Bangalore: The engineering major Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) rolled out the indigenously developed aircraft weapon loading vehicle "Bheema-1000".

BEML handed over Bheema-1000 to Air Marshal V A Patkar, Air Officer I/c (Maintenance), Air HQ, in the presence of V K Aatre, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister.

BEML chairman and managing director, K Aprameyan said BEML has received an order from Indian Air Force to supply 55 numbers of Bheema-1000, each of which costs Rs 12 lakh, by March end next year.

Till now, India was importing such vehicle, he said.

Bheema-1000, which is a four-wheel self-propelled vehicle with hydraulically operated lifting and placing device, is powered by 800 CC engine and it has been developed in collaboration with Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

"It (Bheema-1000) provides a convenient and safe system for positioning and handling bombs and missiles onto assorted combat aircraft," BEML officials said.

Aprameyan said Bheema-1000 is 30 per cent cheaper than the imported one, adding, BEML would also explore export market for it and he believes countries in the Middle East and South East Asia might evince interest.

PTI