Jonga
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Jonga | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Vehicle Factory Jabalpur |
Also called | Jonga |
Production | 1965 - 1999 |
Body and chassis | |
Class | SUV |
Platform | Nissan P60 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 6 Cylinder, 3956cc in-line, petrol engine developing 110 HP @ 3200 RPM. |
Transmission | Gear Box : Synchromesh with 3F + 1R, Clutch : Single plate dry friction type, diameter 280mm, Transfer Case : Two speed. |
The Jonga was a Nissan designed vehicle used by the Indian Army. Jonga was an acronym for Jabalpur Ordnance aNd Guncarriage Assembly.
History
In 1960 Nissan introduced their new 4x4 called the P60 i.e. Patrol 60. The vehicle was available in two wheelbases and three body types. The P60 was inducted by the Indian Armed forces in 1963-64, along with the Nissan Carrier, D4W73 1 Ton. Both vehicles were fitted with the same engine. These vehicles were built by the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, a unit of Ordnance Factories Board[1] under an exclusive license from Nissan for the Indian Army. Hence the P60 came to be known as the Jabalpur Ordnance aNd Guncarriage Assembly - Jonga.
Jonga went on to acquire an iconic status within the Indian Army, with its high ground clearance and powerful engine. The vehicle was modified to suit several military requirements, e.g., ambulance, signal vehicle/rovers and recovery vehicles. IY was very successful on the mountainous terrain, and the Indian Army participated in several expeditions and rallies with the vehicle. The engine was often referred to as a bulletproof engine, as this was a very rugged engine with almost no mechanical problems.
The earlier Jonga/P60 had Hitachi carburetors and Keihin distributors.
In 1996 the VFJ introduced the new 4.0L Hino diesel engine. A total of 100 diesel Jongas were sold to civilians.
In 1999 the production of the Jonga stopped. The Army auctioned and scrapped many of them and they were replaced by 4x4's manufactured by Mahindra vehicles. Although they are no longer in service with the Indian Army, they can still be spotted in the areas near famous military cantonments in India. The Indian Army has still not been able to find its substitute so far, as the diesel Mahindras have proven themselves but cant be compared to the Jonga, and Maruti Suzuki Gypsy Kings of Suzuki are too light an off road vehicles to suit military requirements. Now new Tata Safari Storme has replaced the iconic gypsy and already 1500 vehicles are delivered to the army
Specifications
Jonga was powered by a six-cylinder 3956 cc in-line petrol engine developing 110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 3200 rpm. Maximum torque was 26.9 kg⋅m (195 lb⋅ft; 264 N⋅m) at 1200 rpm. It had a three-speed gearbox with a two-speed shift-on-the-fly four wheel drive transfer case and a power take-off. Some reconnaissance Jongas were equipped with PTO Winches.
- Manufacturer : Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur.
- Engine : 6 Cylinder, 3956 cc in-line, petrol engine developing 110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) @ 3200 rpm.
- Max Torque : 26.9 kg⋅m (195 lb⋅ft; 264 N⋅m) @ 1200 rpm.
- Air Cleaner : Oil Bath with cyclonic pre-cleaner.
- Clutch : Single plate dry friction type, diameter 280 mm (11 in)
- Gear Box : Synchromesh with 3F + 1R.
- Transfer Case : Two speed.
- Front Axle : Fully floating, driven with birfield joints.
- Rear Axle : Semi-floating, tubular with banjo housing differential.
- Steering : Worm and Roller.
- Brakes : Hydraulic.
- Parking Brake : Contracting type on transmission.
- Tyre Size : 7.00 x 16 x 6 Ply MRF NDMS
- Gradeability : 30°
- Min Turning Circle : 10.6 m (35 ft)
- Ground Clearance : 222 mm (9 in)
- Payload Capacity : 250 kg (551 lb)
References
- ^ Singh, Sanjit (December 13, 1997). "Jonga may shed fatigues, go commercial". Business Standard. Retrieved July 20, 2012.