Mahindra Axe
The Mahindra Axe is a Light Military Utility Tactical Vehicle designed by Mahindra & Mahindra. Prototypes of the vehicle were customized to meet Indian Army specifications, but after evaluating the vehicles the Indian Army decided not to place an order.[2]
| Mahindra AXE | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Military 4x4 |
| Place of origin |  India |
| Service history | |
| In service | Prototype |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Mahindra & Mahindra Limited |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2,500 kg curb weight |
| Length | 4.4 m |
| Width | 1.96 m |
| Height | 1.98 m |
| Engine | 4 cyl Diesel [1] 140 hp [1] |
| Transmission | 5-gear automatic from Mercedes-Benz [1] |
| Suspension | Independent |
Platform
Axe is built on a new platform, derived from existing Mahindra models. According to Brigadier Khutub A Hai, CEO, Mahindra Defence Systems, "The Axe was designed with help from an overseas designer".
Current Axe variants use either a diesel engine (a 2.7 L Mercedes derived Ssangyong engine, which powers the Rexton) or a petrol engine (using 4 L GM Vortec engine, which powers the Chevrolet TrailBlazer). There are plans to have variants using Mahindra's current line of diesel engines.
The Axe uses an all-wheel independent suspension system to meet the "extreme mobility" required of this class of vehicles.
Fuel efficiency
According to Mahindra, the diesel Axe offers around 8 to 9 km/L (11.1 to 12.5 L/100 km) while the petrol Axe offers 6 to 7 km/L (14.3 to 16.6 L/100 km).
Civilian version
Mahindra planned to launch a civilian version of the Axe, but a civilian launch is now very much in doubt.[2]