A New India
Chapter 231 - 231: 5.5 Inch Motorized Gun Carriage "Anjalik"

The crisp morning air at the HAL testing grounds in Bangalore was alive with anticipation.

Engineers, military officials, and dignitaries stood in neat groups, all focused on a single creation that could redefine the way India approached modern warfare.

A year earlier, Prime Minister Rohan's visionary defense reforms had paved the way for public and private collaboration in the defense sector.

HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, had emerged as the torchbearer of this vision, and today, it was ready to unveil its first major innovation.

The centerpiece of attention was a hulking vehicle: a self-propelled artillery system based on the BL 5.5-inch Medium Gun, mounted on a heavily modified TMB 6x6 truck chassis.

This was no ordinary weapon, it was a revolutionary blend of firepower, mobility, and versatility, designed to adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of modern warfare.

Kurt Tank, the legendary German engineer who had lent his expertise to HAL's nascent projects, stood near the artillery system, his sharp eyes scanning every detail.

Despite his fame for designing fighter aircraft like the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, Tank had embraced this challenge with characteristic intensity.

"I tell you, gentlemen," Tank said, turning to Brigadier General Naresh Kapoor and Colonel Shivam Kumar of the Indian Army, "this system is not just another piece of artillery. It is mobility meeting firepower, a solution for modern battlefield dilemmas."

Brigadier Naresh nodded, his arms crossed as he took in the vehicle's imposing profile. "Kurt, we've seen towed artillery before. What makes this so different?"

Tank gestured toward the vehicle with a gloved hand. "Brigadier, allow me to explain. The BL 5.5-inch Medium Gun, as you know, is a proven design, accurate, reliable, and deadly. But traditional towed systems are slow to deploy and even slower to reposition. In modern warfare, where mobility is everything, being static is a death sentence. This system solves that problem."

Tank walked around the vehicle as he spoke, pointing out its features. "We've mounted the gun on a TMB 6x6 truck chassis, modified for increased load-bearing capacity and off-road performance. This allows the gun to move with the pace of advancing troops, rather than lagging behind. It can fire and relocate within minutes, minimizing the risk of counter-battery fire."

Colonel Shivam leaned in, examining the hydraulics. "What about stability during firing? A mobile chassis can't provide the same stability as a fixed emplacement."

Tank smiled, nodding at the sharp question. "You're correct, Colonel. Stability is critical for accuracy, especially with a gun of this caliber. That's why we've integrated retractable hydraulic stabilizers. When the vehicle is stationary and ready to fire, these stabilizers extend to anchor the chassis firmly to the ground. The result is near-zero recoil movement, ensuring accuracy comparable to a fixed platform."

Naresh's interest deepened. "And what about the gun's specifications? Range, rate of fire, and ammunition capacity?"

Tank turned to Vishal Menon, HAL's chief engineer, who stepped forward with a clipboard. "The gun retains its original capabilities but has been optimized for this configuration. Its effective range with standard rounds is 16 kilometers, and with supercharged propellants, it extends to 20 kilometers. Rate of fire is two rounds per minute sustained, and the vehicle carries 30 rounds onboard in secure compartments. Ammunition types include high-explosive, smoke, and armor-piercing shells, making it versatile for multiple combat scenarios."

Tank added, "And the gun is equipped with a modern mechanical fire control system, allowing for quick targeting adjustments even in chaotic battlefield conditions."

As the discussion continued, the vehicle's crew led by Captain Ravi Sharma began preparing for a live-fire demonstration.

The observers moved to a secure viewing area, where Tank continued his detailed briefing.

"What truly sets this system apart," Tank said, "is its ability to adapt to diverse terrains. The TMB 6x6 chassis is outfitted with all-terrain tires and reinforced suspension, allowing it to traverse sand, mud, and rocky landscapes without compromising speed or stability. This makes it ideal for both desert warfare in Rajasthan and mountainous engagements in Ladakh."

Colonel Shivam asked, "How quickly can the crew switch from travel mode to firing mode?"

Tank gestured toward the crew, who were already setting up. "Watch and see, Colonel. Under optimal conditions, deployment takes just seven minutes. Compare that to traditional towed artillery, which can take over thirty minutes."

As the stabilizers locked into place and the gun was aimed at a target 10 kilometers away,

Brigadier Naresh glanced at Rohan, who had just arrived to witness the test. "Prime Minister, if this performs as promised, it will be a game-changer for us."

Rohan nodded, his gaze fixed on the vehicle. "That's the idea, Brigadier. India must be prepared for the challenges of tomorrow's battlefield."

The crew completed the setup and awaited orders.

Captain Sharma's voice carried over the field as he issued commands. "Ready the gun. Load high-explosive rounds. Target at 10 kilometers, coordinates locked."

The crew moved with precision, loading the first shell. "Fire!" Sharma commanded.

The thunderous roar of the gun echoed across the testing ground, and moments later, a distant explosion confirmed a direct hit.

The observers murmured in approval.

Over the next twenty minutes, the crew fired multiple rounds, demonstrating the gun's range, accuracy, and rapid redeployment capabilities.

Each shot landed within meters of its target, and the ease with which the vehicle repositioned itself left the military officials visibly impressed.

Naresh turned to Tank, a rare smile breaking his otherwise stoic demeanor. "Kurt, this is more than a game-changer. It's a revolution."

Tank allowed himself a moment of pride. "The credit belongs to the team at HAL, Brigadier. This was a collaborative effort, born out of a shared vision for what India's defense capabilities could be."

After the demonstration, the group gathered in HAL's briefing room for a more detailed discussion.

Maps and diagrams of the vehicle were spread across a large table as Tank and Menon fielded questions from the military officials.

"What about protection for the crew?" Naresh asked.

"The vehicle is lightly armored," Menon replied, pointing to a schematic. "The cabin and critical components are shielded against small arms fire and shrapnel, ensuring the crew's safety during rapid redeployments. However, heavy armor was avoided to maintain mobility."

"And fuel efficiency?" Shivam inquired. "Logistics are just as critical as firepower."

Tank answered this time. "The vehicle has a range of 450 kilometers on a full tank, thanks to a high-efficiency diesel engine. This ensures operational flexibility without frequent refueling."

As the discussion continued, Rohan spoke, his tone measured but firm. "This system represents the future of India's defense capabilities. It's not just about having the best technology, it's about using it strategically. Brigadier Naresh, how soon can the Army integrate this into its operations?"

Kapoor responded confidently. "Prime Minister, with proper training, we can deploy the first batch within six months. This system would be invaluable in regions where mobility and rapid response are critical."

Rohan turned to Tank and Menon. "And production? How quickly can we scale up?"

Menon replied, "With the current setup, we can produce 10 units per month. If we secure additional funding for machinery and workforce expansion, we could double that output within a year."

The meeting concluded.

The self-propelled artillery system wasn't just a weapon; it was a symbol of India's potential to innovate and lead.

As Rohan left the testing grounds, he paused to shake Kurt Tank's hand.

"Kurt," Rohan said, "you've given us more than just a machine. You've given us confidence in what we can achieve. India owes you a great deal."

Tank smiled, his eyes reflecting a quiet satisfaction. "Prime Minister, it's not about what I've given. It's about what India is building, a future defined by ingenuity and strength."