Kalyani M4
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| Kalyani M4 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle |
| Place of origin | India/South Africa |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Kalyani Group |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Forge |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 16,000 kg total weight |
| Length | 5.8 m |
| Width | 2.6 m |
| Height | 2.45 m |
| Crew | 2+2+6 |
| Armor | NATO STANAG 4569 Level III |
| Engine | Turbo Diesel (336 kW, 465 HP, 1627 N.m) 465 hp |
| Power/weight | 30 HP/ton |
| Payload capacity | 2,300 Kgs |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Automatic |
| Suspension | Bilstein Heavy Duty Suspension |
Operational range | 800 km |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h |
Steering system | Power steering, Front wheel |
| References | [1] |
The Kalyani M4 is a high-mobility Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle produced by Kalyani Group's Bharat Forge.[1] It is a Kalyani-Paramount partnership developed variant of the Mbombe 4 built by South Africa's Paramount Group.[2]
After conducting extensive trials in Ladakh in August 2020, the Indian Army placed orders for these vehicles under an emergency procurement amidst China-India Border Standoff in a contract worth ₹177.95 crore (equivalent to ₹200 crore or US$24 million in 2023) in 2021.[3] The trials also included the Maverick APC and the Werewolf MRAP.[4]
In February 2021, an agreement was made between Paramount Group and Kalyani to manufacture the M4 in India.[4]
In April 2023, Kalyani M4s were deployed by Indian peacekeepers in Abyei, Sudan.[5]
Design
The Kalyani M4 is designed predominantly as an extraction and occupant protection vehicle. Its design offers high speed and quick manoeuvrability. It has a maximum payload of 2.3 tonnes and can carry up to 8 people. With all the armour, the M4 weighs around 16,000 kg. It has a 43-degree approach and 44-degrees departure angle with a water wading depth of 900 mm to operate it in tough terrain or fording rivers.[1]
The Kalyani M4 uses a turbocharged 6-pot diesel motor which is rated to deliver 465 hp and a 1627 Nm of torque. It uses a CVT automatic transmission. It also features a low-range gearbox to work with the 4×4 system to scale difficult steep inclines. The M4 has top speed of 140 km/h and has a range of 800 km.[1]
It can withstand three 10 kg TNT charges under the wheels and 50 kg IED side blasts.[6][7]
