Indian Army Seeks 500+ HP Engine for Stryker Armored Vehicle, Caterpillar and Cummins Proposes Alternatives

India and the US are facing a challenge in their joint effort to develop and produce Stryker armored vehicles – the engine. The current 300 horsepower C13 engine, while suitable for US conditions, falls short of the power needed to navigate India's challenging terrains, particularly the high altitudes of Ladakh and Sikkim. The Indian Army is seeking an engine with at least 500 horsepower to ensure optimal performance in these demanding conditions.

Caterpillar, the current engine supplier for the Stryker, has proposed two alternatives to its existing C7 engine: the C15, generating 595 horsepower, and the C13, offering 536 horsepower. In addition, Caterpillar has offered a Technology Transfer (ToT) for the chosen engine, allowing India to domestically produce both the engine and spare parts,.

Cummins, another American company, has entered the competition with its ISXe 600 diesel engine, producing 600 horsepower. This engine is already in use in the Indian Army's Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV), giving it a potential advantage due to the familiarity with its maintenance and logistics.

The engine selection is crucial for the success of the Stryker co-production program. The Indian Army's decision will be based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including power requirements, operational needs, domestic production potential, and existing experience with specific engines. A successful resolution to this issue will pave the way for a mutually beneficial partnership between India and the US in armored vehicle production.

 

[ramdas]

They should finalize the deal instead of being difficult and overly critical. Cummins engines are the best option for the IA with relevant experience. The government may change its mind, so strike while the iron is hot.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

Stryker is not suitable for high altitude operations. It can work only in deserts. While TATA Kestral and Mahindra ICV can work in plains, deserts and high altitudes. It does not make economical sense to use two different platforms . Stryker should be outrightly rejected.

 

[Mithu Roy]

Tonnage is different so is the purpose.
what army wants is a lighter vehicle, but how will it get is only god can tell. moment you put a 600 hp engine, you will need to upgrade the entire power transmission and will shoot up the weight and the deal will be difficult.
actually this product with 100 percent TOT will eliminate the need for designing from scratch and I think it will be built by private sector like tata, Mahindra or bharat forge or partly by ordinance factory

 

[Kira]

I believe that Cummins engine will be a logical (and logistically) prudent choice as it already powers WhAP and another heftier powerplant from Cummins will also power the DRDO light tank in the near future. So,I believe going with the Cummins option for the proposed Indian Stryker may be a better and thoughtful decision.

 

[kumar]

I don't know why the current GOI is h@ll bent on killing it's own industry. This even after west left no stone unturned to remove this gov from power. Typical case of bending over backwards. This GOI is turning out to be soft gov like other gov before.

 

[kumar]

This is precisely why private sector won't invest in defence R&d in india.

 

[Sandeep]

I don't know why the current GOI is h@ll bent on killing it's own industry. This even after west left no stone unturned to remove this gov from power. Typical case of bending over backwards. This GOI is turning out to be soft gov like other gov before.

India hasn’t said that they are going to buy it. They only said that they will evaluate what they offer. India will stick to its indigenous products.