Anti-terror golf buggy draws attention at DefExpo

A mini armoured car, designed for use in confined spaces such as airports and hotels against possible terror threats, has been unveiled at the 2010 Defence Expo in New Delhi.

According to a report by BBC News, the battery operated Anti-Terrorist Assault Cart (A-TAC) (costing Rs 20 lakh) is said to resemble a bulletproof golf buggy with firing ports.

It has been specially designed to transport two armed security personnel during or after terror attacks.

It was manufactured in the wake of the Mumbai attacks of November 2008, in 165 people were killed in the attacks, including nine gunmen.

"It can extract civilians or engage terrorists," Metaltech Motor Bodies Pvt Limited managing director JB Sehrawat said.

"It's a product of our sense of helplessness over the casualties we took in the attacks. We put our heads and hearts together and came up with the A-TAC," he added.

It weighs just under half a tonne, has bulletproof windows and contains numerous firing ports. Furthermore, it is able to negotiate corridors and lifts.

Metaltech said that the squat and heavily armoured vehicle can also withstand grenade blasts and last for six hours on a single charge -- with a top speed of 25km/h (15mph).

The company said it was offering a prototype of the vehicle, which drew applause from visitors and military scientists attending the arms fair in Delhi, for trials with the sponsors of the Commonwealth Games, due to be held in the city in November.

"Given the growing threats, we need nano-engineering such as the Atac," Metaltech Vice President SW Thatte said.