INDIA NEUTRALISES LIVE SATELLITE IN LOW EARTH ORBIT ENGAGEMENT
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A Monthly Bulletin of Defence Research
nEWSLETTER and Development Organisation
ISSN: 0971-4391
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 | volume 39 | issue 05
India neutralises Live Satellite in
Low Earth Orbit engagement
Innovation >> p06 Infra Development >> p21
Events >> p08 Drdo series >> p22
HRD Activities >> p13 Visits >> p24
DRDO Newsletter
Contents
May 2019
Volume 39 | Issue 05
ISSN: 0971-4391
Cover story 04
India Joins Select Group of Nations, neutralises Live Satellite in Low Earth Orbit
Innovation 06
DRDO successfully test fired indigenous Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile
Successful trial of Nirbhay Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile
2 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.in
DRDO newsletter
tot 07 Personnel news 20
Events 08 INFRA Development 21
DRDO SERIES 22
Visits 24
HRD activities 13
Opinion 19
39th Year of Publication
Editor-in-Chief: Dr Alka Suri Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/
Associate Editor-in-Chief: B Nityanand newsletter/
Managing Editor: Manoj Kumar
Editor: Dipti Arora Please mail your feedback at:
Editorial Assistance: Biak Tangpua director@desidoc.drdo.in
Multimedia: RK Bhatnagar
Printing: SK Gupta, Hans Kumar Contact: 011-23902403; 23902474
Distribution: Tapesh Sinha, RP Singh
Fax: 011-23819151
Local Correspondents
Ambernath: Dr Susan Titus, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL); Chandipur: Shri Santosh Munda, Integrated Test Range (ITR); Bengaluru: Shri Subbukutti
S, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE); Smt MR Bhuvaneswari, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS); Smt Faheema AGJ, Centre for Artificial Intelligence &
Robotics (CAIR); Ms Tripty Rani Bose, Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC); Smt Josephine Nirmala M, Defence Avionics Research Establishment
(DARE); Shri Kiran G, Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE); Shri Venkatesh Prabhu, Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE); Dr Vishal Kesari,
Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC); Chandigarh: Dr HS Gusain, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE); Dr Prince Sharma, Terminal
Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL); Chennai: Shri PD Jayaram, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE); Dehradun: Shri Abhai Mishra,
Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL); Shri JP Singh, Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE); Delhi: Shri Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Centre
for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM); Dr Dipti Prasad, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS); Dr Dolly Bansal, Defence Institute of Psychological
Research (DIPR); Shri Navin Soni, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS); Shri Anurag Pathak, Institute for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA); Dr Indu
Gupta, Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC); Ms Noopur Shrotriya, Scientific Analysis Group (SAG); Dr Rupesh Kumar Chaubey, Solid State Physics Laboratory
(SSPL); Gwalior: Shri RK Srivastava, Defence R&D Establishment (DRDE); Haldwani: Dr Atul Grover, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER); Hyderabad:
Shri Hemant Kumar, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL); Shri Pramod K Jha, Centre for Advanced Systems (CAS); Dr JK Rai, Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis
Group (ANURAG); Ms Bidisha Lahiri, Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS); Shri ARC Murthy, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL); Dr
Manoj Kumar Jain, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL); Dr K Nageswara Rao, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL); Shri Lalith Shankar,
Research Centre Imarat (RCI); Jagdalpur: Dr Gaurav Agnihotri, SF Complex (SFC); Jodhpur: Shri Ravindra Kumar, Defence Laboratory (DL); Kanpur: Shri AK
Singh, Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE); Kochi: Smt Letha MM, Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL); Leh:
Dr Dorjey Angchok, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR); Mussoorie: Dr Gopa B Choudhury, Institute of Technology Management (ITM); Mysuru:
Dr M Palmurugan, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL); Pune: Dr (Mrs) JA Kanetkar, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); Dr Vijay
Pattar, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT); Shri AM Devale, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL); Shri SS Arole, Research & Development
Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE (E)]; Tezpur: Dr Jayshree Das, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL); Visakhapatnam: Dr (Mrs) V Vijaya Sudha, Naval Science &
Technological Laboratory (NSTL)
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 3
Cover story
India Joins Select Group of Nations,
neutralises Live Satellite in Low Earth
Orbit
D
RDO successfully conducted
an Anti-Satellite (A-SAT)
missile test ‘Mission Shakti’
from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island
in Odisha on 27 March 2019. A
DRDO developed Ballistic Missile
Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile
successfully engaged a live Indian
satellite orbiting in Low Earth Orbit
(LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode. The
interceptor missile was a three-stage
missile with two solid rocket boosters.
Tracking data from range sensors
confirmed that the mission met all its
objectives.
The test demonstrated India’s
capability to defend its assets in
outer space. It is a vindication of the
strength and robust nature of DRDO’s
programmes.
With this India joins a select group
of nations with such a capability.
The test has once again proven the
potential of indigenous weapon
systems.
With the
successful ‘Hit
to Kill’ test,
India becomes
the fourth
country to do
so.
ASAT Mission on 27 March 2019
4 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.in
Cover story DRDO newsletter
Mission Shakti is a deterrence capability: Dr G satheesh reddy
T
he anti-satellite (ASAT) domain, and the best way of components were sourced from 50
test, Mission Shakti, defence is to have deterrence said private industries.
conducted on 27 March is Dr Reddy on a question on Dr Reddy also allayed the fear
a “deterrence interceptor” and militarisation of space. of threat from debris created by
the missile can cover all satellites Giving details of the test, the test to the International Space
in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), said Dr Reddy said that the first discussion Station (ISS). “LEO was chosen after
Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, on the test started in 2014. A detailed extensive simulations with primary
Department of Defence R&D presentation was made in 2016 and objective being to minimise debris.
(DDR&D) and Chairman DRDO in it took us two years to develop the It was intentionally done at 280 km
a press conference on ASAT test on system. The major challenges in the altitude so that debris decay fast,”
6 April 2019. We have developed mission were to achieve ‘hit to kill’ said Dr Reddy. The interception
guidance and control algorithm to a live satellite with an accuracy less was designed to hit at an angle so
do interception at 1,000 km above than 10 cm. All critical technologies that minimal debris goes up and
the earth and hitting multiple for the test have been developed also have minimal velocity. “Some
satellites is feasible, said Dr Reddy. indigenously, he further added. of the debris have already decayed.
The space has gained Around 150 scientists worked hard in Our simulations show all debris will
importance in the military the past six months and about 2,000 decay in 45 days,” he added.
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 5
Innovation
DRDO successfully test fired indigenous
Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile
I
n a major boost for Army, DRDO Rajasthan desert. The missile was the-art Imaging Infrared Radar (IIR)
successfully test fired indigenously also tested on 13 March 2019. The Seeker with integrated avionics. In
developed, lightweight, fire tests achieved the mission objectives both the missions, the missiles hit
and forget Man Portable Anti-Tank successfully. the designated targets precisely at
Guided Missile (MPATGM) for the The MPATGM comprises different ranges.
second time on 14 March 2019 in the advanced features including state-of-
Successful Trial of Nirbhay Sub-Sonic
Cruise Missile
D
RDO successfully test fired
indigenously designed and
developed Long Range Sub-
Sonic Cruise Missile Nirbhay on
15 April 2019 from the Integrated
Test Range (ITR), Chandipur,
Odisha. Nirbhay has been
developed by DRDO’s Bengaluru-
based Aeronautical Development
Establishment (ADE).
It was the sixth development
flight trial of the missile to prove the
repeatability of boost phase and cruise
phase using way point navigation at
very low altitudes. The missile took
off vertically and turned horizontally
in the desired direction. The booster
separation, wing deployment, engine
start, and cruise to the intended way
points happened with the text-book
precision. The missile demonstrated
its sea-skimming capability to cruise at
very low altitudes.
The entire flight was tracked by
a chain of Electro Optical Tracking
Systems, Radars and Ground
Telemetry Systems deployed all
along the sea coast. All the mission
objectives were met.
6 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.in
Tot DRDO newsletter
LASTEC transfer technology for Laser
Fence System
L
aser Science and Technology
Centre (LASTEC), Delhi,
transferred technology of Laser
Fence System (LFS) to PSU Central
Electronics Limited (CEL), Sahibabad,
on 11 March 2019. Shri Hari Babu
Srivastava, OS and Director, LASTEC,
handed over Licensing Agreement for
Transfer of Technology (ToT) along with
ToT Document to CMD, CEL, Dr Nalin
Singhal. Dr Mayank Dwivedi, Director,
Directorate of Industry Interface and
Technology Management (DIITM),
DRDO HQ, members LFS team and
senior officials from LASTEC and CEL
were present on the occasion. wall, helps in detection of intrusion power requirements, offers day/night
The LFS developed indigenously into restricted areas/vital installations/ operability and has been evaluated in
by LASTEC is a field deployable laser high value assets and boundaries.
the field areas.
fence system. The invisible, virtual laser It is rugged, reliable, has minimal
Technology Transfer of PDDS to BeL
T
he Licensing Agreement for at any location in a harbour. As an auto- diver-like targets automatically and
Transfer of Technology (LAToT) alert system, PDDS performs detection, alerts the operator accordingly.
of Portable Diver Detection Sonar tracking and classification of divers or
(PDDS) was signed between Naval
Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory
(NPOL) and Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL), Bangalore on 15 March 2019.
Shri TD Nandakumar, AGM (Naval
Systems-1), BEL handed over the first-
stage ToT fee to Shri S Kedarnath
Shenoy, OS and Director NPOL, at a
function organised at NPOL.
Designed and developed by NPOL,
PDDS is a portable sonar system capable
of detecting potential underwater
threats like, divers and diver delivery
vehicles in shallow waters. The system
alerts the operator with the type of threat
so that effective countermeasures can
be initiated in time. The system can be
deployed either outboard from a ship or
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 7
Tot/Events
Technology Transfer of hns
D
efence Metallurgical Research Dr Vikas Kumar, DS and Director, Dr Samir V Kamat, DS & DG (NS&M),
Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad DMRL, handed over the ToT document DRDO, and other senior officials of
transferred the production to Dr DK Likhi, Chairman and Managing DMRL and Midhani were present on
technology of nickel free High Nitrogen Director, Midhani, on 5 March 2019. the occasion.
Steel (HNS) for armour applications
to Midhani, Hyderabad. The HNS has
high strength coupled with excellent
ductility and impact properties and has
shown improved ballistic properties
against small calibre ammunitions
and equal performance against large
calibre ammunitions compared to that
of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA)
with almost half of the cost of RHA.
The steel has many other potential
applications also.
Events
CEPTAM celebrates 23rd Raising day
C
entre for Personnel Talent
Management (CEPTAM), Delhi,
celebrated its 23rd Raising Day
on 12 March 2019 with great zeal and
enthusiasm. Dr G Satheesh Reddy,
Secretary, Department of Defence
R&D and Chairman DRDO graced the
occasion as the Chief Guest. Shri KS
Varaprasad, OS & DG (HR), DRDO,
was the Guest of Honour. The event
was attended by former Chairpersons
and Directors of CEPTAM, Directors of
Delhi-based sister labs and CEPTAM
employees.
Dr Vijaya Singh, OS and Director,
CEPTAM, welcomed the august
gathering and presented a glimpse of
CEPTAM’s achievements during 2018.
Shri Sudhir Gupta, OS, Chairman
Chairman DRDO being briefed about achievements of CEPTAM
CEPTAM and DG (TM) shared his
vision about future thrust areas of to link training with career progression. of future recruitment cycles and for
CEPTAM and identified potential areas Dr Reddy in his address congratulated creation of future training roadmap.
of improvement. Shri Varaprasad CEPTAM on completing 23 years of Achievements of last five years were
appreciated the efforts of CEPTAM in meaningful existence and acknowledged projected to Dr Reddy through poster
successfully implementing Computer its contribution in the area of HRD for presentation, display of CEPTAM
Based Test (CBT) for recruitment of DRTC and Admin and Allied cadre. publications/documents. Dignitaries
STA ‘B’. He also stressed upon the need He advised CEPTAM to reduce time also planted the saplings.
8 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.in
Events DRDO newsletter
International Women’s Day Celebrations
Release of Workshop Proceedings on the International Women’s Day celebration at ARDE, Pune
I
nternational Women’s Day (March 8) were present. Lab Directors, Corporate DRDO labs should identify and organize
is a call for gender parity and global Directors, senior scientists and nearly specific social works for the uplifting of
celebration of economic political, 250 delegates from over 50 DRDO labs the society. Shri PK Mehta appreciated
and cultural achievements of women. took part in the celebrations. Dr KM the multiple roles played by women in
The following DRDO labs/estts also Rajan welcomed the august gathering. the professional and personal lives. The
celebrated International Women’s Day In her inaugural address, Smt Workshop Proceedings, comprising
to celebrate the achievements of their Sharma appreciated the innate abilities more than 40 papers contributed by
women scientists. of women and the role they play as a DRDO women employees were released
dynamic manager, innovator, and a by the dignitaries. Dr KM Rajan, and
ARDE, Pune leader every day at home and at work. Dr (Smt) SD Naik, Convener of IWD
Armament Research & Development She emphasized that thrust should be 2019 also handed over the Deepalakshmi
Establishment (ARDE) celebrated given to changing the mindset of the to the representative of Naval Physical
International Women’s Day (IWD) society for the advancement of women. and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL),
by organising a workshop “Stree Maj Gen Kanitkar, in her motivating Kochi, which has been designated as the
as Manager, Innovator, Leader, talk, implored women to take care of host of IWD 2020.
Entrepreneur and Scientist (SMILES their health to give their best at work As a social initiative, a Mini Market
2019).” The theme was chosen in and at home. She also advised that was set up for the sale of hand made
recognition of the multi-faceted roles women and men should ‘grow together products created by Yerawada Jail
played by working women, and their without growing apart’. inmates, Shri Sai Baba Home for Aged
multi-tasking skills. Smt Rekha Sharma, In his presidential address, and Blind Women and Shramik Nari
Chairperson, National Commission for Dr Satheesh Reddy praised the Sangh. Several other stalls selling Pune’s
Women, inaugurated the workshop. contributions made by women special merchandise formed a part of the
Maj Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar, scientists of DRDO, crediting them Mini Market. The cultural programme,
AVSM, VSM, Dean and Deputy with the success of many noteworthy “Smiles Sanskriti”, showcasing the
Commandant of Armed Forces Medical products, and requested them to stay at culture of Maharashtra through folk
College (AFMC) was the Guest of Honour the forefront for developing world class dances and Mallkhamb rope and pole
on the occasion. Dr G Satheesh Reddy, systems. He expressed confidence that gymnastics was appreciated by all.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D the women work force in DRDO would
CAIR, Bengaluru
and Chairman, DRDO, Shri PK Mehta, go up from 15 per cent to 50 per cent in
DS and Director General (ACE) and the next five years. Dr Reddy strongly The celebrations started with address
Dr KM Rajan, DS and Director, ARDE recommended that Women’s Cells of by Smt Manimozhi Theodore, Director,
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 9
Events
Centre for Artificial Intelligence and leaders. Dr (Smt) BK Sapra, SO ‘H’, Dr Krishnaveni gave an insightful talk
Robotics (CAIR), who elucidated BARC, was invited as the Chief Guest. A on traditional lifestyle and how it helps
contributions of women at work place Guest Lecture by Dr Harvinder Palaha, in strengthening women. Various health
and how mother has positive impact SNEHA Foundation, was arranged on awareness programmes were organised.
on the children and how it inspires the this occasion. First Lady of NMRL also Talks by eminent doctors, 10-day
entire family to strive better in life. All graced the occasion and greeted all morning Yoga practice sessions and a
women CAIR employees, development women. The Chief Guest and the Guest free medical camp in association with
partners, contract employees, student Speaker spoke about the essence of KIMS IKON Hospital, Sheelanagar,
trainees and casual workers actively modern woman self-explained with this were organised for the women
participated in activities organised to year’s DRDO IWD’s theme: SMILES. employees of NSTL and spouses of male
celebrate the occasion. Winners were employees.
given attractive token prizes.
SASE, Chandigarh
DMRL, Hyderabad
Snow and Avalanche Study
Dr Vikas Kumar, DS and Director, Establishment (SASE) celebrated IWD
DMRL, presided over the IWD function. with great enthusiasm as a part of its
Dr G Jagan Reddy, Sc ‘G’ and Chairman, Golden Jubilee celebration. Dr Seema
DMRL Works Committee, welcomed Vinayak, Director SSPL, Delhi, was
the gathering. Shri K Srikanth Goud, the Chief Guest and Ms Ravinder Sahi,
President, DMRL Workers’ National Director, ETDC, Mohali was the Guest
Union and Shri B Rambabu, Vice of Honour. Programme started with
Chairman, Works Committee, also NSTL, Visakhapatnam
the inaugural address by Shri Naresh
addressed the gathering. Prof. S Sameen Naval Science and Technological Kumar, Director SASE followed by the
Fatima, Principal, University College Laboratory (NSTL), celebrated IWD in addresses of the Chief Guest and the
of Engineering, Osmania University, a befitting manner on 8 March 2019 Guest of Honour.
Hyderabad, the Chief Guest of the with the active participation of women In her speech, Dr Seema Vinayak
function delivered the keynote address employees as well as spouses of male recounted her journey so far and
on “IQ and EQ: Finding the Balance.” employees. Smt M Kavita, Director, praised the efforts made by the women
Dr S Banumathy, Sc ‘E’ and Convenor, M/s HBL, Hyderabad, and Dr (Smt) B in the field of science and technology.
DMRL Women’s Cell, presented a Sri Krishnaveni, Deputy Commissioner Highlighting the theme for this year’s
report on the activities carried out by (Transport), Vizianagaram, were IWD, she emphasized that let’s think
the Cell during the past one year. She present as the Chief Guest and the equal, build smart and innovate for
also elaborated the achievements made Distinguished Guest of Honour, change to achieve good health and
by women employees of DMRL. respectively. Dignitaries paid floral successful life of the women in our
tributes to Smt Sarojini Naidu, the icon society. The Guest of Honour addressed
of IWD 2019. the SASE fraternity and talked about
Dr Nandagopan in his address spoke challenges for women in modern
about how DRDO’s is encouraging society. She praised the courage of
her women employees and providing women in breaking the shackles of
them opportunities by placing society. Women employees of SASE
them in decision-making positions. were felicitated on the occasion.
NMRL, Ambernath
Naval Materials Research Laboratory
(NMRL) celebrated IWD with great
joy. The celebration commenced with
an address by Dr M Patri, Director,
NMRL, wherein he congratulated the
entire female workforce of NMRL and
encouraged them to bring more laurels
to the laboratory as innovators and
10 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inEvents DRDO newsletter
NATIONAL SAFETY WEEK celebrations
T
he National Safety Week (NSW)/ theme “Cultivate and Sustain Safety
Day, organized by the National Culture for building Nation.”
Safety Council, is celebrated
NPOL, Kochi
in India every year on 4 March to
enhance the safety awareness among Naval Physical and Oceanographic
people. A number of safety awareness Laboratory (NPOL), celebrated NSW
programmes about how to prevent by conducting various competitions on
industrial accidents are organised different aspects of safety. The National
for the benefit of the people during Safety Day was celebrated on 5 March
the week. The following DRDO labs with a series of events. The programme
organised National Safety Day/Week at started with flag hoisting by the senior
their respective labs. Evacuation Mock Drill at CAIR most technician followed by safety day
pledge by NPOL fraternity.
CAIR, Bengaluru Live demo of fire fighting was
The Safety Committee of Centre conducted to enhance the awareness
for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics of fire safety in the organization.
(CAIR) conducted National Safety Shri Nissand G, Station Officer,
Week from 4 March 2019. Smt enlightened the employees about the
Desiraju Padma, Sc ‘G’, Chairperson, classes of fire and different type of
Safety Committee, gave a presentation fire extinguishers followed by talk on
on the safety issues at homes and “Safety-Afloat” by Cdr Rajeev Maroli.
Safety Oath by CFEES employees On the concluding day, Dr D Thomas,
apartments. An evacuation mock drill
was conducted as part of the Safety Shri RP Singh, DGM (GAIL), Sc ‘G’ and Chairman, Safety Committee,
Week. Demonstration of usage of delivered a lecture on “Behaviour Base NPOL, stressed the significance of
different classes of fire extinguishers Safety.” Scientists from CFEES also practicing safety measures in the
and the capabilities of the fire engine in gave lecture on “Cultivate and Sustain organization. Shri Joseph John, Kochi
extinguishing fires at high risk buildings Safety Culture” & “Safety Hazards in Metro Rail Limited, delivered an
and basements by fire fighting team CFEES.” The week long celebrations enlightening talk on “Safety in Industries
from HAL. Shri Muthiah, Manager, focused on sensitizing the employees and Heavy Infrastructure Projects.” Shri
Fire Services, HAL, gave a detailed on safe practices at work place at all S Kedarnath Shenoy, OS and Director,
presentation on the causes of fire and working levels for accident prevention. NPOL, distributed the prizes to winners
the various ways to extinguish them. A This was in line with this year’s safety of Safety Week Competitions.
talk on the common road safety issues
based on the real life incidents was
given by Shri PD Sreenivasa, TO ’C’,
Gas Turbine Research Establishment
(GTRE).
CFEES, Delhi
National Safety Week was celebrated
from 4-11 March 2019. The programme
commenced with Safety Oath by Centre
for Fire, Explosives, and Environment
Safety (CFEES). Various competitions
and presentation by Safety Coordinators
of various technical groups on safety
initiatives in their work places were
organised during the safety week. Fire fighting demo at NPOL
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 11Events
NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY Celebrations
N ational Science Day (NSD)
is celebrated every year to
commemorate the discovery of
Certificate by Dr K Maheswara Reddy,
DS and Director, DARE.
Dr OP Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR,
highlighted R&D achievements of the
institute. Dr Vijay K Bharti, Sc ‘D’,
scattering of light, known as Raman delivered NSD oration on “Studies on
Effect, by Sir CV Raman on 28 February High-Altitude Poultry Egg Hatching.”
He was presented NSD Oration Medal
1928. To pay homage to the great son
and Certificate.
of India, the following DRDO labs/
estts celebrated NSD at their respective NMRL, Ambernath
places: Dr M Patri, Director, NMRL,
greeted all the employees and urged
ACEM, Nasik them to pursue science and technology
Shri Srinivasan Seshadri, Sc ‘G’ and development for the progress of nation.
DRDE Gwalior NSD Oration Medal was bestowed
GM, Advanced Centre for Energetic
Materials (ACEM), presided over Dr Vijay Tak, Sc ‘E’, delivered NSD upon Dr Akshaya Kumar Satapathy,
the function. NSD Orations were oration on “Verification of Chemical Sc ‘D’, for his presentation on “Metal-
presented by Shri Jayant Satav, Weapons and its Challenges.” Dr DK Air Secondary Battery as a Futuristic
Sc ‘D’, on “Resin Modified HTPB for Dubey, Director, DRDE, presented NSD Energy Storage Device for Defence
Composite Solid Propellants” and Medal and Certificate to the orator. Application.” Various competitions
Shri Samadhan Khairnar, Sc ‘B’, on such as oration, science quiz, and
“Introduction to Medical Diagnostic project display were organised for
Tests.” Commendation certificates were students of nearby schools. The winners
presented to them by the GM. were awarded medals.
DIHAR, Leh
Defence Institute of High Altitude
Research (DIHAR) organised a talk on
the important technologies developed SASE, Chandigarh
by DIHAR for the development and
Shri Naresh Kumar, Director, Snow
prosperity of Ladakh by Shri Phuntsog
CABS, Bengaluru Stanzin, EC (Agri), LAHDC, Leh, who
and Avalanche Study Establishment
(SASE), welcomed the Chief Guest,
Shri Sukhen Saha, Sc ‘D’, Centre for was the Chief Guest of the function.
Prof. Savita Gupta, Director, UIET,
Air Borne Systems (CABS), delivered Chandigarh, who delivered a talk on
NSD Oration on ‘’Airborne Doppler “Reshaping the Future with Intelligent
Weather Radars.’’ Technologies” and explained about the
use of artificial intelligence, machine
DARE, Bengaluru
learning and deep learning algorithms
Shri Saurabh Shukla, Sc ‘D’, Defence in reshaping the future technologies.
Avionics Research Establishment Shri Sudhir Dhamija, Sc ‘D’, presented
(DARE), delivered the NSD Oration NSD oration on “Dynamic Modelling for
on “Ultra Wideband Linear Vivaldi Web Map for Snow and Avalanches.” He
Phased Array for EW Application.” He was presented NSD Oration Medal and
was presented NSD Oration Medal and Certificate.
12 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inHRD Activities DRDO newsletter
First International Conference on Range
Technology
I ntegrated Test Range (ITR),
Chandipur, the premier Test Range
of the country organised the first
International Conference on Range
Technology (ICORT-2019) during 15-17
February 2019.
Shri AS Kiran Kumar, former
Secretary, Department of Space,
Chairman, Space Commission and
Chairman, Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) was the Chief
Guest and Dr Avinash Chander former
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D,
Director General, DRDO and Scientific
Adviser to Raksha Mantri, was the
Guest of Honour of the inaugural
function. Shri MSR Prasad, Director
General (MSS), DRDO, Patron of the Release of Conference Souvenir
Conference, also graced the occasion. tremendous expertise and proficiency interact with global experts to meet
Dr BK Das, OS and Director, ITR, that India possesses in technological future technological challenges.
was present as the General Chair of know-how. Shri MSR Prasad lauded the contribution
ICORT-2019. Dr Das welcomed guests Dr Avinash Chander appreciated made by ITR in Indian defence research
and delegates from 17 countries and ITR for adopting state-of-the-art programmes by providing world-class
briefed about the conference. technologies and meeting the global testing and evaluation facilities.
Shri Kiran Kumar highlighted the standards in test and evaluation of A souvenir containing the proceeding
technological achievements of India airborne systems. He hoped that of the conference was released on this
in the field of Defence and Space the generation next would take occasion.
and emphasized on harnessing the advantage of this conference and
Brainstorming on satellite remote
sensing of ocean surface features
A
brainstorming session on
“Advances in Satellite Remote
Sensing for Exploration of
Ocean Surface Features generated by
Underwater Bodies” was held at NPOL
on 12 March 2019 to bring together
scientists, academicians and Indian
Navy under a common platform for
sharing innovative ideas and familiarize
with advances in satellite remote sensing
including current trends, technology
status and future missions required
for exploration of ocean features
generated by underwater targets.
Three DRDO laboratories including
NPOL, several Naval units, research
organisations like Space Application
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 13Hrd activities
Centre, Ahmedabad, National Remote The session was chaired by Shri AS address explained the importance of
Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, National Kiran Kumar, former Chairman, ISRO detection of submerged features using
Institute of Oceanography, Kochi, and Secretary, Department of Space. satellite-based techniques.
CMLRE, Kochi, and many academic In his inaugural address, Shri Kiran Presentations on underwater
institutions attended the session. Over Kumar elucidated the current satellite detection using satellite imaging and
100 academicians/scientists from programmes undertaken by ISRO role of airborne SAR for mapping
23 institutions participated in the which can be explored for non-acoustic of strategic areas were made by the
programme. Dr PV Hareesh Kumar, detection of underwater targets. eminent experts.
Sc ‘G’, highlighted the importance of the Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy, OS and
programme. Director, NPOL, in his presidential
CEPTAM Annual Training Calendar released
A
nnual Training Calendar 2019-
20 of Centre for Personal
Training and Management
(CEPTAM), Delhi, was released
by Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary
DD R&D and Chairman DRDO on
12 March 2019. CEPTAM has planned
68 training courses at 21 institutes
in more than 16 cities pan India for
2019-20. These training programmes
include: Induction Programme for
Fresh Recruits, Orientation Training
for Newly Promoted Officers, Skill
Upgradation & Technical Training
for DRTC, Managerial & Soft Skill
Programmes and Refresher Training for
Admin & Allied personnel of DRDO.
57th Senior Fire Supervisor’s Course
C
entre for Fire, Explosives and Services personnel, was attended by advance aspects of fire science. A total
Environment Safety (CFEES), 40 participants from various MoD of 87 theory and 116 practical periods on
Delhi, organised 57th Senior Organizations. The objective of the subject such as fluid dynamics, design
Fire Supervisor’s Course from 14 course is to enhance the career of principles of fire pumps, fire engines
January 2019 to 8 March 2019. The Fire Fighting Professionals as Shift- and fixed fire fighting systems suits,
etc., and testing and maintenance of all
course, mandatory for promotion in-Charge/Station Officer of a Fire
fire equipment were conducted.
to Station Officer for Defence Fire Station by imparting them knowledge of
14 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inHrd activities DRDO newsletter
Course on Chemical & Lab Safety Management
A
course on “Chemical and Lab
Safety Management” was
conducted at CFEES during
13-15 March 2019. The course covered
different aspects of chemical and lab
safety, viz., Safety Policy and Elements
of Safety Management, Chemical Waste
Management and Disposal, Safety
for Compressed Gases and Cryogenic
Liquids, Occupational Safety and Safe
Laboratory Practices (MSDS, SOPs,
Do’s and Don’ts), Accident Prevention,
Accident Reporting and Analysis,
Safety Monitoring and Evaluation, Fire
Hazards in Chemical, Chemical Hazard
Identification & Risk Assessment, Acts
& Regulations for Manufacturing,
Storage and Handling of Chemicals,
Safe Education and Training Needs,
Contingency Plan and Emergency
Management and Electrical Safety in
Laboratory, etc. one participants from various DRDO interactive faculty from the CFEES and
A fire drill was also conducted for laboratories attended the course. The suggested for the inclusion of more
the benefit of the participants. Thirty- participants appreciated receptive and practical sessions.
Workshop on Information & Library
Technologies for Future
D
efence Scientific Information
and Documentation Centre
(DESIDOC), Delhi, organised
a two-day Workshop during 25-26
March 2019 on “Information and
Library Technologies for the Future.”
The basic aim of the workshop was
to increase awareness and train all
categories of DESIDOC personnel
about the technological advancements
in the field. Dr Rajeev Vij, Sc ‘G’,
Course Coordinator, briefed the
participants about the objectives of
the workshop. Dr Alka Suri, Director,
DESIDOC, inaugurated the workshop
and elucidated the importance of such
need-based courses. She stressed on the
need for increasing awareness about
the learning tools and techniques for
sustainable developments in the future.
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 15hrd activities
Hindi Workshops
D
ESIDOC organized a Hindi
Workshop on 27 March 2019.
Dr Rajeev Vij, Associate
Director, DESIDOC, inaugurated the
workshop and spoke about the various
initiatives taken by the Centre to
encourage use of the Rajbhasha in day-
to-day official working. Shri Deepak
Bist, DHDI, and Shri Gaurav Misra
SAO I, Laser Science and Technology
Centre (LASTEC), Delhi, delivered
lectures on “Pension Benefits” and
“Conduct Rules”, respectively. Ninety-
six participants attended the workshop.
Shri Ajay Kumar, Sc ‘D’, DESIDOC,
proposed the vote of thanks.
I
ntegrated Test Range (ITR),
Chandipur, conducted a Hindi
Workshop during 27-28 March
2019 for DRTC and Admin and Allied
Cadre Officers and Staff. Dr BK Das,
OS and Director, ITR, highlighted the
importance of OL Hindi and emphasized
on its use in official activities. Director,
ITR, on this occasion, informed that
the progress of OL Hindi is increasing
well and we should be a part of it. The
participants of the workshop were
taught to eradicate and remove the
difficulties, hesitations in use of OL
Hindi. OL Policy of the Union was also
explained to them. The lectures were
delivered by Shri Navneet Acharya,
Asst. Professor from Netaji Subhas
Ashram Mahavidyalay, Purulia, WB. the Hindi Workshop. Shri PN Panda, (HR&PL) and his team organized the
Eighty participants participated in Sc ‘F’, Associate Group Director program.
Course on Specialty Steels for Defence
D
efence Metallurgical Research DRDO during 11-15 March 2019. The Bhattacharjee, Sc ‘G’ and Coordinator,
Laboratory (DMRL), inaugural function was presided over HRD Cell, presented the summary of
Hyderabad, organized a course by Dr Vikas Kumar, DS and Director, HRD activities of the DMRL.
on “Specialty Steels for Defence DMRL. Dr R Balamuralikrishnan, Dr Vikas Kumar delivered the
Applications” under the Continuing Sc ‘G’ and the Course Director welcomed inaugural address. Prof. V Ramaswamy,
Education Programme (CEP) of the the delegates and participants. Dr Amit PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore,
16 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inHRD Activities DRDO newsletter
delivered the keynote lecture on
“Recent Trends in Quality Control in the
Development of Strong High Strength
Steels.” Dr G Madhusudhan Reddy,
OS and Associate Director, DMRL,
delivered the second keynote lecture
on “Development and Applications of
DMR 1700 Steels.”
Twenty-nine participants from
DMRL, RCMA (Mat), PGAD/RCI and
NMRL attended the course. Lectures on
a variety of topics like steels for naval,
missile and armour applications were
delivered and covered various aspects
of steels.
COURSE ON CBRN DEFENCE
A
five-day specialized course on services. Thirteen AFMS officers from Agents, Physical protection, Medical
“CBRN Defence for Medical Army, Navy and Air Force participated countermeasures, Decontamination
Officers of AFMS” was conducted in this specialized course. The course and CBW Threat perception.
at DRDE, Gwalior, as part of DRDE’s was inaugurated by Dr DK Dubey, Dr DK Dubey, Director DRDE,
continued effort to impart knowledge Director, DRDE. The specialized course Gwalior distributed the certificates in
on chemical and biological warfare covered various topics both theory and the valedictory function. Dr PK Dash,
mitigation strategies to the defence practical aspects on Overviews on CBW Sc ‘F’ was the Course Director.
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 17HRD Activities
Training Programme on Finance and
Materials Management
A
training Programme on Finance
and Materials Management was
organised during 25 February-1
March 2019 at ITR, Balasore. Forty
seven participants from 20 labs/estts
of DRDO and CGDA participated in the
course. The Course was inaugurated by
Dr BK Das, OS and Director ITR, Dr AK
Bhateja, OS and Director, DF&MM, and
Shri DK Joshi, Director, PXE. Topics
relevant to DRDO such as PM-2016,
GFR 2017, Contract Management,
Foreign Procurement/ACA Contract,
SMG, GST, RFP, GeM, Audit, Financial
Delegation, BTS and RDR/Deposit the Chairmanship of Shri AV Rao, Shri Manish Kumar, Sc ‘E’ and Shri
works were covered during the course. PCDA (R&D), Hyderabad, wherein Saurav Negi, Deputy Director from
A panel discussion was conducted various issues pertaining to DRDO were DF&MM were Course Coordinator and
on the final day of the course under discussed. Dy Course Coordinator, respectively.
NPOL embarks on Marine & Allied Interdisci-
plinary Training & Research Initiative
N
aval Physical and interactions under MAITRI with the the collaborative research activities
Oceanographic Laboratory, IOR countries, viz., Oman, Maldives, Sri with the oceanographic counterparts
Kochi, conducted a unique S&T Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, of these countries to promote scientific
initiative named “Security and Growth Indonesia and Myanmar would be cooperation in ocean research among
for All in the Region—Marine & Allied chalked out by the NPOL scientists for these nations for mutual benefit.
Interdisciplinary Training and Research
Initiative (SAGAR MAITRI)” under
the broad objective of PM’s policy of
Safety and Growth of All in the Region
(SAGAR) 2019-2020. The programme
aims at conducting six scientific cruise
in the North Indian Ocean and to visit
and initiate collaborative research
programmes with the relevant marine
institutes in these Indian Ocean Rim
(IOR) countries.
This programme also commemorates
the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of
India’s research ship INS Kistna’s
historic International Indian Ocean
Expeditions (IIOE) took place during
1962-65. INS Sagardhwani would revisit
the selected tracks of INS Kistna. Besides,
18 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inOpinion DRDO newsletter
Emerging Challenges of Additive
Manufacturing in Multilateral
Export Control Regimes
Dr Meetul Kumar & Atul D Rane
A
dmission of India as the and WA regime; 25 participating AM machines and materials. Senvol
42nd member of Wassenaar states had addressed the challenges for lists all commercially available material
Arrangement (WA) in December control of emerging technologies like for AM; database includes 809 metal
2017 and 35th member of Missile AM and ways to de-conflict technical powders, unspecified Ni-based alloys,
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) approaches between the MTCR and WA 88 Aluminium alloys but only 10 are
in June 2016 is expected to enhance regimes with AM advances and control advertised to meet the minimal tensile
its credentials in the field of non- of technology. The meeting shared strength requirements for control, six
proliferation. Multilateral regimes ideas and insights related to Additive different Mg-based powders and 144
play significant role in promoting Manufacturing control discussions powders of Ti-based alloys.
transparency and ensure responsibility in multilateral regimes, including the Participating experts advocated the
in transfer of conventional arms and advances made in AM and procedures to WA control on machine tools particularly
dual use items and technologies. mitigate the risks of overlaps, loopholes the industrial 5 axis milling machines
MTCR and WA participating states and diverging or conflicting criteria on with defined control parameter of
are required to ensure that transfer AM amongst the participating states. unidirectional repeatability in 1 μm
of dual use items and technology do One of the participating state expert range. Control and software control
not enhance nor contribute towards was of the view that application of through 2.B and 2.D.2 sections of MTCR
the development of programmes for controls to lasers and electron beam can adequately address the new hybrid
weapon of mass destruction and their for metal processing of components AM machines, which incorporate 5
delivery. Multilateral regimes define typically accomplished by traditional axis CNC grinding, milling or turning
dual use technologies as the information machine tools can be an approach machines inside fabrication chambers.
required for the development, to control the items under the Other participating state presented
production and use of a controlled item; regimes. WA control was proposed the assessment of control parameters
the intangible technology transfer in to be applied to materials, software, where monitoring of AM technology
form of technical data sets, software or designs, STL files and CAD models was performed through usable parts,
technical assistance. required for development of dual use performance and process chain. Expert
Automation in new emerging items. Development of munition list also opined that WA control AM
technologies plays important role item, Rapid Additively Manufactured production equipment through 9.B.1
in manufacturing. Therefore the Ballistics Ordnance (RAMBO), and equipment, tooling or fixtures, specially
technological advances in these 3D printed Grenade Launcher were of designed for manufacture of gas
emerging fields must be monitored to concern for the participating states. turbine blades, vans or “tip shrouds”.
understand the potential of intangible It was informed that hypersonic The national policy of one of the
transfer of these technologies to non- engine combustors, aircraft engine participating state for AM included (i)
state players. Three-dimensional components, under water autonomous Monitoring of the developmental trends
printing (3D printing) and Additive vehicle components have been as well as End User Certificate of AM,
Manufacturing (AM) is one of the demonstrated using AM technology. besides interactions with academia and
emerging technologies that present Some experts were of view that AM institutions, (ii) monitoring licensing
challenges to export control regimes process can be effectively controlled applications for listed and not listed
due to their increasing automation through control on machine tools and/ powders, (iii) monitoring licensing
compressing the knowledge barrier and or metal powders. applications for listed spare parts, in
application of post processing tools. Senvol database is the first and most particular lasers and (iv) use of “catch
In the last joint meeting of MTCR comprehensive database for industrial all” mechanism for metal AM systems.
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 19Opinion/Personnel news
One of the expert mentioned that AM use of AM to develop new tools with designs raises the level of innovation,
was not suitable for parts with higher potential dual use applications was a eliminating the manual processes and
quantity and outlined the requirements concern among the participating states. most importantly bringing a paradigm
for outreach programme with industries While there are no clear cut controls for shift in designing and executing ideas.
on emerging technology, in particular the AM, in both MTCR and WA regimes For India, AM is still in early years;
the AM. Participating states mentioned most states have applied their national the AM pace has garnered momentum
the need to close the loophole created by policies of export controls. In addition, in last 4-5 years and India must make
AM and other powder related processes there is extensive monitoring of the AM advantage of the progress in AM through
by expanding the section 6.C.8 of MTCR systems being developed worldwide. its industries, academia, research
Annex to control the maraging steel Control of powders through regimes agencies keeping the proliferation risks
powders with at least 90 per cent of provides insights on the AM system under control.
particle size of 200 μm or less. being developed. However powders and
The joint MTCR-WA meeting its alloys are controlled to some extent
provided an overview of the advances in MTCR and WA. Consensus on control Dr Meetul Kumar is Scientist ‘F’ in Directorate
of International Cooperation (DIC), DRDO
made in the AM Technology and its of AM among the participant states will HQ. Shri Atul D Rane is Director, DIC, DRDO
applications, especially in complex aero- require extensive deliberations in both HQ. The views expressed by the authors are of
engine components. Besides technology, regimes. Use of AM to simulate product their own.
Personnel news
Appointment Director, he served as Associate Director Higher qualifica-
for USHUS sonar systems. Four
USHUS systems have been installed tion Acquired
Shri S Vijayan
in EKM class of submarines under his
Pillai, OS, has Shri P Rama Subba
stewardship at Russian dockyards.
assumed the charge Reddy, Sc ‘E’, DMRL,
as Director, NPOL, Award has been awarded PhD
Kochi, with effect for the thesis entitled
from 1 April 2019. An Ms Dipti Arora, Technical Officer ‘B’, “Nano Composites” by
MTech in Integrated DESIDOC, Delhi, has been awarded the the Jawaharlal Nehru
Circuits and System Best Paper Citation Prize for her paper “E Technological University
Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, Shri Research Support Services: Intensifying (JNTU), Hyderabad.
Pillai started his career in Indian Air Landscape of S&T Libraries” presented
Force (IAF). He later joined DRDO in at three-day International Conference Shri Sabyasachi Saha,
1989 as Sc ‘B’. on “Intellectual Property Rights: Digital Sc ‘D’, DMRL, Hyderabad
His short stint in IAF provided him Transformation” held at Sanskruti has been awarded PhD
a first-hand experience in airborne Bhavan, Panaji, during 27-29 March for the thesis “TEM
and ground equipment, which has 2019. The paper was co-authored by Characterization of Micro-
held him in a good stead throughout Dr Alka Suri, Director, DESIDOC and structural Evolution of
his career in defence R&D. As DRDO Ms Alka Bansal, Sc ‘F’, DESIDOC. GaN Grown by MOCVD on e-Sapphire”
scientist, user perspective, and end- by Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
use environment has always been the Bangalore.
strongest drives in his system design
Shri Suresh D Meshram,
approach. He had worked in various
Sc ‘E’, DMRL, Hyderabad,
capacities starting from System User,
has been awarded PhD
Maintainer, Circuit Designer, System
for the thesis “Friction
Designer, Project Coordinator, Project
Stir Welding of Maraging
Manager, Associate Project Director,
Steel” by Indian Institute
and Project Director for mission mode
of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
sonar projects. Before taking over as
20 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inINFRA development DRDO newsletter
NPOL gets a NEW RO-RO Barge
A
new Ro-Ro Barge, ‘MV
Kurathi’, was inaugurated
by Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy,
OS and Director, NPOL, Kochi, on
27 March 2019 for commencing trial
operations at Underwater Acoustic
Research Facility (UARF). UARF is
a field trial facility of NPOL, located
at Kulamavu on the banks of Idukki
hydroelectric reservoir. The 100 ton
Ro-Ro Barge has an overall length of
25 m, breadth of 7 m, depth of 2.3 m and
draught of 1 m. The barge has a cruising
speed of 9 knots. The vessel is powered
by dual 270 HP Marine Diesel Engines
and has a Ro-Ro Ramp to enable a 10
ton truck with testing equipment to
move in and out of the vessel. The vessel marine Jib Cranes of 5, 3 and 1 ton enhance trial capabilities at UARF with
is manufactured with IRS classification capacity; DG sets of 100 kVA, 30 kVA faster deployment of heavy transducer
and will be registered with Kerala and 3 kVA; GPS; Depth Sounder; Range arrays and equipment, and towed trials
Inland Navigation authority. Finder; Capstan; etc. The barge has of transducer arrays and standalone
The major equipment onboard the a measurement well with transducer generators for full power testing of
vessel to facilitate field trials of SONAR mounting structure and measurement transducer arrays.
Systems/Transducer Arrays include: room with instrumentation and will
DG (LS) inaugurates VE-CARE lab at INMAS
D
r AK Singh, OS and DG (LS),
DRDO HQ, inaugurated a
new Virtual Environment and
Cognitive Assessment, Rehabilitation
and Enhancement (VE-CARE) lab at
Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied
Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, on 1 March
2019. The lab comprises state-of-the-
art systems for virtual and augmented
reality for cognitive profiling. The
work caters to maintaining standards
throughout the world.
VE-CARE lab with facilities
comprising eye tracking device, head
mounted displays, Microsoft Hololens,
256 channels wireless EEG system,
motion capture suits and high power
workstations for virtual environment
creation and physiological data analysis.
This will be helpful in cognitive training
of defence personnel under different
scenarios.
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 21DRDO SERIES
DRDO Harnessing Science for Peace &
Security
Chapter 4: marching forward
The article is 38th 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).
ARMAMENTS submarine rocket. The Laboratory was State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) at Delhi
in the process of establishing a pilot and Defence Electronics Applications
High Energy Materials plant for Air Regenerating Composition Laboratory (DEAL) at Dehradun.
Research Laboratory (ARC) for sailors working in submarines However, in the 1980’s two more
or soldiers operating at high altitudes, laboratories in electronics were set up.
T
he Laboratory also developed where the atmosphere would be of These were, Microwave Tubes Research
a new family of weapons called rarified oxygen. ARC, when in contact and Development Centre (MTRDC) and
Fuel Air Explosive (FAE) system with moisture, would generate oxygen Centre for Artificial Intelligence and
with a damage potential superior to and absorb the exhaled carbon dioxide, Robotics (CAIR), both at Bangalore.
conventional explosive weapons. When thus providing relief. The ARC provides During 1958-1982, the major activities
fuels like ethylene oxide, propylene a self-contained breathing apparatus. of LRDE were development of
oxide, heptane and methane were To back the extensive development generating sets, radars and terrestrial
dispersed in air these formed detonable activities, HEMRL established a strong communications for the Services. At
aerosols which produced very high research base in areas of high explosives, DLRL, the focus was on electronic
impulse blast waves on detonation due propellants, high energy materials, warfare, cipher systems for telegraph,
to higher heats of combustion. These detonics of explosives, combination and radars. SSPL was dedicated to
aerosols would be FAEs and owing to mechanism and ballistic modification research and development of solid state
their gaseous state before detonation, of propellants. In 1970s HEMRL built materials for electronic applications and
they covered large areas irrespective of capability to scale up from pilot plant devices, and DEAL was engaged in radio
the land contour or protective buildings. level to full-scale production on a turn propagation, troposcatter/meteoric
FAEs were found very effective against key basis. burst communications, and millimetre
soft targets like antipersonnel mines, Currently, HEMRL is the only wave systems.
ships, aircraft, bridges, missiles, troops laboratory of its kind in the country
and jungle clearance. HEMRL went
Electronics & Radar Develop-
dealing with the entire range of high
further to explore the feasibility of ment Establishment
energy materials for use by military,
developing a rocket-delivered FAE starting from small rounds, mortars, At the time of formation of LRDE
warhead for utilisation by multi-barrel high energy solid propellants for guns, in 1958, there were only a handful of
rocket launching system. rockets and missiles, to tailor-made qualified personnel whose experience
Several pilot plants were set up in this high explosives, pyrotechnics and so on. was mostly in defect investigations and/
decade for producing in bulk, propellants The knowledge and expertise it has built or carrying out import substitution for
for a large variety of artillery and tank resulted in the country being totally the existing electronic equipment to
ammunition. The Laboratory was also self-reliant in the field of explosives, keep these in operation. In some rare
in the process, setting up additional propellants and pyro devices. cases, minor modifications were also
pilot plants for the manufacture of being carried out mainly because exact
explosive composition for the Navy, ELECTRONICS equivalents of obsolete components
various propellant cartridges and power There were are four laboratories were not available. Thus, the first five
cartridges. Setting up of more pilot in the field of electronics, namely, years were devoted to recruitment
plants were also under consideration Electronics and Radar Development of qualified scientists and engineers,
for low-temperature plastic explosive, Establishment (LRDE) at Bangalore, organisation of the Laboratory for
tear smoke ammunition, propellant Defence Electronics Research development and to initiate activities,
for 100 mm, HE ammunition and anti- Laboratory (DLRL) at Hyderabad, Solid which were a mix of import substitution
22 May 2019 www.drdo.gov.inDRDO SERIES DRDO newsletter
and improvements to equipment held be carried out by the industry with network that would link the forward
by the Services. This was a period of the technical direction from LRDE units with each other and with the rear
learning by doing during which greater and after evaluation and approval by echelons. DRDO participated in the
insight was gained into the complexities the Armed Forces, these would be formulation as well as in the design and
of design and development of equipment manufactured by the firms which had development for both the Plans. In both
for meeting the stringent performance developed these. In the case of nickel cases at the insistence of the Services,
specifications laid down by the Armed cadmium batteries which were needed indigenous development activity was
Forces. for operations at subzero temperature assigned to two R&D institutions of
The quantum change in electronics and high altitude regions, industry did which one would be a DRDO laboratory.
components technology that had taken not take up the development as they did LRDE would be fully involved in the
place, from power guzzling vacuum not foresee its commercial viability in development of transmission, switching
devices to transistors operating the immediate future. LRDE took up the and speech secrecy equipment for
with low voltages and power levels, work as a challenge and developed the Plan AREN for more than a decade.
virtually eliminated replication of older indigenous active plates and materials, The Laboratory would undertake
generation equipment. Instead, DRDO non-spillable power packs with long development of radars for the Indian
seized this opportunity to design and storage and service life. In addition, Army as well as the Air Force.
develop transistorised equipment a pilot plant was established at LRDE In the 1960s, the radar projects of
meeting the functional characteristics for the manufacture of nickel cadmium immediate concern for LRDE were
of the older equipment. Several types batteries and chargers. Pilot plants the development of two mobile radar
were successfully developed by LRDE were also set up for production of systems for the Artillery; one for
and then manufactured. Some of the other communication equipment which surveillance and the other for location of
more important ones were, portable were required in small numbers . mortars and other projectile launching
transistorised communication In the aftermath of the 1962 Chinese weapons. As there was no readily
switchboard (manual exchange), light invasion of the country, there was a available mobile surveillance radar
weight VHF ground-to-air wireless realisation that modernisation of our meeting the Artillery’s performance
communication set, a forward area Armed Forces was overdue and also requirements, LRDE was vested with the
HF communication equipment, two that electronics technology would have responsibility of developing the system.
types of speech secrecy units, channel an important role in contributing to Ab initio development and configuring
doubling unit for speech and carrier our capability to deter such aggression. it for mobile application did not fit the
communication equipment. In addition, The Plan ADGES (Air Defence Ground time frame for development, and thus
portable/mobile generators for prime Environment System) for the Indian major subsystems were imported from
power, and lightweight portable nickel Air Force and Plan AREN (Army Radio radar manufacturers abroad and the
cadmium batteries were successfully Engineered Network) were sanctioned system was configured in a designated
developed. As the electrical industry so that the country would have radars vehicle. The radar was evaluated by
had the technological capability, it along our borders to provide us early the Artillery and was accepted for
was decided that developments in warning of any attack and the Army production at Bharat Electronics Ltd.
portable/mobile generators would would have a tactical communication Since Bharat Electronics Ltd, the
Public Sector Unit was in the process
of producing a fire control radar with
foreign collaboration, LRDE decided
to develop the field artillery radar with
the subsystems of the fire control radar.
The analogue computer used for fire
control purposes had to be redesigned
for field artillery purposes. The field
artillery radar was developed by LRDE,
evaluated by Artillery for the role and
was accepted for production at Bharat
Electronics Ltd.
Nickel Cadmium Batteries To be continued...
www.drdo.gov.in May 2019 23You can also read
