BEML launches prototype of MK-II mechanical minefield marking equipment

BEML Limited (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited), has launched the first prototype of mechanical minefield marking equipment – MK-II, built on BEML TATRA 6×6, developed through transfer of technology (TOT) from research and development establishment (R&DE) engineers, DRDO.

According to the defence PSU company, the mechanical minefield marking equipment MK-II will greatly help the Indian Army in marking and fencing minefields. The MK II is said to be designed for marking the mine fields at a faster pace, semi-automatically with human intervention kept at minimal levels.

BEML Limited said that the equipment can carry out marking/fencing at a minimum rate of 1.2 km/hr with inter-picket spacing of 15m. The system can place the pickets at 10-35 meters spacing in the step of 5m and can drive them to a maximum depth of 450mm.

BEML Limited launches prototype of MK-II mechanical minefield marking equipment. Photo courtesy of BEML Limited.

The MK-II mechanical minefield marking equipment has been designed to operate in plains of Punjab and also in semi-desert and desert conditions in Rajasthan, and in all weather conditions. The system has the capability of storing 500 numbers of pickets and polypropylene rope of 15km in length.

M V Rajasekhar – CMD of BEML said: “We are proud to be a partner with this to achieve ‘Atmanirbhrata’. The equipment will greatly benefit the Indian Army during operations. I am sure that this project would be the more projects to come.”