel tank and CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System).
This LAMV also has a climate control system to control the temperature in the cabin from -15 degrees to 45 degrees.
Inside, the driver and the commander get display units with GPS, CCD cameras, laser range finder and thermal imagery. This turret also has provisions to add smoke grenade launchers and other defence equipment depending on the mission and purpose.
The LAMV is equipped with a 360 degree movable machine gun and ballistic protection. The chassis protects the car against blasts, shell splinters, small arms fire and landmines.
