7 districts of Punjab namely- Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Kapurthala's Sultanpur Lodhi and Hoshiarpur are currently witnessing devastating flood. Punjab Floods have emerged due to incessant rainfall in nearby hilly states i.e. Jammu and Himachal Pradesh, and rise in water level in multiple rivers like Ravi and Beas.
In order to carry out rescue operation and save people's lives stuck in floods, Indian Army has deployed its special vehicle ATOR N1200 in Amritsar. The video of ATOR N1200 vehicle in Amritsar rescuing people amid flood is grabbing attention of people on social media.
Now, the question arise what is Indian Army's Amphibious Vehicle ATOR N1200, has India bought it from an other country? Continue reading below to know the answer-
ATOR N1200 is the new all-terrain amphibious vehicle of the Indian Army. It has been specially designed to work in difficult conditions. Be it dense forests, swamps, deserts, high mountains or snow-covered plains, this vehicle can run everywhere. The most special thing is that it can float in water and can reach from one area to another without stopping.
Its fully amphibious capability makes it different from other vehicles. It has huge low-pressure tyres like a flotation device. The wide ribs on the tyres cut through the water. This makes it move forward like a boat. Not only this, it can also break one meter high ice and make a path.
ATOR N1200 is made of high-strength steel frame. Zinc coating has been done on it. This can increase its life up to 30 years. There is a special anti-corrosion layer on the body panels and if needed, it can be equipped with Kevlar or composite armor. That is, not only in relief operations, it can also become a companion of soldiers in war-like situations.
Despite its compact size, this vehicle is capable of carrying heavy weight. It can lift a payload of up to 1200 kg and a total of 9 people (8 passengers and 1 driver) can sit in it. Not only this, it can also pull up to 2350 kg of goods. That is, along with transporting soldiers to difficult areas, it can also carry essential goods and weapons.
Engine and speed
ATOR N1200 has a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which produces 55 bhp of power and 190 Nm torque. It can run at a speed of about 40 km / h on land and 6 km / h in water. It has a fuel tank of 232 liters. This makes it capable of continuous operation for about 61 hours.
Successful in all weather
This vehicle can work in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees to +45 degrees. Heavy rain, snow storms, desert heat or dense fog, ATOR N1200 proves to be reliable in every situation. For this reason, it has been used from the snowy areas of Sikkim to the floods of Punjab.
A strong symbol of 'Make in India'
ATOR N1200 has been manufactured by the country's company JSW Gecko Motors. The Ministry of Defense has ordered 96 vehicles in a contract of Rs 250 crore. This vehicle caught people's attention for the first time in the Republic Day parade of 2024 and now it has directly become the hero of relief work in Amritsar.