A Monthly Bulletin of Defence Research

nEWSLETTER and Development Organisation

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 | volume 38 | issue 1

DRDO Successful tested

Akash Short-Range SAM
The missile is being inducted into Army as Short
Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM).

Innovation >> p05 events >> p06

BrahMos Flight tested from IAF’s Su-30 MK-I Fighter Aircraft hrd activities >> p11
Tot>> p06
DFRL inks License Agreement for Technology Transfer Focus>> p18
Contents
JANUARY 2018
Volume 38 | Issue 1
ISSN: 0971-4391

Cover story 04
DRDO Successful tested Akash Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile

Innovation 05 Events 06
BrahMos Flight tested from IAF’s Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft
Hrd activities 11

Personnel news 20

Social activities 22

Visits 23

DRDO in press 25

DRDO SERIES 26
Tot 06
DFRL inks Licensing Agreement for Technology Transfer
Down the Memory 28
Lane

2 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

 DRDO newsletter
Defence Research & Development Organisation
nEWSLETTER
ISSN: 0971-4391
From the desk of the chairman
38th Year of Publication
Editor-in-Chief: Dr Alka Suri
Senior Editor: B Nityanand; Editor: Manoj Kumar
Asst Editor: Geeta Sharma; Editorial Assistance: Biak Tangpua
Dr S Christopher
Multimedia: RK Bhatnagar CHAIRMAN
Printing: SK Gupta, Hans Kumar; Distribution: Tapesh Sinha, RP Singh
For feedback, please contact: director@desidoc.drdo.in Defence Research & Development Organisation
Tel: 011-23902403; 23902474; Fax: 011-23819151 &
Local Correspondents SECRETARY
Ahmednagar: Lt Col. AK Singh, Vehicles Research & Development Department of Defence Research & Development
Establishment (VRDE); Ambernath: Dr Susan Titus, Naval Materials
Research Laboratory (NMRL); Balasore/Chandipur: Shri Santosh
Munda, Integrated Test Range (ITR); Dr AK Sannigrahi, Proof &
Experimental Establishment (PXE); Bengaluru: Shri Subbukutti Dear friends,
S, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE); Smt MR
Bhuvaneswari, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS); Smt Faheema AGJ, Another milestone in the history of DRDO, accomplishing 60 years in
Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR); Ms Tripty Rani
the service of this great Nation. We all feel proud today looking back on
Bose, Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC);
Smt Josephine Nirmala M, Defence Avionics Research Establishment our achievements and moving ahead with confidence towards a brighter
(DARE); Shri Kiran G, Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE); future where we raise our heads with high esteem and pride. We have also
Shri KM Veerabhadra, Electronics & Radar Development Establishment
experienced many ups and downs in this journey but moved steadily and
(LRDE); Dr Vishal Kesari, Microwave Tube Research & Development
Centre (MTRDC); Chandigarh: Dr HS Gusain, Snow & Avalanche Study firmly towards our goals. The sense of accomplishment has boosted up our
Establishment (SASE); Shri Ashok Kumar Dahiya, Terminal Ballistics moral and today we are a “force to reckon with”.
Research Laboratory (TBRL); Chennai: Shri PD Jayaram, Combat
The nation has bestowed their faith on our scientists for security of
Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE); Dehradun:
Shri Abhai Mishra, Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL); this country. In order to promote Make In India, many technologies
Shri JP Singh, Instruments Research & Development Establishment have been handed over to industries and DPSUs in the august presence
(IRDE); Delhi: Shri Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Centre for Personnel Talent
of Hon’ble RMs including ‘Light Weight Torpedo (LWT)’; ‘Technical
Management (CEPTAM); Dr Rajendra Singh, Centre for Fire, Explosive
& Environment Safety (CFEES); Dr Dolly Bansal, Defence Institute of Solutions for Integrated Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) Defence Suite’;
Psychological Research (DIPR); Shri Navin Soni, Institute of Nuclear ‘Technical Solutions for Fire Control Systems Solution and Torpedo
Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS); Shri Anurag Thakur, Institute
Interface Technologies for ASW Upgrade’; and ‘Ejection System for GPS
for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA); Dr Indu Gupta, Laser Science &
Technology Centre (LASTEC); Ms Noopur Shrotriya, Scientific Analysis Recovery Aid’. Successful flight trial of ‘Akash Missile with indigenous
Group (SAG); Dr Rupesh Kumar Chaubey, Solid State Physics Laboratory Seeker’ and ‘BrahMos Flight test from Sukhoi MKI’ has brought sparkles
(SSPL); Gwalior: Shri RK Srivastava, Defence R&D Establishment
in the eyes of each Indian looking at us and guessing “What next?” All
(DRDE); Haldwani: Dr Atul Grover, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy
Research (DIBER); Hyderabad: Shri Hemant Kumar, Advanced Systems heads have rolled towards PXE, Balasore, where our scientists achieved
Laboratory (ASL); Shri Pramod K Jha, Centre for Advanced Systems (CAS); a commendable feat and played a pivotal role in executing dynamic Test
Dr JK Rai, Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG);
and Evaluation of indigenously developed Armaments of a record 21, 253
Shri JP Singh, Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS);
Shri ARC Murthy, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL); rounds, resulting in timely delivery of weapons and ammunition to Armed
Dr Manoj Kumar Jain, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory Forces. Noteworthy achievements indeed! Slow and steady wins the race;
(DMRL); Dr K Nageswara Rao, Defence Research & Development
we have miles to go with new envisioned targets we have set for ourselves.
Laboratory (DRDL); Shri N Venkatesh, Research Centre Imarat (RCI);
Jagdalpur: Dr Gaurav Agnihotri, SF Complex (SFC); Jodhpur: Shri I am sanguine that “together we can and we will” make a difference in
Ravindra Kumar, Defence Laboratory (DL); Kanpur: Shri AK Singh, the security preparedness of the country, which should be the best in the
Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment
world in time to come.
(DMSRDE); Kochi: Shri S Radhakrishnan, Naval Physical &
Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL); Leh: Dr Dorjey Angchok, Defence In DRDO@60, people will get a glimpse of our achievements during
Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR); Mussoorie: Dr Gopa the last 60 years. I expect all the stakeholders to go to the minutest
B Choudhury, Institute of Technology Management (ITM); Mysuru:
details and not leave anything to chance. It is a question of coming up to
Dr M Palmurugan and Shri NV Nagraj, Defence Food Research
Laboratory (DFRL); Pune: Dr (Mrs) JA Kanetkar, Armament Research the reputation we have niched in the hearts and minds of people in this
and Development Establishment (ARDE); Dr Vijay Pattar, Defence country and you have to give your best shot in your area of responsibility.
Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT); Shri AM Devale, High
As the curtain unveils with each passing day, event by event, let the entire
Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL); Shri SS Arole,
Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE (E)]; Tezpur: fraternity experience the capabilities we are determined to showcase in
Dr Jayshree Das, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL); Visakhapatnam: the future. Remember, the portrait would be worth watching when we all
Dr (Mrs) V Vijaya Sudha, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory
put our heart and soul in building this extra ordinary organisation brick
(NSTL)
by brick, colour by colour.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy New Year – 2018.

Jai Hind !

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 3

Cover story

DRDO Successful tested

Akash Short Range SAM
T
he surface-to-air missile Akash, The launch operations were all the DRDO scientists and Armed
with indigenous radio frequency witnessed by Director General Forces for this success.
seeker, was successfully tested (MSS), DRDO, and Scientific Adviser This missile is being inducted into
against target Banshee, from the to Raksha Mantri (SA to RM) Army as Short Range Surface-to-Air
Launch Complex-III at Integrated Dr G Satheesh Reddy; Director, Missile (SRSAM). This is the first
Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, on DRDL, Shri MSR Prasad; surface-to-air missile with indigenous
5 December 2017. The radars, Programme Director, Shri G seeker that has been test fired. With
telemetry and electro-optical systems Chandra Mouli; Director, ITR, this success, India has acquired the
along the coast tracked and monitored Dr BK Das and other top DRDO capability of making any type of
all parameters of the missile. scientists. SA to RM congratulated surface-to-air missile.

4 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

Innovation DRDO newsletter

BrahMos Flight tested from

Su-30 MkI fighter aircraft
B
rahMos, the world’s fastest by DRDO was optimisation of transfer The Indian Navy provided crucial
supersonic cruise missile, alignment of the inertial sensors of logistic support by way of ensuring
created history on 22 November the missile. availability of the target and a large
2017 after it was successfully flight number of monitoring ships to ensure
BrahMos is a joint venture
tested first time from the frontline range safety clearance.
between DRDO and NPOM of Russia.
fighter aircraft, Su-30 MKI, of the Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala
The world-class missile with multi-
Indian Air Force (IAF) against a sea- Sitharaman congratulated DRDO
platform multi-mission role, is now
based target in the Bay of Bengal. The and BrahMos for the outstanding
missile was gravity dropped from the capable of being launched from land,
sea and air completing tactical cruise accomplishment.
aircraft and followed the desired
trajectory before hitting the target. missile triad of India. The successful Dr S Christopher, Chairman,
maiden test firing of BrahMos from DRDO, and Secretary, Department
The air launched BrahMos—a 2.5 of Defence R&D, congratulated
Su-30 will significantly bolster the
ton supersonic air-to-surface cruise the scientists and engineers for
IAF’s air combat operations capability
missile with range of more than the excellent text book flight test.
from stand-off ranges.
400 km—is the heaviest weapon The missile test was witnessed by
to be deployed on the Su-30. The The steadfast efforts of the DRDO, Dr Sudhir Mishra, DG and CEO and
integration of the missile was jointly IAF, BAPL and HAL have proven the MD, BrahMos Aerospace, along with
undertaken by the IAF and the HAL. capability of the nation to undertake senior officers from IAF, DRDO and
One of the major challenges overcome such complex integrations on its own. BrahMos.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 5

Tot

DFRL inks Licensing Agreement for

Technology Transfer
D
efence Food Research Films, Puff and Serve Chapaties and Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka; and
Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru, Fresh Curd Maker with M/s Vijay M/s Heaton Engineering Private Ltd,
signed Licensing Agreement Gas Agencies, Salem, Tamil Nadu; Thane, Maharashtra. Dr Rakesh Kumar
for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) M/s Poornananda Industries, Puttur, Sharma, Director, DFRL, exchanged
of Environmentally Degradable Karnataka; M/s Swarna Foods the LAToT documents with the firms.

EVENTS
VIGILANCE AWARENESS WEEK
DMSRDE, Kanpur A workshop was organised to focus Vigilance Awareness were displayed
on vigilance and its role in security inside and outside the range premises.

D
efence Materials and Stores and procurement and cyber security. Dr BK Das, OS and Director, ITR,
Research and Development Dr N Eswara Prasad, OS and Director, administered the integrity pledge to
Establishment (DMSRDE), DMSRDE, inaugurated the workshop. the employees and encouraged them
Kanpur, organised the Vigilance Dr Ashok Ranjan, Sc ‘G’ and Shri Amit to upkeep honesty and eradicate
Awareness Week during 30 October Kumar, Head, Vigilance Cell, were corruption in all activities. Shri MV
2017 to 4 November 2017. Employees present on the occasion. Bhaskarachary, Associate Director,
were administrated the integrity pledge. and Shri Niladri Roy, Sc ‘F’, Vigilance
The pamphlets on anti corruption ITR, Chandipur Officer, also spoke about vigilance
measures and preventive measures awareness.

V
were distributed and displayed at the igilance Awareness Week Various competitions like de-
prime locations of DMSRDE. Various was observed in Integrated bate, essay writing, poster and quiz
competitions were conducted during Test Range (ITR), were conducted during the week. The
the week to create awareness amongst Chandipur, from 31 October 2017 to event was organised by Shri CR Ojha,
the employees of DMSRDE. 4 November 2017. Banners promoting Sc ‘F’, and his team.

6 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

EVENTS DRDO newsletter

Raising Day Celebrations

DRL, Tezpur

D
efence Research Laboratory
(DRL), Tezpur, celebrated its
Raising Day on 24 November
2017. Prof. Dhruba K Bhattacharya,
Dean, Academic Affairs, Tezpur
University, graced the function as the
Chief Guest. Dr PS Raju, Director,
DRL, highlighted the achievements
of the laboratory during the past year.
DRDO Laboratory-level Awards and
‘SN Dube Publication Award’ for the
best paper were distributed to the
meritorious employees. The employees,
who completed 25 years of service, were mentioned successful implementation PXE, Chandipur
honoured with mementoes. Sports of e-procurement, GEM and ABES in

P
activities were organized and prizes the centre. roof and Experimental
were distributed to the winners. A Establishments (PXE),
Dr G Athithan, in his address,
community lunch was organized. The Chandipur, celebrated its
stressed that focused work is extremely
day ended with a colourful cultural 123rd Raising Day with grandeur on
important to meet the defence needs. He
programme. 7 November 2017. Dr S Christopher,
delivered a presentation on ‘Geometry
Chairman, DRDO, and Secretary,
and Imagination’ and mentioned that
Department of Defence R&D, was the
we have to think in multi dimensions to
Chief Guest at the inaugural function.
overcome the technical challenges.
A ‘Weapon Museum’ was inaugurated
The Chief Guest released MTRDC by Dr S Christopher to commemorate
Newsletter, Spandan, and presented and preserve the heritage of PXE. The
laboratory-level DRDO Awards to the weapon museum is the brainchild of
meritorious employees. Dr KD Nayak, Shri R Appavuraj, OS and Director,
former DS and DG (MED and CoS), PXE.
DRDO, gave the awards to employee’s A Coffee Table Book, showcasing old
meritorious wards. Director, MTRDC, heritage and technological advancement
gave away the sports awards. in armament proof and trail activities,
MTRDC, Bengaluru

M
icrowave Tube Research
and Development Centre
(MTRDC), Bengaluru,
celebrated its 34th Raising Day on 6
November 2017. Dr G Athithan, DS
and DG (MED, CoS and CS) DRDO,
was the Chief Guest at the function.
Dr Sudhir Kamath, OS and Director,
MTRDC, in his welcome address,
presented the project activities and
achievements of the centre in the past
year. He emphasized on the products,
which have undergone ToT, critical
products under development and the
patents awarded to the centre. He also

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 7

EVENTS
in PXE was also released by the Chief
Guest. The Chief Guest also gave away
Laboratory-level DRDO Awards to
meritorious employees. The function
concluded with cultural programme.

VRDE, Ahmednagar

V
ehicles Research and
Development Establishment
(VRDE), Ahmednagar,
celebrated its 47th Annual Day with
great enthusiasm on 3 December 2017.
Various events like sapling plantation
by VRDE employees were organised to
celebrate the day.
The occasion was graced by
Shri PK Mehta, DS and DG (ACE),
who was the Chief Guest, and VRDE, presented an overview of the national importance. VRDE’s Hindi
Dr SB Kolte, former Director achievements of the establishment Patrika ‘Gatisheel’ was released on the
General, Institute of Management during the past year and laid down the occasion.
Studies, Career Development areas for future work. Laboratory-level DRDO Awards
and Research, Ahmednagar, Shri PK Mehta and Dr Kolte lauded and Cash Awards were distributed to
who was the Guest of Honour. VRDE’s efforts and accomplishments meritorious employees of VRDE.
Maj Gen Ajay Gupta, Director, in various programmes/projects of

IIOE Scientific Objectives for

Naval Applications Revisited
I
nternational Indian Ocean
Expedition (IIOE), a landmark
scientific programme under the
aegis of United Nations, was carried
out during 1960-65 to understand the
complexities of the Indian Ocean for
the benefit of the mankind in terms
of food, mineral recourse, etc., out at
sea. It was the largest international
interdisciplinary oceanographic
research efforts of all the time with
participation of 13 countries and 46
ships. India was one of the active
members of the expedition with a fleet
of two Indian Naval ships, INS Kistna
and INS Varuna, and two other smaller
crafts of civil organizations. This major India. This expedition was one of the Celebrations of IIOE-2, INS
expedition nurtured the genesis of motivational factors to rename INPL to Sagardhwani – the Marine Acoustic
National Institute of Oceanography NPOL to give thrust to oceanographic Research Ship of DRDO operated by
(NIO), Goa, and subsequently few other studies in NPOL. Indian Navy – is commencing a revisit
oceanographic research institutes in As part of the Golden Jubilee of the research missions undertaken

8 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

Events DRDO newsletter

50 years ago by INS Kistna with modern Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy, OS and The programme promotes synergistic
ocean survey equipment along with a few Director, NPOL, inaugurated the relationship between NPOL and Indian
transects. The main aim of the mission function in the presence of senior Navy for furthering maritime research
is to learn the long-term oceanographic scientists of NPOL, CO and the officers endeavours.
variability of the Indian Ocean and its and men onboard ship. He stressed The ship left Port Blair immediately
applications to national security. on the significance of present and after the function, and retraced the
A special function was organized future expeditions in the current oceanographic track across the Bay of
on-board INS Sagardhwani at Port scenario due to increasing need for Bengal along 10o N latitude, which was
Blair on 16 November 2017 to mark maritime surveillance activities in the covered by INS Kistna in its 6th mission
the symbolic commencement of ocean and geostrategic importance of in 1964.
the second phase of IIOE by NPOL. the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Best Group Participation Award

I
ndia Manufacturing Show-2017 Affairs, Chemicals and Fertilizers, manufacturing opportunities with
(IMS-2017) was organized by Micro, Shri HN Ananth Kumar inaugurated private vendors. ADE, GTRE, CABS,
Small and Medium Entrepreneurs the exhibition. and MTRDC exhibited their hardware
and Laghu Udyog Bharati during Gas Turbine Research and models in the exhibition. The
30 October 2017 to 1 November 2017 Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, was participants also included ISRO, PSU’s
@ BIEC, Bengaluru, to explore the given the responsibility of organizing and representation from other states.
business opportunities from various
DRDO stalls. Shri K Parthiban K,
industries including Defence Public DRDO was awarded the “Best Group
Sector Units (DPSUs). Hon’ble Sc ‘H’, Associate Director, GTRE,
Participation Award” in the show.
Union Minister for Parliamentary was the nodal officer to explore the

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 9

Events

Best Stall Award to DRDO at India

International Science Festival
M
inistry of Science and
Technology and Earth
Sciences, Government of
India in association with Vijnana
Bharati organized ‘India International
Science Festival – 2017 (IISF-2017)’
from 13 to 16 October 2017 at Science
City, Chennai. Dr Harsh Vardhan,
Hon’ble Minister of Science and
Technology, Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change and
Ministry of Earth Sciences, inaugurated
the event. Shri Venkiah Naidu, the
Hon’ble Vice President of India, graced
the concluding ceremony.
DRDO labs, CEMILAC, CAIR,
DFRL, GTRE, DRDL, RCI, CVRDE and
ADA, participated in the exhibition
organized as part of IISF-2017. ISRO,
DoA, CSIR, Ministry of Earth Sciences delegates, researchers, technocrats, the ‘Best Stall Award’ in the event.
and other scientific organisations academicians and students visited Working models of DRDO products
also participated in the exhibition. the exhibition. The DRDO stall got an and 3D Stereoscopic projection stirred
Government officials, scientists, overwhelming response and received interest amongst the visitors.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATIONS

DESIDOC, Delhi

D
efence Scientific Information
and Documentation Centre
(DESIDOC), Delhi, celebrated
National Library Week during 13-
17 November 2017 for promoting its
services and enhancing its visibility
among the users. An awareness camp
and display of latest collection of
Defence Science Library (DSL) was
organised during 13-15 November 2017.
Books on core technological
areas of DRDO, military technology,
management, latest reference collection
and Hindi were displayed. One-to-one
interactive sessions were conducted
with users to inform them about huge

10 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

EVENTS DRDO newsletter

library collection and other general and visited the exhibition and recommended Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy, OS
specialised services provided by the 158 books on various defence related and Director, NPOL, inaugurated
centre. topics. the function and released a brochure
highlighting the facilities and services
A reference desk for answering
queries of users, promoting membership NPOL, Kochi provided by TIRC.
of DSL, and for suggestions from the Dr KP Vijayakumar, former

N
users for further improvement in DSL aval Physical and Oceanographic Head and Honorary Director, Centre
services was the main attraction of the Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, for Information Literacy Studies,
week. celebrated National Library University of Kerala, delivered a talk
Week during 14-20 November 2017 on “Scholarly Communication: A State-
The second phase of National with a series of events organized of-the-Art”. As part of the celebration,
Library Week was celebrated in by Technical Information Resource book exhibition-cum-sale and user
Knowledge Centre at DRDO HQ where Centre (TIRC) to promote the use of awareness programme on “IEEE Xplore:
an exhibition of latest books on defence information resources and services. Delivering Research Better than Ever”
technologies was organised during Smt KA Rahamath, Sc ‘E’ and Head, by Shri Dhanukumar Pattanashetti,
16-17 November 2017. Dr Hina A TIRC, delivered the welcome address IEEE Client Service and University
Gokhale, OS and DG (HR), inaugurated and Smt Lasitha Ranjit, Sc ‘F’ and Partnership Program Manager, was also
the exhibition. Directors, senior Chairperson, Library Committee, organized.
scientists and other staff at DRDO HQ offered the felicitation.

hrd activities

Course on Mission Critical High

Speed Networking Technologies
C
entre for Artificial Intelligence 2017. Twenty-five participants from Design and Verification. Speakers
and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru, ASL, ANURAG, CABS, ADA, LRDE, from leading industry like Broadcom,
organized a course on ‘Mission R&DE(E), DG Aero, WESEE and Intel Technology and Infinera Systems
Critical High Speed Networking CAIR attended the course. The course delivered the talks. Shri Michael Kutty
Technologies and Techniques’, under covered various aspects of Optical KG, Sc ‘F’, was the Course Coordinator
the Continuing Education Programme Transport Networking, DWDM and Shri Himanshu Kumar Haran,
(CEP) of DRDO during 8-10 November systems and High Speed Hardware Sc ‘E’, was the Dy Course Coordinator.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 11

hrd activities

Course on Advances in Geo-spatial

Technologies

C
entre for Artificial Intelligence
and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru,
conducted a CEP on ‘Advances
in Geo-spatial Technologies’ during
21-23 November 2017. The course
was inaugurated by Smt Manimozhi
Theodore, Director, CAIR.
Speakers from DRDO, Indian
Institute of Science, Indian Institute of
Technology Bombay, Indian Statistical
Institute and Google India delivered
lectures on topics like Evolution
of Geospatial Technology, Spatio-
temporal Data Mining, Generation
of Cross-country Going Maps, Open
Source GIS, Engineering a Military GIS,
Image processing Methods for Spatial
Analysis, etc. Various features of GIS can be used for developing custom GIS Twenty-five participants from 11
Software developed by CAIR and how it work flows were demonstrated. DRDO labs attended the course.

12 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

hrd activities DRDO newsletter

Workshop on IPR Awareness

A
one-day workshop on ‘IPR
Awareness’ was conducted at
Centre for Artificial Intelligence
and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru, on
1 December 2017, by a team from the
Directorate of Extramural Research and
Intellectual Property Rights (ER&IPR),
DRDO HQ.
Importance of protecting the
intellectual property and various
procedures to protect it were explained
to the participants.

Course on Design & Development

of Web-Applications
D
efence Scientific Information Dr Alka Suri, Director, DESIDOC, Web Application, Hosting Architecture,
and Documentation Centre inaugurated the CEP and elucidated the Application development on Android
(DESIDOC), Delhi, organised importance of such need-based courses. Environment, DESIDOC Single Window
a five-day CEP on ‘Design and Dr Rajeev Vij, Course Coordinator, Services, etc. The course comprised
Development of Web-Applications’ asked participants to be interactive lectures, demonstrations and hands-on
during 27-31 November 2017. Shri with the faculty. Topics covered during training. Twenty-six participants from
Yousuf Ansari, Sc ‘F’, Course Director, the course included: Programming different DRDO labs/estts attended the
explained the objective of the CEP. Language JSP/PHP, Web Hosting, course.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 13

hrd activities

Workshop on Knowledge Exchange

D
efence Institute of Bio-Energy about issues and challenges of local Shri Vineet, CDO, Uttarkashi, and
Research (DIBER), Haldwani, civil population. Over 250 participants Dr Sanjai K Dwivedi, PI, Sarhad, were
organized a workshop on including progressive farmers, PG among the prominent speakers. DIBER
‘Knowledge Exchange’ on 27 October students, faculty members, state along with other State Govt agencies
2017. The workshop aimed to officials, social organizations and ex- and NGOs also organised exhibition
disseminate technology developed by service men attended the workshop. and an ex-service men rally on 29
DIBER for the remote border areas Dr Madhu Bala, Director, DIBER, October 2017, where a stall was set up
and also to accrue the knowledge Dr Ashish Chauhan, DM, Uttarkashi, to showcase DIBER products.

COURSE ON LABORATORY BIOSAFETY& BEYOND

D
efence Research and inaugurated by Dr DK Dubey, Director, Micro Organisms, Risk Assessment,
Development Establishment DRDE. Twenty participants including Spill Management and Biosecurity, etc.
(DRDE), Gwalior, organized a five from other DRDO labs attended this Dr Subodh Kumar, Sc ‘F’, was the
three-day CEP course on ‘Laboratory course. Course Coordinator.
Biosafety and Beyond’ from 30 October The course covered various aspects
to 1 November 2017. The course was of Biosafety including Risk Group of

ADVANCE COURSE IN TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

A
n ‘Advance Course in Technology objective of the course was to provide DRDO, and Shri Sanjay Tandon, OS and
Management’ for senior level a platform to undertake discussions Director, ITM.
scientists was conducted by and brainstorming on critical issues In his keynote address, Shri MH
Institute of Technology Management encountered in the broad areas of Rahaman, highlighted the critical
(ITM), Mussoorie, from 30 October technology acquisition, evaluation, issues in Technology Management and
to 1 November 2017. Twenty-two transfer and commercialization. also emphasized on overcoming the
senior scientists from different DRDO The course was inaugurated by Shri challenges therein. Eminent faculty
labs/estts attended the course. The MH Rahaman, former DG (HR & TM), from DRDO, BrahMos Aerospace and

14 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

hrd activities DRDO newsletter

Bharat Dynamics Ltd shared their Technology Planning, Innovativeness Management, Technology Planning-
rich experiences on various topics like Factor in Technology Development–a Linking Technology Roadmaps and
Strategic Management of Technology– case of 3M Corporation, Transformation Product Roadmaps, etc.
SMOT, Technology Gap Analysis in Planning and Organisational Change

Course on Microwave Tubes

for Defence Systems
A
CEP course on ‘Microwave Dr Sudhir Kamath, OS and Director, the microwave tubes was also given.
Tubes for Defence Systems’ MTRDC, inaugurated the course and Practical demonstrations of the HPM
was conducted by Microwave Dr SUM Reddy, Sc ‘G’, Associate system, TWT testing and visit to the in-
Tube Research and Development Director, gave the inaugural lecture. house facilities and production facilities
Centre (MTRDC), Bengaluru, during The course covered topics like basics at Bharat Electronics were arranged.
23-25 October 2017. The course aimed of electromagnetic, understanding of Thirty-five participants from Army,
at refreshing the knowledge base of the conventional tubes/devices and Navy, Air Force, Bharat Electronics and
the service officers, generate better their manufacturing, and advanced SAC, Ahmedabad, attended the course.
understanding of the microwave tubes devices like Gyro and THz. Exposure Smt Sudhamani HS, Sc ‘G’, was the
and relate the functioning of the devices to the troubleshooting session and Course Director and Smt Mita Jana,
at their work places in a better way. the safety measures while operating Sc ‘E’, was the Course Coordinator.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 15

hrd activities

Course on Design, Development and Air-

worthiness Certification of Avionics
and ElectroOptical Systems
R
egional Centre for Military Dr PS Kohli, Regional Director, on the design, development and
Airworthiness (RCMA), RCMA, was Chief Guest for valedictory airworthiness certification of avionics
CEMILAC, DRDO, Chandigarh, function. Dr PS Kohli delivered a talk on and electrooptical systems covering
organized a CEP course on ‘Design, the theme of the course. various aviation standards and design
Development and Airworthiness The basic objective of the course was validation procedures for qualification
Certification of Avionics and Electro- to update the knowledge of Scientists/ approval.
Twenty-four participants from
optical Systems’ during 13-17 November Engineers/Technical Personnel
various DRDO labs/estts and Navy
2017. Air Cmde Sanjeeva Sinha, AOC, in the field of design, testing and
attended the course.
3BRD, AF, Chandigarh, was the Chief certification of airborne LRUs. Topics
Guest at the inaugural function and covered during the course focused

Workshop on Challenges in Air-breathing

Hypersonic Technologies
T
he Aeronautical Society of students attended the workshop. critical hypersonic technologies through
India (AeSI), Hyderabad, in Dr Samir V Kamat, DG (NS&M), coordinated efforts by government
association with Indian Institute Shri MSR Prasad, DS and Director, research organisations and academic
of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad, DRDL, Prof. C Subrahmanyam, IIT-H, institutions was highlighted in the
conducted a one-day workshop on Prof. Raja Benerjee, IIT-H and Dr RK inaugural function.
‘Challenges in Air-Breathing Hypersonic Sharma, OS and PD, DRDL, addressed Dr Samir V Kamat, delivered the
Technologies’ at IIT, Hyderabad the gathering at the inaugural function. Plenary Lecture on ‘Materials for
campus. About 250 delegates and The importance of development of Hypersonic Vehicles.’ He brought

16 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

hrd activities DRDO newsletter

out the progress made towards A panel discussion was also organised Centre of Excellence in hypersonic areas
development of high temperature wherein inclusion of hypersonic subject were also recommended.
materials for hypersonic applications. in the curriculum and development of

Course on Internal Combustion

Engines for UAVs
A
course on ‘Internal Combustion up-gradation. Dr D Radhakrishna, Advance topics in the field of Internal
Engines for Unmanned Aerial Sc ‘G’, Course Director, emphasized on Combustion engine development
Vehicles’ was conducted the need of updating the knowledge and like Internal Combustion Engine
during 13-17 November 2017 at summarized the content of the course. Combustion Simulation, Lubrication
Vehicles Research and Development System, Cooling System, Engine
The course aimed to update the Vibration and Isolation, CRDI System,
Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar. knowledge in the field of Internal UAV Engine Certification Process
Maj Gen Ajay Gupta, Director, VRDE, Combustion Engines with reference to and Turbocharger Development and
in his inaugural address deliberated propulsion system for UAVs and other Matching of Turbocharger were covered
upon the importance of knowledge engine related topics. during the course.

All India Rajbhasha Scientific Seminar

N
aval Physical and Ernakulam, inaugurated the seminar. Dr KK Girish Kumar, Assistant
Oceanographic Laboratory Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy, OS and Professor, Department of Hindi, Cochin
(NPOL), Kochi, organized an Director, NPOL, released the seminar University of Science and Technology,
All India Rajbhasha Scientific Seminar, proceedings. Shri KK Ramachandran, the resource person and evaluator of the
‘DHWANI’, on 10 November 2017. The Deputy Director (OL), Income Tax seminar papers, delivered the overall
theme of the seminar was ‘Technologies Department and Secretary Kochi, summary of the papers presented in the
for Future Warfare and Social Media – TOLIC, was also present on the occasion. seminar.
Blessing or Curse.’ Shri Jomon George, Twenty-eight delegates from various Director, NPOL, presided over the
Sc ‘G’, Chairman Seminar Committee, DRDO labs/estts including NPOL and valedictory function and presented
delivered the welcome address. other central government institutions certificates and mementoes to the paper
Dr P Radhika, Professor and Head, in and around Kochi participated in the presenters. Smt Shiny Nair, Sc ‘E’,
Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, seminar. proposed the vote of thanks.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 17

Focus

Medium Power Radar (MPR), Arudhra,

for the Indian Air Force
The column covers some of the pathbreaking and successful
projects and programmes of the DRDO.
The mission needs of Indian Air
Force (IAF) is to have a gap free
coverage for aerial threats from medium
level height, 2 km, and above for a range
up to 300 km. Presently, these needs
are met by PSM-33, P-40 and TRS-2215
kind of radars. However the service lives
of these radars are over and any change
in doctrine/tactics cannot overcome
the void without any material solution.
IAF, therefore, issued an Operational
Requirement (OR) for the development
of 4D rotating, phased array Medium
Power Radar (MPR). Design,
development and production of MPRs
were categorized as ‘Make’ category.
Electronics and Radar Development
Establishment (LRDE), a Bengaluru-
based DRDO establishment, took up the fighters flying from very low altitudes identification capability based on
task and developed a fully engineered to high altitudes. Its capability has been interrogations from the co-located
MPR for the IAF. optimized to detect slow speed and low Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF)-based
Radar Cross Sections (RCS) targets at a
System Overview on rotating phased array. The radar is
minimum range. capable of scanning electronically, both
Medium Power Radar, christened
The system is effective in generation in azimuth and elevation, using wide
Arudhra, is a rotating phased array 4D
of true air picture of all aerial targets transmit beam and multiple receive
radar comprising solid-state Transmit/
for air defence operation using target beams in azimuth and elevation. A
Receive Modules (TRM) and is capable
of automatic detection and tracking of
helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAVs), Remotely Piloted Vehicles
(RPVs), fixed wing aircraft including
Arudhra: Functions, Features and
Brief Specifications

Arudhra: Product Tree

18 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

Focus DRDO newsletter

cross pattern of five beams in azimuth Achievements & Innovations were established as part of Arudhra
and elevation is used for dedicated development and has spin-off for all
Arudhra is the first indigenous
tracking of detected targets with good future similar class of radar projects:
rotating active phased array
accuracy. The system is able to survive
multifunction 4D radar capable of ‰‰ Active Array Architecture
intense ECM environment and possible
automatic detection and tracking of ‰‰ Time synchronization of multiple
electromagnetic interference. Arudhra
aerial targets ranging from fighter receivers
is fully programmable from the local
aircraft to slow moving targets. ‰‰ 2D Digital Beam-forming
Operator Work Station and from remote
The system is able to detect low
Operator Work Station Unit. ‰‰ Digital Beam Forming (DBF)-based
RCS targets at far ranges with the
active array calibration
Development Approach volumetric surveillance. The radar
operates either in staring or rotation ‰‰ Multi-Beam processing
LRDE took up the development ‰‰ Critical real-time software and
mode. In rotation mode, the antenna
of MPR based on the OR issued by
rotates at the programmable rate with firmware
IAF. Major sub-systems like Antenna,
volumetric surveillance. In staring ‰‰ Independently rotating IFF radar
Pedestal Assembly, Cooling System,
mode of operation, the antenna stares ‰‰ Mechanical Packaging (engineering,
Power System, Digital Beam Forming,
in specified azimuth with surveillance cooling mechanism, etc.)
Radar Controller and Processing Unit,
coverage of ±60o in azimuth and 30o
IFF Antenna and IFF Pedestal were
in elevation. The radar is based on Current Status and Way
realized through extensive involvement
solid-state active aperture array Forward
of Indian Industry aligned with the
‘Make in India’ initiative of Govt of with Digital Beam Forming and has MPR is the first indigenous rotating
India. LRDE, with in-house capabilities, electronic scanning capability in both Active Phase Array Multifunction 4D
carried out system engineering software azimuth and elevation. The coverage is radar capable of employing state-of-
development, system integration, testing attained using wide transmit beam and the-art DBF technology with multi
and evaluation. Participation of the user multiple receive beams in both azimuth beam processing for the first time in
through the Project Management Team and elevation. India. Radar has undergone extensive
(AF-PMT) resulted in bridging the gap user evaluation at various locations and
between the designer and the user from Technologies Established has been accepted by IAF for induction
inception to user’s acceptance. The following technologies and is ready for production.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 19

Personnel News

AWARDS
Dr Biren Roy Trust Award
Dr RK Sharma, OS and Project
Director, Hypersonic Technology
Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV),
DRDL, Hyderabad, has been awarded
the prestigious Dr Biren Roy Trust
Award for his outstanding contribution
towards development of scramjet
engine integrated HSTDV and related
hypersonic technologies.

Society of Aerospace Manu-

facturing Engineers Life- Nagaraja Rao R Jagdale IEEE Golden Reviewer
time Achievement Award Memorial Award Three scientists,
Dr Ashim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Director, Dr SK Datta, Sc ‘G’,
OS and Associate Director, DMRL, Shri Sushil Raina, Sc ‘G’
DFRL, has been awarded Prestigious
Hyderabad, was conferred SAME and Dr Vishal Kesari,
Nagaraja Rao R Jagdale Memorial
Sc ‘E’ from Microwave
Lifetime Achievement Award for his Award 2016 for his outstanding Tube Research and
exemplary contributions in design, contribution in the field food science Development Centre
development and industrial scale and technology. Hon’ble Janab Abdur (MTRDC), Bengaluru,
production of speciality wrought received the recognition
Rezzak Mollah, Minister-in-Charge,
aluminium alloys for strategic of Golden Reviewer
Department of Food Processing
sectors for a period of more than 35 in the list of reviewers
Industries and Horticulture, Govt of
years, by the Society of Aerospace for the year 2017 in
West Bengal, presented the award to
Manufacturing Engineers (SAME), IEEE Transactions on
Dr Sharma during inaugural function
instituted by ISRO Research Centres Electron Devices (TED),
of 73rd Annual Conference of All Vol. 64, No. 12, 2017, by
at Thiruvanthapuram. The award was
India Food Processors’ Association on IEEE Electron Devices
handed over to Dr Mukhopadhyay
by the Director, Vikram Sarabhai 15 December 2017. Society (USA).
Space Centre, Thiruvanthapuram, on
17 November 2017.

20 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

Personnel News DRDO newsletter

Higher Qualific- NPOL, Kochi

Microwave Interactive Fabrics for EMI
Shielding and Stealth.’

ation acquired
Shri P Annadurai,
Shri Ajay Katiyar has Sc ‘F’, Naval
been awarded PhD Physical & Oceano-
from IIT Madras, graphic Laboratory
ASL, Hyderabad Chennai, for the (NPOL), Kochi,
thesis entitled has been awarded
Shri Atul Ramesh
‘Experimental
Bhagat, Sc ‘E’, PhD by Cochin
Study on the
Advanced Systems University of
Electromagnetic
Laboratory (ASL), Science and Technology (CUSAT) for
Field Induced Thermophysical
Hyderabad, has the thesis entitled ‘Studies on Rubber
Properties of Nanofluids.’
been conferred PhD Nanocomposites-based Encapsulants
from IIT Delhi, for
the thesis entitled
MTRDC, Bengaluru for Underwater Applications.’

‘Homogenization Shri Malatesh SAG, Delhi

Multiscale and Modelling of Carbon/ Mailar, Senior Tran- Shri Mahesh
Carbon Composite.’ slator, Microwave Chander, TO ‘C’,
DMSRDE, Kanpur Tube Research Scientific Analysis
and Development Group (SAG),
Shri Krishna Kumar Centre (MTRDC), Delhi, has been
Gupta, Sc ‘F’, Bengaluru, has been conferred PhD in
Defence Materials awarded PhD by Civil Engineering by
and Stores Research Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Delhi Technological
and Development University (formerly Delhi College
Dharwad Centre, for the thesis entitled
Establishment of Engineering), Delhi, for the thesis
‘Raksha Anusandhan Evam Vikas
(DMSRDE), Kanpur entitled ‘A Study on Status and
has been awarded Sangathan (DRDO) me Rajbhasha
Management of e-Waste in India.’
PhD by Defence Institute of Advanced Neeti Ke Prabhavi Karyanvayan
Technology (DIAT), Deemed University, ki Vyavahaarik Samsyayen Evam
Pune, for the thesis, entitled ‘Studies on Samadhan.’

RAC recertified ISO 9001:2015

R
ecruitment and Assessment
Centre (RAC), Delhi, has been
awarded 9001:2015 Certificate
by STQC, Govt of India, for a period
of three years after completion of re-
certification audit of RAC Quality
Management System (QMS) under ISO-
9001.
RAC takes utmost care for
completion of all selection and other
activities as per defined processes
and procedures covered under ISO-
9001. As a figure of merit the customer
satisfactory index under all selection
activities for DRDO and ADA by RAC is
more than 90 per cent.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 21

Social activities

Swachh Bharat campaign

DEAL, Dehradun

I
n accordance with the ‘Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan’ initiated by
the Hon’ble Prime Minister, a
cleanliness drive was organised at
Defence Electronics Applications
Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun.
Swachhta Shapath was administered
to the DEAL employees. A
cleanliness drive, spearheaded by
Dr RS Pundir, OS and Director, DEAL,
was organised to clean the surroundings
of DEAL campus.

NPOL, Kochi

N
aval Physical and Oceanographic
Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi,
organized the ‘Swachhta hi
Seva’ Pakhwada in accordance with
the sanitation campaign, ‘Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan’. The pakhwada was
organized in three phases, which
included cleanliness drive in the NPOL
technical complex, workplaces and
premises outside the technical area.
Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy, OS
and Director, NPOL, stressed the
importance of cleanliness and hygienic
environment for a safer and disease free
living and highlighted the relevance
of Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of clean
India. The campaign served as a
platform for sensitizing the individuals
for a clean and tidy environment.

ITR, Chandipur

I
ntegrated Test Range (ITR),
Chandipur, organised ‘Swachhta
hi Seva Pakhwada’, to contribute
to ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. Dr BK
Das, OS and Director, ITR inaugurated
a workshop on ‘Swacchta hi Seva’.
Dr Das emphasised the responsibility
of ITR fraternity towards mother Earth
by keeping the environment clean.
He urged all to take cleanliness as a
mission.
Awareness programmes like poster, city during the campaign by the ITRians non-biodegradable waste and a fully
drawing, slogan, essay and speech and members of ITR ladies club. ITR automated waste composting facility
competitions, a marathon walk and also initiated a drive to plant trees for converting the waste into compost
street play were organised. A special within ITR premises. Eco-friendly have been established by ITR to save the
drive was undertaken to clean Balasore vehicles, facilities for biodegradable and environment.

22 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

VISITS DRDO newsletter

Visitors to drdo labs/estts

CAIR, Bengaluru

Members Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence being briefed about DLJ technologies

An Australian delegation visited DIPR, Delhi Presentations on the projects related

Centre for Artificial Intelligence and to HEMs were given by the senior
Dr Mala Iyenger, IFA (R&D), visited
Robotics (CAIR) on 31 October 2017 to scientists. Air Marshal also visited the
Defence Institute of Psychological
discuss collaboration between India and High Explosive Plant and Exhibition
Research (DIPR), on 30 November
Australia in the field of Robotics. Smt Hall.
2017. She witnessed the Computerized
Manimozhi Theodore, Director, CAIR, Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and NPOL, Kochi
briefed the delegation about ongoing Pilot Mental Workload Assessment
robotics research and development Dr Samir V Kamat, DS and DG
Laboratory. IFA (R&D) appreciated the
at the centre. Presentations on (NS&M), visited Naval Physical and
research work done by DIPR.
technologies developed by CAIR in the
areas of Robotics, Perception and Naval
Command and Control System were
given to the delegation.
DL, Jodhpur
The Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Defence headed by Maj
Gen (Retd) BC Khanduri, AVSM, and
comprising 10 MPs visited Defence
Laboratory (DLJ) on 10 November
2017. Dr SR Vadera, Director, Defence
Laboratory (DL), briefed the committee
about the technical activities,
achievements and infrastructure of
the laboratory, which was followed by Dr Mala Iyenger, IFA (R&D) being briefed about CPSS at DIPR

discussions on technical, administrative

and financial issues of the laboratory.
HEMRL, Pune Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL)
during 23-24 October 2017. He
The Chairman and members of the Air Marshal Sanjay Sharma, AVSM, interacted with officials of HQ Southern
committee appreciated the efforts made Air Officer Maintenance, Indian Air Naval Command and visited INS
by DL scientists in the technological Force, visited High Energy Materials Sagardhwani, the marine acoustic
development of the country. The Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, research ship of DRDO, operated by
committee visited technical exhibition on 8 November 2017. Shri KPS Murthy Indian Navy. Dr Kamat also chaired
displaying various technologies and OS and Director, HEMRL, briefed the review meetings of important ongoing
products developed by the laboratory. visitor about the activities of HEMRL. projects at NPOL.

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 23

readers’ view

Readers’ Views
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24 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

DRDO in press DRDO newsletter

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 25

DRDO SERIES

DRDO Harnessing Science for Peace

and Security- XXIII
Chapter 2: TRANSFORMATION—DEFENCE RESEARCH and
DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (1958-1969)
The article is 23rd in the Series of extracts of the monograph, “Defence Research & Development Organisation:
1958-1982”, by Shri RP Shenoy, former Director of Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE).

CONSOLIDATION endurance trials. Transfer of technology

to the manufacturer was effected by
be developed by a foreign firm to meet
their requirements. In the course of the
way of drawings, physical model and Indian project, the foreign firm dropped
Performance Balance placement of the designers at the Gun the programme for development of
Sheet Carriage Factory.43 Non-detectable the engine and the Indian designers
antitank mine, and mine clearing were left with an engine, Orpheus
Even as it was expanding to set up new equipment were also designed and 703, which was under powered for the
laboratories to cover the important fields developed. The mine clearing equipment requirements, the airframe was designed
of science and technology of interest was produced in requisite numbers by to meet. In view of the shortage of time,
to defence, and striving to integrate setting up a pilot plant within DRDO. the DRDO scientists and technologists
the diverse streams of personnel to In addition, the other contributions within a record time of two years,
form a cohesive organisation, the were, tracer ammunition for 7.62 mm found a solution and proved by analysis
DRDO scientists were able to take up calibre weapons, propellant for 105 and experiment that an addition of an
design and developmental activities mm antitank ammunition, smoke afterburner to the Orpheus 703 power
for the Services and in this process ammunition for mortars and plasticised plant, would be adequate for the aircraft
buildup the experience and expertise white phosphorus for filling smoke to meet the performance it was designed
needed for more complex tasks. The shells/bombs. The representative list for. An HF-24 aircraft was fitted with
activities ranged from minor tasks of of significant contributions would be the reheat developed by DRDO to the
import substitution and modifications, complete with the inclusion of the power plant and successfully flown for
reconfiguring and adapting imported development of escape aid cartridges, about 250 flights... 44. The reheat of the
signal cartridges, distress visual night Orpheus 703 engine was a success.
systems for new applications to design
signal cartridge for Air Force, drill
of new equipment. A representative mines for the Navy, drill and practice Electronics
sample of the equipment, processes and version of antitank and antipersonnel
items that resulted from these activities In the 1950’s, electronics components
mines, indigenous propellants for light underwent a quantum change from
in the period 1958-1969 are outlined in and heavy mortars, ammunition for
the following paragraphs. power guzzling vacuum devices to
defeating armour for different types transistors which worked at lower
of gun, air-to-air and air-to-ground
Armaments rockets, lead- zirconate-titanate crystals
voltage and consumed considerably less
power. DRDO took this as an opportunity
The effort was focused on the for utilization in fuses for ammunition. to design and develop transistorized
development of a new mountain gun The lead-zirconate-titanate crystals is a equipment for the Army. Several
and explosives/ammunition for the dual-use item, as it finds application in types were successfully developed and
guns and other weapons held by the crystal gauges in civilian applications. then manufactured. They range from
three Services. The development of the
new field gun for use in mountainous Aeronautics portable transistorized communication
switchboards (manual exchanges), light
terrain, the 75/24 Pack Howitzer and its The main thrust was in the weight VHF ground-to-air wireless
ammunition was a major effort. It had development of facilities and expertise communication set, a forward area HF
to be designed for towing by a vehicle leading to the design and development of communication equipment, two types of
and it was required to be disassembled the power plant, the gas turbine engine speech secrecy unity channel doubling
and carried on mule backs without for aircraft. An important contribution units for speech, carrier communication
difficulty. The development was of this group was meeting the challenge equipment, two versions of cipher
completed, successfully tried out by the of equipping the HAL-designed HF-24 equipment for telegraph communication
Army and was accepted for production. combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force to VHF/UHF log periodic, mono cone
As part of the development process, with a power plant that would enable it and ground plane communication
special range and instrumentation to meet the performance specifications. antennas covering the frequency range
facilities were also established for full Originally, the aircraft was designed from 4 MHz to 100 MHz, among others.
scale range and accuracy as well as for around an engine which was expected to In addition, portable/mobile generators

26 JANUARY 2018 www.drdo.gov.in

DRDO SERIES DRDO newsletter

for prime power, and light weight for the DRDO scientists in this area potential in the night for tanks and for
portable nickel cadmium batteries were of activities. The scientists in close navigation of vehicles. A representative
successfully developed, produced and collaboration with the industry and the sample of the equipment successfully
accepted by the Army for introduction customer were able to meet the needs of developed and which went into
into Services. the Corps. production are, Gunner’s IR (Infra
Two types of radars for the Army The activities were concentrated Red) scope sight and Commander’s
were also successfully completed. towards the development of light metal IR periscope for Vijayantha tank, IR
These are, a mobile surveillance bridges and power boats for bridging Sniper scope for Infantry, IR Telescope
radar and a field artillery radar. The operations, development of light weight for the Navy, and IR Search Light.
latter was configured out of the radar water supply pumps, prefabricated
In addition, binocular for Vijayantha
that was being manufactured under shelters for high altitude operations
tank and Universal Mortar Sight for 120
collaboration at Bharat Electronics and other engineering equipment.
Ltd for a different application namely, Some of the representative items mm Brandt Mortar were successfully
fire control. These were accepted by were, submersible pumps, pneumatic developed and technology transferred
the Army and orders were placed on assault and reconnaissance boats, air for production. Further, in anticipation
Bharat Electronics Ltd. Besides these, landing mats, class 30 assault track of user’s requirement, work in the area
new projects were initiated for the way, centrifugal pumps, flexible shaft of general purpose laser range finders
development of a portable battlefield pumping sets, gas welding trailers, two- was initiated. The production orders by
surveillance radar for the infantry, stroke petrol engines, and high altitude the Armed Forces for these equipment
secondary surveillance radar Mk 10 for shelters. exceeded Rs. 25 crores.
the Air Force, sound ranging system for
location of enemy guns, radar distance Food & Nutrition Materials
measuring unit, VHF/UHF direction The DRDO scientists aimed
finding equipment for the Indian Air In the area of materials developments
primarily at developing operational and relating to corrosion inhibitors,
Force, a portable electronic exchange non-operational food and rations for
from 40 lines to 120 lines in modules parachutes, synthetics, solar heaters,
the Armed Forces. The operational food
of 40 and a computer controlled nodal helmets and so on were taken up and
and rations required special attention
switch (Automatic Electronic Switch) successfully completed. Vapour Phase
because they have to be provided
for grid communication as part of the both in bulk and in packs tailored corrosion inhibitors for protection of
Plan AREN equipment for the Indian to meet specific types of military small arms, gauges and hand tools,
Army. operations, land-based and space- corrosion inhibition treatment for jute
borne, high altitude and extreme cold and Hessian used in packing metallic
These were taken up after extensive
conditions. These have to be partially items, corrosion inhibitor for water
discussions with the Services and on their
issuance of Qualitative Requirements. or wholly processed items requiring cooled engines, and cathodic protection
Besides these hardware activities, very little preparation before eating. of underground fuel storage tanks were
propagation studies in the VHF/UHF The primitive infrastructure relating some of the items and processes that
range of frequencies including the to presentation of food in India for were developed successfully.
effect of vegetation were undertaken hostile environments also required In the area of textiles, flame proofing
and based on this data, graphical to be upgraded before production for olive green cellular shirting, glass
representations were drawn for ease of can be entrusted to the industry. The
reinforced polyester for use in light
utilization by the Services. In the field food technologists of DRDO had the
weight bullet proof helmets, various
of devices, projects were undertaken in satisfaction of successfully developing
light weight 5-man composite pack types of parachutes, container and
the areas of semiconductor materials slings for para-dropping supplies
and devices, thermoelectric generators, rations with indigenous items of food,
cocoa-based soft bar with coconut and were the major contributions. A solar
microwave solid state sources and
banana flavours, light weight flexible room heater based on the principle
microwave ferrites. The orders placed
packs using paper/aluminium foil/ of thermal-siphoning was developed
by the Services for all the electrical and
electronic equipment successfully polythene laminates for accelerated for use in high altitude and extreme
completed by the DRDO was freeze dried food stuffs instead of tins. cold environments, so that a room of
in excess of Rs. 15 crores45. One of the It was not a surprise that DRDO food moderate size could be maintained
scientists of LRDE, Shri Hari Prasad scientists had the unique honour of at 20 °C. A series of meteorological
Jaiswal, was awarded Padma Shri by supplying processed items of Indian stations were set up along the border
the President of India for his leadership dietary to the first successful Indian including at Ladakh. This technique
and contributions to the development of Everest Expedition led by Lieutenant won international recognition.
communication system, AREN, for the Commander MS Kohli in 1964.
Army.
Infra Red Sensors &
Engineering Equipment Optical Instruments
The Corps of Engineers of the The main focus was on the Army’s
Indian Army was the main customer requirements for enhancing combat To be continued...

www.drdo.gov.in JANUARY 2018 27

DRDO@60

Down the memory lane

Former Prime Minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru being briefed about defence technologies

Published by DESIDOC, Metcalfe House, Delhi-110 054