Ashok Leyland Stallion (2010)
Indian Army
70,000+ vehicles manufactured 2008-today
The Stallion range of 4x4 military trucks manufactured by the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited is an essential part of the Indian Armed Forces. With over 70,000 Stallions this is the backbone of the Indian Army logistical train, inclusing many used by ITBP. They were delivered in a wide range of configurations by 2010, replacing gradually the Shaktiman trucks. The vehicle was also largely exported and gave birth to the Kavach armored personnel carrier while Panhard created the TC54 on the same chassis.
Design and Manufacturing
On 10 August 1998, Ashok Leyland obtained a license to produce the Stallion Mk III variant at the brand new Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, of the Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (previously Ordnance Factory Board). The Stallion Mark I & II were Ashok Leyland's baseline Ford Cargo adaptation to the Indian Army. The Ford Cargo is a best seller manufactured since 1981, declined into the Ford F-Line, Freightliner/Sterling Cargo (1999–2007), Ashok Leyland Stallion, Ashok Leyland EComet and JMC Weilong (2018–2022).
It had its chassis modified in 2008-2009 to create a military line and the Stallion MkIII first was introduced in Indian service as a 4x4 and became for a logistic operations with a load capacity 5 t. t is powered by a 160 hp diesel turbocharged engine and 6-speed gearbox ZF.
It replaced the Shaktiman truck, the venerabe cold war model manufactured from 1958 at Jabalpur, a licenced MAN 415 with its caracteristic bonnet. The production of the Stallion III stopped when replaced by the Stallion MkIV as an improved version with a 177 hp engine but same gearbox and same load capacity.Only about 7,000 Shaktimans remain (75,000 manufactured 1958-96), compared to more than 60,000 Stallions Mk.III and 28,000 Tata 713s.
The Stallion is a medium-duty 4x4 tactical truck of the Indian Army also later declined as a 6x6. Overall Length is 7,32 m, width 2,5 m and height of 2,95 m, wheel Base 4,5m and Ground Clearance 305 mm. Both the chassis and engine had been optimized for use between coastal operations up to high-altitude bases, from deserts to snow-covered mountainous regions. It was tested at altitudes up to 5,500 metres and from −35 °C to 55 °C. It is powered by an in-house Ashok Leyland engine rated for 160 hp. The clutch measure 353mm as a single plate diaphragm clutch.
Its engine is the HINO WO 6 DT (Turbocharged), 4 stroke, 6 cylinder vertical in line, Over head valve, water cooled, direct injection, turbocharged. Bore 104 mm, Stroke 113 mm for a cubic Capacity - 5.759 Liter with a compression Ratio 17.9:1 with a Max BHP of 160 ps at 2400 RPM. Max Torque 50.5 kg/mtr at 1600 RPM, Engine Oil Capacity - 10.5 Ltrs 20 W 40.
The Gear Box is the Ashok Leyland S 6.36 synchromesh (6F+1R) with a 2 speed with disengageable front wheel drive for the transfor box, and integral power steering. The tyres are 12.00 x 20-18 PR. The payload goes from 5 tonnes on the 4x4 to 7.5 ton on the 4x2. The cabin is a modern, factory built COE type, tiltable sleeper cabin with roof hatch to fire an MG on the move. The basic body for the GS Role, is an all Steel Body, semi-tiltable with tarpaulin.
Performances wise, the Stallion III had a Max Speed of 82 km/h for both 4x4 and 4x2 versions and is capable to negociate a sloped 25º for the 4x4 down to 15º for 7.5T payload 4x2 variant. Its turning Circle Diameter is 18.5 meters.
⚙ Stallion Mark III specifications |
| Weight | 11,880 kg () (empty)* |
| Dimensions | 7.78 x 2.5 x 3.1 m (25.5 x 8 ft 2 in x 10 ft) |
| Wheelbase | 4500mm |
| Propulsion | Ashok Leyland W06DT 160 PS/2400 rpm, Torque 50.5 Kgm/1600 rpm |
| Transmission | Ashok Leyland S 6.36 synchromesh 6 speed x 2 range |
| Speed | 82 km/h (54 mph) |
| Range | 1,000 km (620 mi) |
| Payload | 5000 kg (4×4)* |
| Suspension | Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers on leaf springs |
| Crew | 2 (+40 in troop transport) |
*4x2 GVW 14,380 kg, payload 7,500 kg (4×2)
Variants and export
The vehicle had been declined in various driveline configurations and standard bodie, all with right hand drive or left hand drive, manual or automatic transmission, some even had armored cabins. Kits are distributed to armour vehicles and add a Mine Protection as well. The standard troop and cargo-type platform body has steel drop sides and single-piece drop tailgate, plus the usual removable tarpaulin and five bows. In option is proposed a torsion-free body.
Variants includes a Troop Carrier with Armoured Cab (not the APC below), the standard Troop Carrier (16 infantry), a Troop Carrier with Crane, a Fuel Bowser, Water Bowser, Recovery Vehicle, ISO Container transport with Twist Locks, Fire Fighting Truck, Tipper.
By February 2005, Ashok Leyland started to market the Stallion III in Africa and the Middle East and from August 2006, the United Kingdom which has part in Ashok-Leyland through Leyland, denounced the sell of this truck to the Sudanese government. Still, some British nationals were listed as Ashok Leyland's board of directors without a Trade and Brokerage Licence.
Super Stallion
Ashok Leyland Super Stallion 6X6. The Super Stallion is an upgraded version of the Stallion. The 6x6 is rated at 10 tonnes while the 8x8 is rated at 12 tonnes. Chassis used for mounting upgraded ERR 122 BM-21 Grad MBRL by Larsen & Toubro for the Indian Army.
Stallion Kavach
Stallion-based Kavach armored personnel carrier. Armored personnel carrier of the 4x4 Stallion.
Ashok Leyland FAT 6x6.
Field Artillery Tractor is a variant developed for towing heavy artillery guns on 4×4 and 6×6 platform.
SAMAR I SAM (2022).
An anti-air variant, with the flatbed receiving a SAMAR Air Defence System with a twin Vympel R-73 and Vympel R-27 air-to-air missiles launchers (range 10–12 km (6.2–7.5 mi), speed Mach 2.5).
BM-21 Stallion.
BM-21 Grad on an Ashok Leyland Super Stallion truck.
Panhard TC54 (armored cab).
The Panhard TC54 is an Ashok Leyland Stallion, but with an Austrian Steyr diesel engine and a Czech transmission built for a Saudi-Chinese 155mm towed artillery programme. It was first developed in 2008
Honduras: 139
India: 70,000+
Sudan: 100 sold through kits, assembled by GIAD.
Thailand: unknown number of Stallion 6x6
Ukraine: one acquired in October 2022.
Zimbabwe: 633