Tata Motors Safari Storme GS800 pick-up trucks for Indian Army.

Tata Motors will supply 3,192 units of Tata Safari Storme to the Indian Army. As the ageing Maruti Suzuki ‘Gypsy’ is being phased out from the Indian Army fleet, Tata ‘Safari Storme’ is slated to take its place. The little pick-up truck ‘Indian Army Edition’ was showcased at DefExpo India 2018 where it was seen in army camouflage colors.

Tata ‘Safari Storme’ GS800 as exhibited at DefExpo India 2018 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Tata Safari Storme in Army matt green camouflage colors sported the GS800 label which stands for General Service 800, a specification for new lightweight personnel carriers that should have a payload of 800 kg.

Tata ‘Safari Storme’ GS800, as seen at 2018 DefExpo is positioned on a shorter wheelbase. It gets a single cab design with its soft top flatbed at the rear for carrying personnel or equipment. All chrome accents on its exterior have been done away with so as to avoid reflection. There is also an antenna on the bonnet and rear end receives a large hook for towing of other vehicles. There is also a jerrycan holder at the rear.

Tata ‘Safari Storme’ GS800 comes in with a strengthened chassis and suspension system. It also gets a better braking system to tackle added weight. Engine specifications on the GS800 include the same 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine offering 154 bhp power and 400 Nm torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

It is a 4×4 drive system which is standard for all army vehicles. The transfer case is from Borg Warner with shift between 2 and 4-wheel drive modes via a rotary knob on the dashboard.