The Armado offers ballistic protection up to B7, Stanag Level II and can be configured to suit a variety of operational roles.
Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has started deliveries of the Armado to the Indian armed forces. The Armado is an Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), designed and developed by Mahindra.
- Mahindra Armado has a 215hp, 500Nm, 3.2-litre turbo-diesel
- It can be used in counter-terrorist operations
- The Armado can be configured for LHD or RHD
Mahindra Defence Systems Armado: what is it?
The Armado is designed to be a modular type vehicle that can be upgraded or configured to suit a wide variety of operational roles, according to MDS. The Armado offers ballistic protection up to B7, Stanag Level II.
According to MDS, the Armado can be used in counter-terrorist operations such as patrolling high-intensity areas, special forces operations and quick reaction teams. Other uses cases for the ALSV includes being a weapon carrier, a reconnaissance vehicle, a border security vehicle as well as being used in raids in open or desert terrains.
Mahindra Defence System Armado powertrain, platform
Under the hood, the Armado gets a 3.2-litre, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine that can also run on NATO-grade diesel. The engine produces 215hp and 500Nm of torque and power is delivered to all four wheels via a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Armado has a claimed top speed of over 120kph and a 0-60kph time of 12 seconds, and has a payload capacity of 1,000kg.
The Armado features Bilstein independent suspension for all four corners and gets 318/80 R17 tyres. The tyres can also run without air or a puncture for up to 50km and the Armado also gets a centralised tyre inflation system. It gets a power steering system and, interestingly, can be configured to be either left-hand drive or right-hand drive.
Mahindra Defence System Armado interior, features
The Armado has a seating capacity of six passengers, including the driver, and can be configured to seat up to eight. It also gets a public address (PA) system, GPS, automatic grenade launcher, electric winch, HF/UHF/VHF radio as well as a self-cleaning-type exhaust scavenging and air filtration system for extremely dusty climates.
What do you think of the Mahindra Armado armoured vehicle? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
