The most interesting feature, however, is the Kestrel’s amphibious quality. Despite its humongous size and 22-tonne weight can it manoeuvre through water at a speed of 10 km/h, thanks to the two propellers at the rear. The Kestrel is powered by a 600-PS engine, which is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling it to clock a top speed of 100 km/h.
After the briefing about the vehicle and what it is capable of, I got a chance to experience it first-hand. I jumped in, belted up and was ready to go for a short spin around the plant. The Kestrel picked up speed pretty quickly and I did not feel as if I was sitting in a 22-tonne armoured vehicle. The driver jammed the brakes and we came to a standstill in no time. Despite not piloting the vehicle myself, the impression I got was one of easy manoeuvrability.
Tata Motors seem to have put in a lot of work in the development of the Kestrel. It is great to see Indian automotive firms working so closely with the armed forces to improve their vehicular prowess. India’s armed forces will be that much more impressive now that they have the Kestrel at their disposal.
