DRDO Sarvatra

{{multiple issues|{{primary sources|date=August 2017}}

{{unreliable sources|date=August 2017}}}}

{{Infobox weapon

|name = Sarvatra Bridge System

|image = 15 Metre Sarvatra Bridging System passes through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 23, 2013.jpg

|caption = Sarvatra Bridging System at Republic Day

|origin = India

|type = Armored vehicle-launched bridge

|is_vehicle = yes

|service = 2000–present

|used_by =

|wars =

|designer = Armament and Combat Engineering Systems
Research & Development Establishment (Engineers)

|design_date =

|manufacturer = BEML
Dantal Hydraulics
Larsen and Toubro
Oscar Equipments

|unit_cost =

|production_date =

|number = 50

|variants =

15M Sarvatra Bridge System
20M Sarvatra Bridge System

|spec_label =

|weight =

|length =

{{Convert|15|m|ftin}}
{{Convert|20|m|ftin}}

|part_length =

|width = {{Convert|4|m|ftin|abbr=on}}

|height = {{Convert|2.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} to {{Convert|6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (adjustable)

|armour =

|crew = 4

|primary_armament =

|secondary_armament =

|engine = TVML T 3-B / T 3-C series V8 turbocharged multi-fuel with intercooler

|engine_power = {{Convert|235|hp|lk=in}} to {{Convert|368|hp|lk=in}}

|pw_ratio =

|transmission = Non-synchronized manual, 10 forward + 2 reverse gears

|payload_capacity = 1× scissors-type folding bridge (22 tonne)

|suspension = Leaf spring and air suspension with telescopic shock absorbers

|clearance =

|fuel_capacity =

|vehicle_range = ~800 km

|speed = {{convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} to {{convert|90|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}

|launch_platform = BEML–Tatra T-815 VVN 8WD

}}

The DRDO Sarvatra ({{Lit|Everywhere}}){{Cite web|url=https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0&oldid=72090442|title=सर्वत्र|date=18 March 2023|via=Wiktionary}} also known as Sarvatra Multi-span Mobile Bridge System is a truck-mounted, multi-span, mobile bridging system developed by Armament and Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) and Research and Development Establishment (R&DE) Engineers of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO){{Cite web|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/technology-cluster-links/labs-products-detail/1954/179|title=Multispan Mobile Bridging System (SARVATRA)|last=|first=|date=11 March 2020|website=Defence Research and Development Organisation|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=11 March 2020}} for the Indian army. Its production public company is Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bangalore.

Design

The Sarvatra is a 75-meter, multi-span, mobile bridging system consisting of five scissor bridges made of aluminum alloy with a span of 15 meters, each mounted on a separate mobile platform. Each mobile platform is a modified Tatra T-815 VVN 8 x 8 chassis, drivable from both ends from a small cabin with required driving controls. Further, a microprocessor based control system is utilised to deploy and operationalise the system in less than 2.5 hours.

When the scissors bridge is opened, it is fitted with adjustable trestles to enable multiple units to be used to bridge wet and dry gaps. Five sections provide a total bridge length of 75 m, and four meters in width. The bridge is launched/recovered from either end. With the help of telescopic legs, the height of the bridge can be adjusted from 2.5 m to 6 m to reduce visibility.

The Sarvatra project was sanctioned in 1994 and completed development in October 1999 at a total cost of ₹230,000,000. It was approved for production in March 2000 after trials. The Sarvatra was to replace the East European PMS Bridges in the Indian army, which requires 57 Tatra vehicles to bridge 100 meters. In contrast, the Sarvatra, with just five sections, bridges 75 meters. At ₹600,000,000 per set, the PMS costs almost three times as much as a Sarvatra.

A 20 m variant of Sarvatra bridge system capable of bridging a gap of 100 meters has also been developed.

Operators

;{{IND}}

Indian Army : 110 units (22 sets) of 15M Sarvatra Bridge System variant on order.{{cite web |last1=PSU Connect |title=BEML Limited hands over 15 M Sarvatra Bridge system to Indian Army |url=https://www.psuconnect.in/news/BEML-Limited-hands-over-15-M-Sarvatra-Bridge-system-to-Indian-Army/19993/ |website=PSU Connect |publisher=PSU Connect Media Private Limited |accessdate=10 March 2020}}

Specifications

Load Class: MLC–70
Single Span Length:
15 m
20 m
Multi-Span Capability:
75 m
100 m
Roadway Width: 3.45 m during transportation; 4 m during use
Span Height: 2.6 m to 6 m
Construction time: 15 minutes
Crew: 1 specialized driver + 3 combat engineers

References

External links

[http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/feb02/Mobile.htm Sarvatra mobile platform]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20131102123743/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE4-5/kapoor.html DRDO Sarvatra - Specifications]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-qtQeKrLiY Sarvatra Bridge system]

Category:Military vehicles of India