Mahindra Rakshak
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Mahindra Rakshak
| image = Rakshak.JPG
| image_size = 300
| caption = Mumbai Police Mahindra Rakshak during an exhibition.
| origin = {{flag|India}}
| type = Military light utility vehicle
| is_vehicle = yes
| used_by = See Users
| wars =
| designer = Mahindra Defence Systems (Defense Land Systems){{cite web|url=http://www.spsshownews.com/ebook/Defexpo-2012-Day-2.pdf|title=MDS aspires to develop home-grown military hardware and products|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813133245/http://www.spsshownews.com/ebook/Defexpo-2012-Day-2.pdf|archivedate=2017-08-13|publisher=SP Show News|date=2012-03-30|page=12}}
| design_date =
| manufacturer = Mahindra & Mahindra Defense
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 2000 – Present
| number =
| variants = See Variants
| length =
| width =
| height =
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| crew =
2 crew
4 passengers
| armour =
| primary_armament = * Light machine gun mount optional for Rakshak{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419144255/http://www.metaltechmotors.com/rakshak.htm|url=http://www.metaltechmotors.com:80/rakshak.htm|archivedate=2012-04-19|publisher=Metal Tech Motors|title=Rakshak (Bullet Proof Vehicle)|access-date=2020-03-22|url-status=live}}
- Gun mount installed for Rakshak Plus with front/rear protection{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813184323/https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/mahindra-rakshak-plus-at-the-2012-defence-expo/12312/|url=https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/mahindra-rakshak-plus-at-the-2012-defence-expo/12312/|archivedate=2017-08-13|url-status=live|date=2012-04-03|publisher=Zig Wheels|title=Mahindra Rakshak Plus at the 2012 Defence Expo}}
| secondary_armament =
| engine =
| payload_capacity =
| fuel_capacity =
| pw_ratio =
| suspension = 4x4, wheeled
| clearance =
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}}
The Mahindra Rakshak ({{Lit|Protector}}) is an armored military light utility vehicle made by Mahindra Defense Systems,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129232225/http://www.mahindra.com/news-room/press-release/1294305468|url=http://www.mahindra.com:80/news-room/press-release/1294305468|title=Mahindra hands over India's 1st armoured capsule based light bulletproof vehicle to Mumbai Police|publisher=Mahindra|archivedate=2017-01-29|access-date=2020-03-22|url-status=live}} based on the chassis of the Mahindra Commander jeep. Primarily used by the Indian army, it is also used by other countries and police in numerous Indian States. The Rakshak is being replaced with the Mahindra Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV) chosen as its successor.
The Rakshak was designed to be used in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813134852/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/471670/war-peace-jeep-rolls-on.html|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/471670/war-peace-jeep-rolls-on.html|title=War or peace, the jeep rolls on|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=2015-04-15|author=Michael Patrao|archivedate=2017-08-13}}
History
The Rakshak jeep was launched in 2000 in collaboration with Plasan. The vehicle was first manufactured under Mahindra Specialties.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060517161902/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2000/05/25/stories/192502mh.htm|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com:80/2000/05/25/stories/192502mh.htm|publisher=Hindu Business Line|title=New Mahindra vehicles hit the road|archivedate=2006-05-17|date=2000-05-25|access-date=2020-03-22|url-status=live}}
The Rakshak was placed under scrutiny in 2008 when the government alleged that the engine used was suitable for 1,600 kg and below and that the vehicle was 2,660 kg, making it very unsafe to use in areas where militants have a strong influence.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813131557/http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald.com/Content/Apr62008/national2008040661365.asp?section=updatenews|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald.com/Content/Apr62008/national2008040661365.asp?section=updatenews|publisher=Deccan Herald|archivedate=2017-08-13|title=Mahindra says 'Rakshak' saved soldiers' lives|date=2008-04-06}} In response to this allegation, then MDS CEO Brig. Khutab Hai stated that the company had supplied the army with Rakshaks outfitted with new engines with a higher power and increased torque in order improve the vehicle's ability to climb in hilly terrain. It was suggested that the contract was made under a short time with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) investigating if any rules were violated.{{cite news|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813135823/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/cag-questions-army-s-rakshak-purchase-108031601035_1.html|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/cag-questions-army-s-rakshak-purchase-108031601035_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|archivedate=2017-08-13|date=2008-03-16|author=Ajai Shukla|title=CAG questions army's Rakshak purchase|newspaper=Business Standard India }}
In 2009, the Mahindra Special Military Vehicles in Prithla, Faridabad was established with a capacity to manufacture a minimum of 500 vehicles per year.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813132824/http://www.constructionweekonline.in/mm-launches-military-vehicles-facility/|url=http://www.constructionweekonline.in/mm-launches-military-vehicles-facility/|title=M&M launches military vehicles facility|publisher=Construction Week Online|archivedate=2017-08-13}}
In 2012, the Mumbai Police requested a tender for bulletproof, run flat types and tubeless rims to replace those are in use.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407182044/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/mumbai-police-hunts-in-vain-for-bullet-proof-tyres/20121126.htm|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/mumbai-police-hunts-in-vain-for-bullet-proof-tyres/20121126.htm|title=Mumbai Police hunts in vain for bullet proof tyres|publisher=Rediff News|date=2012-11-26|archivedate=2013-04-07}}
Jammu & Kashmir Police reported that in 2014, 100 Rakshaks in service had not received replacement engines following flood damage due to lack of supply.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117192118/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/home-ministry-sits-on-report-backing-less-lethal-riot-control-technology-birdshots-pellet-kashmir-3031549/|url=http://indianexpress.com:80/article/india/india-news-india/home-ministry-sits-on-report-backing-less-lethal-riot-control-technology-birdshots-pellet-kashmir-3031549/|title=Home Ministry sits on report backing less-lethal riot control technology|publisher=Indian Express|archivedate=2016-11-17|date=2016-09-15|author=Deeptiman Tiwary & Praveen Swami|access-date=2020-03-22|url-status=live}}
Design
The Rakshak is made with its armored plating made by Plasan Sasa,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927081309/http://defense-update.com/products/r/rakshak.htm|url=http://defense-update.com/products/r/rakshak.htm|archivedate=2014-09-27|publisher=Defense Update|date=2004|title=Rakshak Plus}} obtained via technology transfer. The plating consists of composite steel, ultra hardened steel, high performance polyethylene and aramid laminates.{{cite web |url=http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/mahindrdefencesystem/bulletproofvehicle.htm |title=Mahindra.com:Mahindra Defence System- Bullet Proof Vehicle |website=www.mahindraworld.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021002182132/http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/mahindrdefencesystem/bulletproofvehicle.htm |archive-date=2 October 2002 |url-status=dead}}
It is meant to be a cost-effective vehicle for security forces that cannot afford high-end armored vehicles.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830023953/http://www.sastechjournal.com/pdf/Journals/April2014/6.pdf|url=http://www.sastechjournal.com/pdf/Journals/April2014/6.pdf|title=CONCEPT DESIGN OF SPECIAL VEHICLES FOR INDIAN MILITARY|archivedate=2017-08-30|author=Midhun Eliyas and V. Hima Kiran Vithal|publisher=Dept. of Automotive & Aeronautical Engg, M. S. Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies}}
It is designed to withstand 7.62mm rounds from 10 meters with the flooring armored to withstand grenade explosions. It uses a manual transmission for a four-wheel drive and has the option of installing an air conditioner system. During live fire tests, 41 bullets were fired at the Rakshak and at least one grenade was hurled underneath it.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510062125/http://archives.digitaltoday.in/businesstoday/20030525/features5.html|url=http://archives.digitaltoday.in/businesstoday/20030525/features5.html|title=Firms In Arms|author=Moinak Mitra|date=2003-05-25|archivedate=2013-05-10}}
The vehicle can carry up to 6 persons with 2 seated in front and four at the rear.{{Cite web|url=http://automotive.mahindraworld.com/Mahindra_Rakshak.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010304131410/http://automotive.mahindraworld.com/Mahindra_Rakshak.htm|archive-date=2001-03-04|title=Mahaindra 3 Door Hard Top}}
Variants
=Rakshak Plus=
The Rakshak Plus was publicly displayed at the DEFEXPO 2012 convention,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813132445/http://www.carsalesindia.com/news/shownews.jsp?newsid=868&newstitle=Mahindra%20Rakshak%20Plus%20at%20DEFEXPO%202012|url=http://www.carsalesindia.com/news/shownews.jsp?newsid=868&newstitle=Mahindra%20Rakshak%20Plus%20at%20DEFEXPO%202012|title=Mahindra Rakshak Plus at DEFEXPO 2012|date=2012-04-03|archivedate=2017-08-13|publisher=Car Sales India}} based on Mahindra Scorpio. It weighs 600 kg and has a PTZ surveillance camera installed, which has a 360 degree view with zooming capacity of 500 meters.
It has a 2.2-litre m-Hawk turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine with a roof gun mount, front and back protection plates, five firing ports, fire suppression material in the fuel tank, air conditioning and power steering. It has level 3 armor.
Users
- {{flag|Ghana}}: Unknown number of Rakshaks reported to be exported in 2008.
- {{flag|Guyana}}: Two Rakshaks used by the Guyana Police Force{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708134640/http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/indian-arms-sales-to-latin-america_sbmaharaj_050716|url=http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/indian-arms-sales-to-latin-america_sbmaharaj_050716|archivedate=2016-07-08|date=2016-07-05|publisher=Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses|title=Indian Arms Sales to Latin America|author=Sanjay Badri-Maharaj}}{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703211323/http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2010/10/13/%E2%80%98b%E2%80%99-division-gets-fully-loaded-armoured-vehicle/|url=http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2010/10/13/%E2%80%98b%E2%80%99-division-gets-fully-loaded-armoured-vehicle/|title='B' Division gets fully-loaded armoured vehicle|date=2010-10-23|archivedate=2016-07-03|publisher=Kaieteur News}} under the Berbice Police Division.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813143224/http://guyanachronicle.com/2010/10/13/berbice-police-acquire-first-armoured-motor-vehicle|url=http://guyanachronicle.com/2010/10/13/berbice-police-acquire-first-armoured-motor-vehicle|title=Berbice Police acquire first armoured motor vehicle|date=2010-10-23|archivedate=2017-08-13|publisher=Guyana Chronicle}}
- {{flag|India}}: 200 Rakshaks used by the Indian Army with 800 ordered in 2009,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614111827/http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-mumbai-police-to-drive-mm-defence-vehicles-1225435|title=Mumbai police to drive M&M; defence vehicles|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-mumbai-police-to-drive-mm-defence-vehicles-122543|archivedate=2015-06-14|date=2009-01-28|author=Neha Rishi|work=Daily News & Analysis}} the former purchased in 2005 under a contract for Rs 35.76 crore (US$5,384,615.38 as of 2017). Also used by the Mumbai Police. Also used by police of Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Manipur, Assam and Chhattisgarh.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806024435/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150724/jsp/northeast/story_33415.jsp#.WZBh_-lLeUk|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1150724/jsp/northeast/story_33415.jsp|title=Arms for Tinsukia cops|publisher=Telegraph India|archivedate=2015-08-06}}
- {{flag|Nepal}}: Unknown number of Rakshaks reported to be exported in 2008.
- {{flag|Sri Lanka}}: Unknown number of Rakshaks reported to be exported in 2008.
References
{{reflist}}{{Mahindra and Mahindra vehicles}}
External links
{{commons category|Mahindra Rakshak}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20121027164241/http://www.mahindra.com/What-We-Do/Defense/Products/Rakshak Official Website]
Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles
Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s