| Ashok Leyland Field Artillery Tractor[1] | |
| Origin: | India |
| Type: | Medium/Heavy truck (4×4 and 6×6) |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Service: | 2017-present |
| Used By: | Indian Army Tanzanian Army |
| Designer: | Ashok Leyland Defence Systems |
| Manufacturer: | Ashok Leyland |
| Production Date: | 2017–present |
| Weight: | 9945kg (21,925lb) (4×4) 22000kg (49,000lb) (6×6) |
| Length: | 6282 mm (4×4) 8730 mm (6×6) |
| Width: | 2500 mm (4×4) 2600 mm (6×6) |
| Height: | 2950 mm (4×4) 3300 mm (6×6) |
| Crew: | 4 operators + 6 additional spaces |
| Engine: | 8.1 L I6 Neptune CRS turbo-diesel |
| Engine Power: | 160 hp (4×4) 360 hp (6×6) |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual (4×4) 8-speed manual (6×6) |
| Payload Capacity: | 3,000 kg (4×4) 8,000 kg (6×6) |
| Suspension: |
|
| Clearance: | 300 mm (4×4) 400 mm (6×6) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 212 L (4×4) 350 L (6×6) |
| Vehicle Range: | 700 km |
| Speed: | 86 km/h |
| Steering: | power-assisted steering |
The Ashok Leyland FAT is a family of all-terrain military truck designed, developed and produced by Indian automobile manufacturer Ashok Leyland. The design is broadly based on Ashok Leyland Super Stallion truck.[2] [3] It is primarily used for towing a wide range of artillery guns. It will replace the aging fleet of KrAZ-255 and Scania SBAT111S used by the Indian Army.[4]
There are two variants of the truck
In 1986, when the Indian Army purchased 410 FH77B Bofors howitzers, they also ordered 660 SBAT111S trucks. 30 years later, these trucks had become obsolete and the Army looked for a replacement.[5]
Ashok Leyland is one of the biggest suppliers of logistics vehicles to Indian Army; the company's Stallion truck has over 60,000 units in service with Indian Army. Thus, the development of FAT or Field Artillery Tractor was started as a private venture to replace the ageing fleet of Scania trucks.[6]
It is powered by Ashok Leyland's in-house developed engine that gives 160hp of power and 550 Nm of maximum torque. This is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The truck runs on full-time 4-wheel drive system with all axles having differential lock. The FAT 4×4's towing capacity is rated at 3 tonnes. The cargo bay is fitted with a crane for loading/unloading ammunition and other equipment.
It is powered by Ashok Leyland's in-house developed 8-litre Neptune series engine that gives 360hp of power and 1,400 Nm of torque at 1,300 rpm. This is mated to an 8-speed manual transmission (2-speed transfer case). The truck runs on full-time 6-wheel drive system with all axles having differential lock.
The FAT 6x6's towing capacity is rated at 8 tonnes. The driver's cabin can hold four people and the crew cabin just behind it can hold six. The cargo bay is fitted with a 2.7 tonne crane for loading/unloading ammunition and other equipment. There is a roof hatch for observation, emergency exit and firing. At the front, the truck has a 10 tonne self-recovery winch.[7]
Other features include a fire and smoke detection unit, an infrared rear-view camera and Indeginised Rotex central tire inflation system. For driver's comfort, cab is equipped with HVAC.[8]
In March 2016, Ashok Leyland won a contract for supplying 450 units of the FAT 6x6 along with other "Super Stallion" vehicles and 825 units of "Ambulance 4x4" to the army. The total order was worth ₹825 crore.[9] In 2017, the first batch of trucks was delivered.[10]
In July 2023, another order was placed for Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) 4×4 [Ashok Leyland Topchi] and Gun Towing Vehicle (GTV) 6×6 worth ₹800 crore. The order will be executed in 12 months.[11] [12] [13]