# Tata Light Armored Troop Carrier

The Tata Light Armored Troop Carrier (LATC) is an armored personnel carrier developed by Tata Motors, an automotive company in India. It is designed to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary units, providing protection, mobility, and versatility for various operations.
The Tata LATC is a multi-role armored vehicle developed to enhance India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing. It incorporates features suitable for military and paramilitary applications.

## Launch

The Tata LATC was introduced as part of Tata Motors' initiative to contribute to the defense sector. The Tata Light Armored Troop Carrier (LATC) was first showcased in 2008 at the Defexpo India, an exhibition dedicated to land, naval, and internal security systems. This event marked its introduction to the defense sector, highlighting Tata Motors' commitment to providing armored solutions for military and paramilitary applications.
The LATC was developed to meet the operational requirements of armed forces and paramilitary units, offering protection, mobility, and versatility for various operations. Its design includes features such as ballistic protection against small arms fire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), off-road capabilities, and the capacity to transport up to 12 personnel.

## Design and Features

The Tata LATC includes the following features:
* Armor protection: The vehicle provides ballistic protection against small arms fire, shrapnel, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It meets STANAG Level 1 or higher standards for armored vehicles.
** Top: Withstand direct hits of 5.56 mm INSAS, and 7.62 mm AK 47/56 rifles at a distance of 10 m at an angle of 45 degrees.
** All Sides: Withstand direct hits of 5.56 INSAS and 7.62 mm AK 47/56 at a distance of 10 m at an angle of 90 degrees.
** Floor protection from two hand grenades ( 50 grams of TNT ).
* Mobility: Equipped with a high-performance engine, the LATC offers off-road capabilities for operations in rugged terrains.
* Capacity: The vehicle is designed to transport up to 12 personnel, including the driver and commander.
* Weapon mounts: It can be equipped with a roof-mounted machine gun or other weapon systems.
* Customization: Configurable for various roles, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and command-and-control operations.
* RCWS: Remote controlled weapon station is designed for movement of troops in counter insurgency operation.
* Air conditioning and run-flat tyres.

## Technical Specifications

| Feature | Specification |
| Dimensions | L - 7,885 mm, W - 2,545 mm, H - 3,360 mm |
| Armouring | CEN Level BR6 |
| Transmission | 6 SPEED SYNCHROMESH (6F + 1R) |
| Wheels/ Tyres | 355/90 R 20 |
| Brakes | Graduates Hand Control Valve Operated, Spring Brake |
| Axle Type | Front and Rear: Fully Floating, Single Speed Hypoid Drive, Capacity 7500 kg |
| Suspension | Front and Rear: Semi-Electric Multi Leaf, Double Action Telescopic |
| Range | Approximately 600 km |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 2,000 kg |
| Armor Level | STANAG Level 1+ |
| Seating Capacity | 10-12 personnel |

## Applications

The Tata LATC is deployed for a variety of missions, including:
* Internal Security: Counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations.
* Border Patrol: Ensuring the safety of borders in challenging terrains.
* Peacekeeping Missions: Potential deployment in international peacekeeping roles.
* Disaster Response: Supporting mobility and protection in disaster-affected areas.

## Production

The LATC is manufactured at Tata Motors’ defense manufacturing facility in Pune, India. The production process follows stringent quality standards to ensure durability and performance in various environments. The tender was passed to JCBL Armouring Solutions to provide the latest and most hi-tech versions of this Light Armored Troop Carrier through its in-house research and development wing. JCBL is a Government approved and IATF16949 certified in-house manufacturing facility.

## Indigenous Use

The LATC has been presented at international defense exhibitions as a potential solution for armored vehicle requirements worldwide. This vehicle is certified for use by state police and paramilitary forces. It has ballistic and blast protection, and can seat a driver, commander, and 12 crew members. The Tata LATC SWAT carrier is one of the vehicles used by the Delhi Police. In 2013, Tata Motors delivered over 150 Tata Light armored Troop Carriers (LATC) to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Gujarat State Police. In 2011, Chandigarh Police bought TATA special anti-terror armored vehicle LATC at cost of 57 lakh rupees. The state police named the vehicle as 'Kavach' (Sanskrit word for armour). The LATC would be used during the visits of VVIP's and other high-profile dignitaries as the vehicle will be part of their cavalcades. It can be also later stationed outside the hotels where the VVIP's stay.