BEML Limited have announced the successful culmination of its ground-breaking project: the design and development of India’s first indigenously created prototype 1500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
This remarkable achievement heralds a new era in India’s defence capabilities, showcasing the nation’s engineering prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defence technologies.
BEML Limited is an Indian public sector undertaking which manufactures a variety of heavy equipment, such as that used for earth moving, defence, railways, transport and mining.
The 1500 HP engine developed by BEML represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems, boasting cutting-edge features such as high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions including high altitudes of 5000 meters, sub-zero temperatures of -40°C, and desert environments up to +55°C.
Equipped with advanced technologies including electronic control with CRDi fuel injection system, self-air filter cleaning, and electronic warning control, this engine stands on par with the most advanced engines globally.
Notably, Shri Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary, Govt of India, inaugurated the test firing of India’s first indigenously made 1500 HP engine on March 20, 2024 at BEML’s Engine division in Mysuru complex.
Also, the event was graced by Shri Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML; high-ranking officers from Indian Armed Forces & DRDO; industry partners and top officials of BEML Ltd.
The event marked a significant moment in India’s journey towards indigenous development in defence technologies.
Inaugurating the facility, Shri Giridhar Aramane shared, “The 1500hp engine development project represents a significant stride towards realizing the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, as articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister”.
Further, he highlighted that this achievement heralds a transformative moment and serves as a technology demonstration for the Indian military and positions India to enhance its military capacity on the global stage, showcasing its prowess and contributing to the realization of a self-reliant India’s true potential.
Shri Aramane also inaugurated the “Wall of Fame” that has been built inside the facility to recognize the extraordinary efforts of BEML team.
The gesture symbolizes the profound appreciation for their contributions towards advancing India’s defence capabilities and achieving milestones in indigenous technological innovation.
Moreover, Shri Shantanu Roy expressed his satisfaction with the substantial support received from their partners throughout the journey of completing the milestone 1500hp engine development project.
Shri Roy highlights, “This accomplishment solidifies BEML’s position as a key contributor to defence production in the country, underscoring its commitment to serving the nation’s needs in this critical sector.”
This accomplishment aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, as outlined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, signalling a significant leap towards self-sufficiency in defence production.
Noteworthy, the 1500 HP engine not only enhances India’s military capabilities but also serves as a testament to the nation’s technological prowess on the global stage.
The project, initiated in August 2020, has been meticulously structured into five major milestones, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
The first firing of the 1500 HP engine signifies the completion of Generation One, focusing on technology stabilization.
Moving forward, Generation Two will see BEML producing engines for various trials at CVRDE and their integration into actual vehicles for user testing, with the project slated for completion by mid-2025.
BEML envisions further development of engine variants catering to diverse requirements of the Indian Military, reaffirming its commitment to achieving true Aatmanirbhar Bharat status and emerging as a frontrunner in defence production.
About BEML
BEML Limited is a leading multi-technology ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence, plays a pivotal role in serving India’s core sectors like Defence, Rail, Power, Mining and Construction by offering world class products.
BEML operates in three verticals viz. Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction and Rail & Metro and has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located at Bangalore, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysore, Palakkad, with having very strong R&D infrastructure and nationwide network of sales and services.
BEML Limited, a committed player in the field of manufacturing earthmoving, transportation, and construction equipment, celebrates a rich legacy spanning six decades of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Source: https://www.bemlindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20032024-1.pdf
