BEML’s medium MRAP vehicle makes debut

India’s Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) company has developed its first medium mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle.

“The Medium Bullet-Proof Vehicle [MBPV] is primarily an Indian-made platform, with the share of Indian components reaching 75%”, said a company representative. According to him, the MBPV is intended for military paramilitary, and police units. 

The vehicle is based on a commercial-off-the-shelf 4×4 chassis designed by the BEML.

“To increase the maneuverability of the platform, the manufacturer has integrated semi-articulated axles and hydraulic shock absorbers with the chassis. Owing to a large 300 mm ground clearance, the MBPV has an outsdanding cross-country capability,” the BEML’s representative said, adding that the platform is fitted with a power steering system, ABS, central tyre inflation system, and an automatic six-stage gearbox.

In the basic configuration the MBPV transports up to ten servicemen; the manufacturer claims it can be reconfigured as a medevac or a mobile command and control post.

The BEML does not specify the vehicle’s weight, saying only that it is 6,550 mm long, 2,750 mm wide, and 3,290 mm high. The vehicle’s hull features eight side-mounted firing ports and anti-blast seats. The manufacturer does not detail the protection level, stating that the MBPV can withstand the explosion of two hand grenades under its belly.

The new MRAP platform is powered by a 235 kW water-cooled diesel engine, producing a top speed of 80 kn/h.

The baseline MBPV has no combat station, carrying only an all-round protected mount for a general purpose machinegun. The sides of the gunner’s workseat can be folded. At the same time, a small remote controlled weapon station can be installed on the roof. The vehicle also carries a roof-mounted sensor turret in its frontal part. 

Photo by Dmitry Fediushko