'The 2+6 seater vehicle with maximum
speed of 160 kmph is an ideal force multiplier in the war
against Naxals (Maoists) and terrorists, even in an urban
scenario, especially for command vehicle operations,' an
SLDS statement said.
'The Ford Endeavour's chassis, with one of the highest
ground clearance and largest wheelbase in its class, was
a clear winner for modification as a light armoured vehicle.
With its unique safety features and rigidity of frame,
the vehicle can tackle any terrain and prove useful as
a force multiplier for homeland security,' the statement
added.
According to SLDS director Anil Kumar Verma, the Sherpa
has been designed 'to aid the security forces in counter-insurgency
and anti-Maoist operations and to enhance their combat
efficiency'.
Speaking at the launch, Nigel Wark, executive director
(Marketing, Sales and Service) of Ford India, said: 'The
Endeavour, with its superior build quality, durability
and powerful transmission, can prove to be a reliable
vehicle in all types of terrain and will match gruelling
operational requirements.'
SLDS already produces a range of security-related vehicles
including the Viper fast-moving attack vehicle, the Dhruv
armoured troop carrier and the Drona blast and mine protection
vehicle.
The company's parent, Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Ltd, has been
supplying safety textiles such as bio-chemical, high altitude
fabric, bullet-proof jackets and bullet-proof helmets,
camouflage fabrics, uniform fabric, IR fabric and carbon
fabric to Indian defence establishments.
