Arjun 130 mm gun: DRDO tastes success

A much pilloried Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the verge of an important success – of providing the army a self-propelled 130 mm gun, according to the sources at the DRDO. The indigenously developed 130 mm gun has been in service with the artillery arm of the army since the 1970's. First, it was fitted on a Vijayanta tank chassiss and called Catapult in1980-81. The army had major problems with the platform, as maintenance was an issue and and its stability on a full charge firing mode. Then director general (artillery) of the army, a source said, wanted to exploit the gun till 2030 as it had a potential to be an important piece of artillery for the arm. But they needed a new platform. Arjun, the indigenous main battle tank (MBT) in operation at the moment, was considered a possible chassis for the emplacement of the 130 mm on a tracked vehicle. The job was given to the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), based at Avadi. A feasibility study of mounting 130 mm Catapult Gun on Arjun Chassis Mk-I was carried out in May- June 2012. The technical study concluded that upgradation of the existing Catapult on the chassis could be carried out in a very short time and the equipment capabilities increased. Eight key parameters were considered for carrying out the feasibility study. Some of them were; minimum changes to the chassis system for ensuring maximum commonality between the sub systems and the parts, accommodating recoil of the gun system at various elevation angles, power pack removal without removing the gun system, maximum onboard ammunition, structural design etc. A date in the month of November, 2012 was fixed by the DG (artillery) for the first field trial. The CVRDE, Avadi, took up the challenge after they were given a spare gun system to mount on the Arjun, Mk I in July, 2012. The trials were held between 27 November to 3 December 2012. The Arjun mounted chassis outmatched Vijayanta by a large margin, also in the test for stability, while firing charged rounds. The developmental trials were held between 31 July to 13 August, 2013 during the summer. Arjun Catapult was fitted with two sets of Goegraphical Positioning System and one Gyro used in Arjun Mk-I during these trials. Driver’s Night Vision Device (DNS) and Commanders’ night sight (HHTI) were also successfully tested. It was also provided with fire fighting system based on Instant Fire Detection Suppression System as existing in Arjun Mk-I tanks. The Arjun Catapult was run for about 500 kms during this trial and subjected to maximum intense and sustained firings. ‘The firings and mobility trials were absolutely smooth which gave full confidence to the users as well as the development agency, that the requirement of Arjun Catapult of artillery would soon be a reality. It is expected that the user trials based on General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) would be held in November-December 2013, and 40 Catapult Guns would be inducted by the army,’ a senior DRDO official stated.