Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

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The Hindu : News / National : BEL to set up futuristic tech lab in electronic warfare


Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) would set up a Central research laboratory to undertake research on futuristic technologies in the area of electronic warfare (EW), a top company official said here on Wednesday.

Chairman and Managing Director of BEL Ashwani Kumar Datt said the centre would initially house 20 scientists. The subject of research will be electro-optics, he added.

“The lab will address both electronic warfare and electro-optics,” Mr. Datt told reporters after addressing the inaugural function of an international conference on electronic warfare.

Currently, BEL has an EW business of around Rs 700 crore to Rs 800 crore annually, a figure expected to double in two years. “We are preparing the organisation and partner organisations both in the private and public sectors to support this type of growth in volumes,” Mr. Datt said, adding, “800 people (in BEL) are working on electronic warfare projects.”

BEL aspires to be a big player in offering nuclear power instrumentation solutions as it was already doing “something similar” and “it’s an area where we have a lot of competence”, he said.

BEL is already in discussions with Nuclear Power Corporation India Ltd to offer electronic instrumentation for power stations. “We are (also) trying to have discussions with all foreign companies who are going to be in nuclear power business in India,” Mr. Datt said.

 

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Our anti-ballistic missile programme better than China: DRDO

India's anti-ballistic missile defence programme, meant to defend the country from enemy ballistic missiles, is ahead of China's, DRDO chief Dr V.K. Saraswat said on Wednesday.

"This is one area we are ahead of the Chinese," Dr Saraswat said addressing the media at DRDO headquarters. He announced that the February 7 test of the 3500-km range Agni-3 would clear the decks for the induction of the missile into the services. The test, carried out by Strategic Forces Command personnel, now sets the stage for the induction of a rail-mobile nuclear-tipped missile which can cover most parts of China.

China had only one missile in the 2500-km category, the DF-21 and was now focused only on building intercontinental range missiles (ICBMs) of the DF-31 and DF-41 in the 6000- 10,000 km range. "But our accuracies are better than the Chinese missiles," Dr Saraswat said. He however, declined to mention the Circular Error Probability or CEP of the Agni-3.

China had displayed its anti-ballistic missile capabilities for the first time while knocking out a disused satellite in space in January 2007. This was the world's first declared A-SAT test. On January 11 this year the Chinese declared that they had successfully tested a ground-based mid-range anti ballistic missile. (An A-SAT test and an ATBM are similar because both are about intercepting a vehicle orbiting in low-earth orbit). China only had the building blocks for an ATBM, the DRDO chief said. "We started our ATBM programme in 1999 and in terms of capabilities, we are way ahead of them," Dr Saraswat said.

He said that India had perfected the building blocks for an A-SAT weapon but there were no plans to field any such system.

 

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India has anti-satellite capability: DRDO

New Delhi, Feb 10 (IANS) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Wednesday said that India had anti-satellite capability but it would not demonstrate it by hitting a real satellite.
DRDO chief and Scientific Advisor to the defence minister, V.K. Saraswat, asserted that India had the building blocks ready for anti-satellite capability.

“With the successful testing of Agni-III, we have the propulsion system which can be used to propel a kill vehicle in the orbit. We have the capability required to guide a kill vehicle towards the satellite,” he told reporters here.

“We have the capability for interception of satellite. But we do not have to test because it is not our primary objective. There are repercussions of satellite interception like debris flying in the space.

“Today we can validate the anti-satellite technology on ground through simulation. There will be no direct hit of satellite. If the nation wants, we can have it ready,” Saraswat added.



More at : India has anti-satellite capability: DRDO

 

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The drone of 3 Idiots could now serve Army and NSG; DRDO in talks



The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that grabbed eyeballs in the Aamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots could soon be used by the Indian Army and a host of security forces, including the National Security Guard (NSG), for reconnaissance in anti-terror and counter-insurgency situations.

The machine that the student of engineering designed in the film — and which tragically found him hanging in his room on its maiden flight — is the same as the one built by IdeaForge, a company founded by three IIT, Bombay alumni. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has tied up with IdeaForge to refine the UAV — now named Netra — and is learnt to be preparing to pitch it to the Army.

Netra has already been demonstrated before the NSG, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Delhi Police, Maharashtra Police and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, and has drawn special attention from forces currently engaged in anti-Naxal operations. The product will be on display at the forthcoming Defence Expo in New Delhi.

Weighing 1.5 kg, and having a payload capacity of 300 g, Netra — originally called Zeppelin and subsequently Carbon — can perform Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) operations. It can fly in a radius of 1.5 km at altitudes of over 100 m, for 30 minutes per battery charge. Each unit costs between Rs 18 lakh and 20 lakh, but the price is expected to drop once it is manufactured in larger numbers.

The UAV is fitted with a high resolution 2.5X zoom camera, which can be panned and tilted. It beams real-time live aerial images, and can record the footage. An in-built fail-safe mechanism ensures the UAV returns to its home position in case of loss of communication or low battery.

While Netra’s design continues to be developed and refined by IdeaForge, DRDO has been collaborating to make the backpack case that is used by the operator to initiate the flight plan and serves as the base station.

“Most of the paramilitary forces who have been shown this product have sought night-operability of this machine so that it can be used for surveillance during night time. Also, one of the forces wants the machine to be operable indoors. We are planning to make some customizations including putting a thermal camera on Netra,” said Amardeep Singh of IdeaForge.

The UAV’s Zeppelin prototype was the joint winner at MAV 08, an international competition of micro aerial vehicles. “It was then that we decided to further work on the design. We showcased a prototype in December 2008, following which the DRDO got into the picture,” Singh said.

 

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DRDO Develops New Sub Machine Gun | India Defence Online

DRDO Develops New Sub Machine Gun

India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has recently revealed that it has developed an indigenous advanced sub machine gun (SMG) whose ammunition can pierce bullet-proof jackets. The SMG is the third element of the 5.56 mm INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) family that DRDO has developed.

During the recently concluded Def Expo 2010 in New Delhi, DRDO officials said that the SMG is envisaged for anti-terror combats. The SMG can be used against militants. The SMG incorporates a laser sight and has an effective range of 200 metres. The SMG can be used as a single and multiple shot weapon firing 700 rounds per minute in rapid
fire mode.DRDO claims that the SMG field trials are currently underway and should be completed latest by mid 2010.

The SMG is the third in the INSAS family which the DRDO has created with the other two being an assault rifle and a carbine variant. DRDO came up with a 5.56 mm calibre Modern Sub-Machine Carbine (MSMC) in October last year developed by DRDO’s Pune-based Armaments Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). MSMC is a lightweight compact semi-automatic gun with a small barrel and fires rapidly and is suitable for close quarter combats.

The MSMC is best suited for the Special Forces and quick-reaction teams operating against terrorists in urban and semi -urban backdrop. The MSMC has ambidextrous features and soldiers would be able to fire it with one hand also. MSMC is a part of INSAS programme by DRDO which was an attempt to produce small arms indigenously. Prior to developing the MSMC, DRDO was working on an INSAS Carbine but the programme was shelved after the Indian Army issued new requirements for the gun.

 

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cross posting:

CSIO-developed technology to be used in next generation fighter aircraft

The Head Up Display (HUD), developed by the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, would soon be used in the next generation aircraft.

The CSIO recently completed the last phase of transfer of total 20 units of HUD to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which would be fabricated in the Light Combat Aircrafts (LCA) to be used by the Air Force. Not only the LCAs, the CSIO has also received order to develop 200 more items of equipment for the next generation aircrafts.

The CSIO is now in the process of development of the HUD systems for SU-30 MKI, Jaguar and MiG series aircraft. Dr Pawan Kapur, Director CSIO, said the organisation has recently received an order to develop 200 more HUD for the next generation aircrafts.

“The technology successfully developed and displayed to the Air Force would be subsequently used by them. It is a long-term programme which would be further implemented in the next generation aircrafts,” said Kapur.

The HUD is supposed to be superior to similar systems in the international market.

According to Dr Kapur, “The CSIO equipment is noiseless and offers a better field of view. It is compact, reliable, non-reflective and designed for high-performance aircraft. HAL is undertaking the fabrication of HUD in the LCAs under close monitoring with CSIO. Various institutes and research bodies including HAL, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are involved in the process.”

After trials with LCA-TD2 aircrafts, the HUD technology has been successfully developed and integrated with these aircrafts and also the feasibility study of HUD for HJT aircrafts is completed. The HUD for the HJT, a follow-up project of the Tejas HUD, is more compact and lighter, with some more features incorporated into it.

The HUD is an opto-electronic device installed above the cockpit’s instruments with its screen at the pilot’s level. It provides information on the aircraft’s flight parameters like speed, direction, altitude, weapon-status, among others.

 

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HAL sets sights on global presence

Walk into the Hindustan Aeronautics corporate building in Bangalore and it is clear that it is part of a government bureaucracy. Everyone wears the dull brown uniforms. A receptionist hands you a chit that must be counter-signed before you leave by the person you visit. The place screams hierarchy.

After a chat with HAL's amiable chairman Ashok Nayak, however, you get the feeling that the aerospace firm wants to shake off that label and embark on a growth trajectory to becoming a true global player - the equivalent of Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, for example.

"We had $2 billion in revenues last year and this is expected to reach $3-4 billion in the next five years. We can add $1 billion in revenues every year for the next few years as we get more business from both the military and civil sectors," says Nayak, a mechanical engineer who joined HAL as a management trainee in 1973 and took over as the head of the company in April 2009.

"We are about to embark on the next stage of our growth that will result in us becoming a much bigger company, and at the same time a more nimble one that is able to compete for global contracts and export aircraft overseas."

PRODUCTION CENTRES

HAL, which comes under the defence ministry's purview, has 19 production centres and nine research and development facilities across seven locations in India. Almost all of these are dedicated to the defence market, unsurprising given that HAL's main task is to help the country acquire the capability to develop its own military aircraft.

It has licence-produced aircraft like the BAE Hawk, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Eurocopter's Alouette and Lama helicopters, and manufactures the much delayed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft that is developed by India's Aeronautical Development Agency and due to enter service around the end of 2010.

It is the main beneficiary of India's offset policies, which require the winners of military tenders to manufacture their aircraft in the country. The biggest deal in the pipeline is from the ongoing multi-billion dollar medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) competition, in which it will produce 108 of the 126 aircraft that India plans to buy.

It has also developed indigenous aircraft such as the Dhruv advanced light helicopter and the Sitara HJT intermediate jet trainer, two aircraft that it also hopes to export. The first flight of its light combat helicopter is imminent, while it is also developing a light utility helicopter.

"There is a huge defence market, given the acquisitions contemplated by the government. Some will be from the indigenous design and development, some like the MMRCA will be from outside. Both indigenous and licence-production will be important for us.

"We have been trying to improve our project management by using Lean manufacturing principles and harnessing the ERP [enterprise resource planning] systems for better co-ordination between the various divisions and to keep up with the changing aerospace market," says Nayak.

The defence business, ironically, has also been the albatross around its neck. Nayak points out that the strategic importance of the military sector meant that the company faced numerous restrictions in the kind of business it could take on. The restrictions were gradually eased over the past decade and HAL gained "Navaratna" status in 2007. This status gives state-owned firms more autonomy to bid for commercial contracts, start new programmes and form joint ventures with foreign and local companies.

That has come as the private sector began to agitate for a share of the increasingly lucrative aerospace market. Non-Indian firms, which were required to establish joint ventures and partnerships with Indian industry as part of their offset requirements, were also looking for some competition to HAL.

The government also began to relax the regulations and in 2009 allowed virtually free competition for contracts.

The Tata Group - arguably India's most famous conglomerate - probably poses the biggest greatest challenge to HAL. It has started work on an aerospace manufacturing facility located within a special economic zone in Hyderabad, which will house the first major aircraft production facilities outside those operated by HAL. It has signed deals to assemble the AgustaWestland AW119 and manufacture Sikorsky S-92 cabins and components for other Sikorsky helicopters.

Nayak, however, is not unduly worried about the competition, saying that this will "push up the bar and help everyone to improve". He points out that "there is enough business for everyone, and we are not trying to do everything ourselves. We already outsource 20% of our work, mostly to private sector companies in India."

He adds: "To be honest, we do not see them as a threat. We are a vertically integrated company that does the airframe, the engine and everything else. Others may want to assemble an airplane, but they may not have all the capability that we have. This business requires a lot of experience and a long gestation period before you can establish yourself."

The civil market is clearly an area of improvement. This is now mainly limited to producing the Dornier 228, for which it manufactures the fuselage, wing and empennage under licence, as well as assembling aircraft for the Indian military, and the indigenous six- to eight-seat Saras light transport. It has a joint venture with Russia to produce a 15-20t payload multi-role transport aircraft. It will also manufacture the regional transport aircraft that the National Aerospace Laboratories is developing.

PARTS SUPPLY

Going forward, it also hopes to supply more parts for major aircraft manufacturers. It now produces doors for the Airbus A320 and will manufacture composite flaperons for the Boeing 777, but Nayak admits that it still has some way to go before being a major player in the way Japanese firms have become for Boeing.

"We have a lot on our plate over the next few years from the defence offsets. The expertise we get from this will help us to move on to larger civil aircraft programmes, and we want to establish that capability in the coming years," says Nayak.

 

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DRDO in a fix over Antony remarks on naval plane: India Today - Latest Breaking News from India, World, Business, Cricket, Sports, Bollywood.

DRDO in a fix over Antony remarks on naval plane

Officials in the higher echelons of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are stumped by defence minister A. K. Antony's written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The minister had said: "Deficiencies have been detected in the airframe and other associated equipment of the (Tejas Navy) aircraft. The DRDO is working out modalities with various organisations for rectifying these deficiencies by suitable modifications to the engine/airframe design."

Though no one in the DRDO was willing to go on record, a senior project official of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft in Bangalore said a problem with the "airframe" could not arise simply because the prototype was still being built.

"We have built the external structure. We are now fitting the internal equipment like electricals, hydraulics and plumbing," he said, adding that the aerodynamics of the naval version of Tejas was the same as that of the two-seater trainer version flown in November last. "But since the structural load on the naval Tejas will be much higher, its airframe will have to be tougher," he added.

Officials at the DRDO headquarters said they had sent a draft response to the question Antony answered in Parliament. " We wonder where the mix- up between our response and the minister's reply could have occurred," an official said.

As the system for replies to Parliament posers go, the question is first processed by a Parliament cell of the defence ministry and then sent to the department or agency to which it pertains.

Based on these inputs, a draft reply is prepared and then vetted by a designated joint secretary and then the defence secretary. Then it reaches the minister's office where it is once again examined by his private secretary. For a 'misinformation' to pass through scrutiny of so many experienced hands is a rarity.

 

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'We?ve key role in defence sector'- Hindustan Times



Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) was set up in 1970 as a manufacturing base for guided weapon systems. From a its humble beginning in a rented premises of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (APIDC), the company today boasts of two manufacturing complexes spread over 1,300 acres located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad and Bhanur, Medak District in Andhra Pradesh. Its CMD, Maj Gen Ravi Khetarpal,VSM (Retd), spoke to HT on a range of issues. Excerpts:

Please explain the importance of BDL in the Indian defence industry?

BDL is the prime production agency for manufacture of all types of missiles required by the armed forces and assumes a key and strategic role in the Indian defence industry. BDL is engaged in manufacture of guided weapons and systems, which have a very significant role in defence of the nation.

How does BDL stand in comparison with global weapon equipment manufacturers?

Today BDL manufactures a variety of guided weapons. These are primarily through transfer of technology from leading overseas manufacturers. BDL also manufactures weapons and equipment developed by DRDO. Weapon equipment manufactured by BDL meets the stringent standards set by the original equipment manufacturers.

What is the future diversification plans of BDL?

With the modernisation drive of the Indian Armed Forces, I foresee that in the next few years, BDL would be rapidly expanding it's product profile. To cite a few examples, third generation ATGMs, air defence missiles and a variety of surface-to- surface missiles would be rolling out of our production lines.

While the focus has been on guided missiles, does BDL plan to diversify to other defence products?

Missiles have been our emphasis so far so ... To broad base our product profile, we have forayed into manufacturing of underwater weapon systems like torpedoes for the Indian navy, which would be another major growth engine for the company.

Can you briefly elaborate on your R&D activities?

Guided weapon systems encompass numerous technologies, which are highly sophisticated and are developing at a rapid pace. Till date, the focus of BDL has been on imbibing the relevant manufacturing technologies. However, in parallel, BDL has designed and developed some systems of these have been inducted into the Armed Forces. Presently, we are drawing up ambitious plans to rapidly enhance products primarily aimed at value addition to the core products.

 

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'We?ve key role in defence sector'- Hindustan Times


Snag: Interceptor test put off


BALASORE: The much-awaited test of the indigenous Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile by the DRDO has been postponed reportedly due to technical snags. The AAD missile was to be test-fired today from the Wheeler Island off the Orissa coast.


Sources at the integrated test range (ITR) in Chandipur-onsea, about 15 km from Balasore, said the missile will be test-fired tomorrow. Inclement weather also cast shadow on the test as the entire test range and Balasore town experienced heavy rainfall accompanied with hailstone for nearly 30 minutes in the afternoon.

As part of the air defence exercise a Prithvi missile, modified to mimic a hostile ballistic missile with a range of over 300 km was to be lifted of from the ITR at Chandipur while it was be destroyed by the interceptor fired from Wheeler Island off Dhamra coast few seconds later.

Defence sources said the exercise had to be deferred due to technical glitches in the fins of the interceptor missile.

“The target missile Prithvi was already positioned in the launching complex - III. But the snags detected lately in the fins of the AAD missile positioned in launching complex – IV led to the postponement of the test,” said a source.

In November last, the first ever night trial of the 2000 km range Agni-II missile was postponed for the same problem and snags in the pneumatic system of the missile. It was however solved later.

The AAD missile is capable of destroying any hostile ballistic missile. The missile shield is meant to protect major cities, nuclear power stations, space facilities and military installations.

The defence authorities and the district administration had made all possible arrangements for the crucial test as people residing within two km radius of the test range were shifted to temporary shelters prior to the scheduled test.

District Collector Manish Kumar Verma, however, said no confirmation has been received from the defence authorities as to whether the test would be conducted on Monday or not. People have to be shifted ahead of the test for security and safety reasons,” he added.

 

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July opening for Rs.170 crore titanium sponge plant
A Rs. 170 crore titanium sponge plant in Kollam is expected to be commissioned in July, making India the fifth producer in the world of what is considered the metal of the 21st century and which has immense space and defence applications.

Being funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) the plant is being set up by Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) and will annually produce 500 tonnes of titanium sponge.


'Initially the plant was envisaged to cost Rs.100 crore, but due to the cost escalation it will now cost Rs.170 crore,' Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem told IANS.


'The raw material for production of titanium sponge would be supplied by KMML and it would be titanium dioxide, which would be processed from the mineral-rich sand found in the coastal areas of the state,' Kareem added.


The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is now in the last stages of separating magnesium from titanium dioxide.


'This is vital because for the titanium sponge plant to be commercially viable, magnesium has to be separated from titanium dioxide and what we are told is that the DMRL is expected to make this separation soon,' Kareem said.


Titanium is described as the metal of the 21st century, known for its high strength, light weight and non-corrosive and non-reactive properties. It finds immense use in space and defence applications. Titanium also finds use in surgical transplants, atomic energy and jewellery.


Kareem also said the state government had given the nod to set up a Mineral Research Institute at the KMML campus.


'Research in this area is of vital importance because we have all the natural resources and the need of the hour now is value addition. For that, this new institute, which would also have a state-of-the-art laboratory, would be helpful,' said Kareem.


A meeting of experts will be held here next month to discuss the setting up of the institute.


Representatives from DMRL, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, the Science and Technology Department and vice chancellors of the Kerala and Cochin University will attend the meeting, Kareem said.

 

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Partnership of DRDO for development of products

PIB Press Release

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a number of technologies/equipment during the last three years. These include missiles; unmanned aerial vehicle; electronic warfare systems; avionic systems; radars; sonars; combat vehicles; remotely operated vehicles; bridges; gyroscope; infrared seeker; sensors; NBC decontamination suites; parachutes; propellants and explosives; detonators; grenade launcher; rifles; composite materials; fuel cells; paints; data processing; antennas; communication systems; signal processing; guidance and control systems, etc.

At present, more than 400 private industries are associated with DRDO projects to develop systems/sub-systems/products to be used by the Services. Knowledge sharing is being done with academia in the form of extramural research for basic and directed research. DRDO has entered into an MoU with FICCI for commercialization of DRDO developed technologies for potential civilian market. More than 200 technologies are being assessed under this MoU. DRDO has entered into a contract with FICCI for Rs. 4.50 Cr and 6 technologies have been successfully commercialised so far. DRDO laboratories extend its facilities for students for research work in non-sensitive and non-strategic areas.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Neeraj Shekhar and others in Lok Sabha today.

 

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Interceptor missile test again in June


BALASORE: After the aborted mission, Defence scientists are planning a fresh test of the country’s newly developed Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile in June.


This time, a new target missile will be used for the test.

While its planned trial on Sunday was put off after the interceptor missile developed a technical snag in one of its sub-systems in the last minute, Monday’s trial had to be aborted as the target missile `Prithvi’ could not reach the pre-designated altitude leading to its deviation from the coordinated path.

“The DRDO is contemplating to realise a new target missile during the proposed fresh test in June. The snag in the interceptor has, however, been rectified,” said a defence official here on Wednesday.

The scientists involved in the mission are still analysing the cause of deviation of the target missile `Prithvi.’ “The missile could not reach its required altitude of 110 km. It reached a height of nearly 65 km and spiralled down into the Bay of Bengal after travelling 27 km.When the missile failed to come into the kill zone of the interceptor missile, no ignition was given for the interceptor to take off from the Wheeler Island,” said a scientist.

The DRDO authorities claimed that the target missile lost its trajectory and that is why they could not anticipate the velocity with which it came down

 

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‘Number of women in DRDO up 15%’

There has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of applications received by DRDO over the last one year and in the last two years, the number of women in DRDO has increased from 15-16 per cent, from the earlier 8 per cent, said W Selvamurthy, Chief Controller (R&D), Ministry of Defence.


“This year, we received 1.3 lakh applications for 500 positions, as against one lakh applications last year,” he said while speaking to reporters at the High Energy Material Research Laboratory (HEMRL) on the sidelines of the womens’ day celebrations on Thursday.


This increase can be attributed to the Sixth Pay Commission. A few years ago, defence institutions had reported a fall in job applications and high attrition because of better opportunities elsewhere. This has also led to an increase in the number of women coming into DRDO.


In his inaugural speech, Selvamurthy said women scientists have contributed significantly to research in areas like basic research, life sciences, aeronautics, electronics, computer science and armaments and missile technologies.


“Today, in DRDO, we have one lab director, one corporate director and one programme director posts, all held by women.


In 10 to 15 years, we want to increase the number of women directors. Of the over 50 directors, we want at least 10 to 15 women, he said. He said in DRDO, women scientists are capable of shouldering any responsibilities.


Rohini Devi , the senior most women scientist working in DRDO said the best crowd was coming to DRDO now.


Nabnita Radhakrishnan, director, MIST, DRDO HQ and chairperson of DRDO women cell, Arusha Vasudev, commissioner, Central Excise and Service Tax, Pune, Vidya Bal, editor of Miloon Sarya Jani, were also present.