DRDO, PSU and Private Defence Sector News

[RPK]

BEL implements major shift in R&D policy

: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a Bangalore-based defense PSU, is in the process of implementing a major shift in its R&D policy .Talking to FE, BEL’s R&D director IV Sarma said the company’s R&D workforce will increase to 1,700 employees in the next two-three years from the current 1,400 as the company has taken up several steps to restructure the department. The R&D spend will also increase to Rs 600 crore-Rs 700 crore in the next two-three years when the company is expected to fetch revenue in the range of Rs 7,000 crore to Rs 8,000 crore. In the last fiscal, the company’s R&D investment stood at Rs 250 crore when the company witnessed a turnover of Rs 4,618 crore.

The objective is to deliver new products with innovative technologies on par with international standards and enhance indigenous levels, he said. “Already we have taken decision at board level to implement changes in R&D policy,” he added.

Earlier the company was developing products based on the specifications provided by its clients (primarily army & air force), he said while adding, “Our R&D programmes were based on the already defined specifications by our clients. In this case, by the time the product was rolled out after 4-5 years of development cycle, it was slightly behind the technology compared to international standards.”

Hence the company has decided to develop projects proactively with innovative technologies and bring out new products. “The specification of our new products will become the specification for army and air force and gap between our standards and international ones will be bridged,” he added.

Currently, 55% of products in value are being made out of in-house technology while 20-25% products are based on technology by DRDO and ISRO followed by 20-25% through foreign collaborations. With a change in R&D policy, he said the products with ingenious technology will be increased up to 75% in the next two-three year from the current 55-60%.

Recently, the company hired 30 engineers, most of them from IITs, for its Central Research Laboratory units in Bangalore and New Delhi. In addition, the company has also hired 35 experienced software engineers for its R&D team spread across its 17 manufacturing locations.

The company has also started investing in the programmes of DRDO. “Earlier we use to further develop and manufacture the products that were already developed by DRDO. Now the company is getting associated with DRDO at development stage of the products by pumping in money to the tune of 20-30% of the project cost. It will make the project development cycle faster and the company can own the project,” he added.

 

[RPK]

india to develop a micro submarine

In an effort to strengthen its underwater attack capabilities the Indian Navy is in talks with the Naval Science and Technical Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, to build a micro-submarine for its strategic operations.The NSTL scientists have put the preliminary design of a vessel on their drawing board. Sources told Express that the micro-submarine will have a carrying capacity of six persons. It will have the endurance of a normal submarine.“All major navies have a fleet of small submarines. They are used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The same boats are also used for special operations like closeto- shore commando strikes,” sources said.The Indian Navy has asked NSTL scientists to come up with a model similar to the ones used by advanced forces. “A manned microsubmarine has gained strategic relevance in this era of surgical strikes. It won’t leave loud signatures that can be heard by enemy sonar or other monitoring mechanisms,” sources said.The project will be a totally indigenous effort. The Defence Ministry wants this to be showcased as a public-private initiative. “We will rope in builders or firms that will play a role in fabricating its parts from the beginning. There are a few names like L&T and Tata who have evinced interest in playing a bigger role in the defence industry,” sources said.The NSTL is expected to finish the design by 2010. The hope is to carry out the first trials by 2015. In another development, the Navy successfully carried out two live trials of super torpedo Varunastra. This torpedo weighs twice as much as the conventional one and has a longer range.“The two test firings were on target.Varunastra can accurately kill a big ship anywhere in a radius of 10 km. This being a big weapon, one torpedo can effectively take out a potential threat,” sources said adding that the Navy has asked for 100 weapons which will be delivered by the year end.

 

[RPK]

varuanstra indian heavy weight torpedo undergoing production


The indigenously built heavyweight torpedo, Varunastra, is scheduled to undergo into production in 2009. Being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to counter threats from the sea, Varunastra can be fired against hostile submarines and ships. The DRDO’s Visakhapatnam-based Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL) is currently developing the Varunastra.

“We are developing two types of torpedoes. The lightweight anti-submarine torpedo is currently under production. The heavyweight Varunastra requires more user trials before it can be inducted into the Navy. It will undergo extensive trials by the end of this year and will be ready for production in 2009,” a senior NSTL official, who was visiting DRDO facilities in Orissa, told the Hindustan Times. A torpedo, on entering water, performs pre-programmed search patterns, detects and homes in on targets and explodes on impact to destroy/damage them.

A heavyweight torpedo like the Varunastra is fired from a submarine or ship. “This torpedo is wire-guided. In other words, the guidance wire acts as a medium for communication of data between the torpedo and the firing platform (ship or submarine). The wire is also a medium to communicate data to guide the torpedo towards the target during the underwater run,” the NSTL official said. “DRDO has developed guidance wire spools for wire-guided torpedoes like Varunastra. This system has undergone sea trials and performed satisfactorily. DRDO has also developed an onboard instrumentation system for torpedoes.”

The official added that the instrumentation system performs pre-launch communication, monitors health of the torpedo and stores torpedo parameters online.

Despite the strides made in the indigenous production of torpedoes, the Indian Navy still suffers from a handicap: how to train submarine or ship crew in torpedo firing. Use of real torpedoes for training is cost prohibitive, so naval officials train with practice torpedoes. For this purpose, NSTL has designed, developed and produced a ‘drill and practice torpedo’, which is the equivalent of an Italian torpedo, currently available with the Indian Navy. The indigenous drill and practice torpedo is available at one-sixth the cost of an imported torpedo.


with this india has joined a elite club of nations that can produce torpedoes of this kind previously it was only developed by eight countries but now india has joined them also.

 

[mattster]

Its not hard to understand why so many people are so critical of the DRDO management.

All you have to do is look at the list of projects on this thread - there are a ton of non-critical, poor ROI projects - everything from amphibious floating bridges, to bug-resistant uniforms, to IED sniffing robots, to chemical biowarfare vehicles, etc, etc.....this list goes on and on.

Has anyone in the DRDO management ever heard of the term ROI (Return on Investment). When you need products that have been developed by other countries and they are not critical technologies - then just buy the damn thing from the Israelis, Americans, Germans or French.

Why do you want to spend years, and tons of money developing speciality products especially when these products are going to be needed in small quantities and there are no international sanctions on such products - meaning they can be bought freely from any country in the world.

Wouldn't it make more sense to buy an IED sniffing robot from some American or Israeli company with a ton of experience in that area, rather than developing it from stratch. At some point it simply makes sense to buy than develop on your own. You dont need to reinvent the freaking wheel for every little project. You can even work with a foreign or local company which specializes in that area, and make them tailor their product to your needs and you will probably get a better product at a cheaper price and much quicker results.

The argument for developing indigenous capacity is only true for critical defense technologies - not things like IED robots, and floating bridges, biowarfare vehicles, etc. It really seems like they are creating projects for the sake of keeping people busy and not because it is vital.

DRDO just seems like a huge organization with very loose control and a clueless top-level management. Its obvious that these people at the top are not really focussed on their core mission.

It seems like an organization that sorely lacks in fundamental modern-day management skills and concepts that are common-place practices in top level private firms in India and rest of the world.

 

[RPK]

The Hindu : Business / Industry : Boeing to begin work on new aircraft repair unit

While Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd was producing Boeing civil plane doors along with weapon bay doors for F-18 fighter aircraft and flaperones for P-8I maritime patrol aircraft,

 

[Chota]

DRDO's DRIVING INNOVATION: STUDENT ROBOT COMPETITION

DRIVING INNOVATION: STUDENT ROBOT COMPETITION

Problem Definition:

1. The robot should complete a closed loop obstacle course of 500m consisting of various hurdles within an anticipated time of 20 min using Autonomous Navigation.

2. Maximum robot speed should be 10 kmph and maximum robot speed should be limited by hardware.

3. Robot should carry a max payload of 20 kg.

4. The robot should navigate with the help of GPS waypoints & Land marks.

5. Facility for wireless E-Stop during emergency should be provided.

6. Type of locomotion to be chosen by the students and it should be self powered in all respects.

7. The robot should navigate the terrain while avoiding static positive hard obstacles.

8. Maximum width of the robot should be 1m.

9. Course position & exact obstacle positions will be provided one hour before the event.

10. Width of the lane: maximum is 3m and minimum is 1.2 m.

11. Terrain details:
(a) Sand 3 inches of depth.
(b) Gravel size of 2inches.
(c) Gradient with an up/down maximum slope of 15 Deg.
(d) Staircase climbing up to a maximum of 6 steps up and down (7 inches height x 10 inches tread).
(e) 8 Corrugations with a maximum radius of 8 inches and pitch 16 inches.
(f) Lane following by color detection.

If any one is intrested, please check DRIVING INNOVATION: STUDENT ROBOT COMPETITION

 

[sayareakd]

Drdo: Goals for the year 2010

DRDO: GOALS FOR THE YEAR 2010
http://www.drdo.com/pub/nl/2010/jan10.pdf

 

[sayareakd]

DRDO: GOALS FOR THE YEAR 2010 Based on the long term plan, our key areas of focus for the year 2010 in various technology fields is as follows: Missile Systems Cluster • Production and induction of Akash for IAF & Army • Flight test with active seeker for Astra in Ground-to-Air mode • Control and navigation flight test of LRSAM • Flight test of PDV Interceptor (it means PAD missile interceptor) :twizt: • Flight tests of A2, A3 and A5 and Shourya Missiles :twizt: • Launch of ASTROIDS- II and Sangram-II at War centers

 

[sayareakd]

Aeronautics Cluster • Initial Operational Clearance for LCA Tejas • Launch of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program :twizt: • Concept proof for 3Ton Space Payload Recovery:twizt: • Altitude Test and Flying Test Evaluation of Kaveri Engine:twizt: • Electronic Warfare Suites for LCA, Mig-29 and Su-30 Aircrafts • Ground Integration of Advanced Early Warning subsystems • Launch Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV program :twizt: Armament & Combat Engineering Cluster • Induction of modern sub machine carbine,:twizt: • Induction of Pinaka in two more squadrons • Development of sub-munition 125mm FSAPDS Mk II for T-72 and anti-laser and anti thermal smoke grenade

 

[sayareakd]

Aeronautics Cluster • Initial Operational Clearance for LCA Tejas • Launch of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program :twizt: • Concept proof for 3Ton Space Payload Recovery:twizt: • Altitude Test and Flying Test Evaluation of Kaveri Engine:twizt: • Electronic Warfare Suites for LCA, Mig-29 and Su-30 Aircrafts • Ground Integration of Advanced Early Warning subsystems • Launch Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV program :twizt: Armament & Combat Engineering Cluster • Induction of modern sub machine carbine,:twizt: • Induction of Pinaka in two more squadrons • Development of sub-munition 125mm FSAPDS Mk II for T-72 and anti-laser and anti thermal smoke grenade

 

[enlightened1]

Successful flight trials of laser-guided bombs​

http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=57175​

http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=57175http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=57175

Two flight trials were conducted today at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur to test the effectiveness of the guidance and control systems of laser-guided bombs. On-board systems in both the trials worked satisfactorily and the mission objectives have been met. Aeronautics Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore has developed the guidance kit for 1000 lb, laser guided bombs. These are designed to improve accuracy of air-to-ground bombing by Indian Air Force. A number of tests have been performed both through simulation and flight tests over the last few years to reach the required performance levels. The bomb, once released, by the mother aircraft at appropriate range, will seek the target and home on to it very accurately and with high reliability. All the necessary on-board components are sourced from Indian industry. Another DRDO Lab, Instruments Research and Development Establishment, Dehradun has partnered ADE in this project.

Indian Air Force officers flew the aircraft and released the bombs as per prescribed standard operating procedures.

 

[enlightened1]

Rechargeable cell useful in defence sector developedhttp://www.ptinews.com/news/478692_Rechargeable-cell-useful-in-defence-sector-developed​

http://www.ptinews.com/news/478692_Rechargeable-cell-useful-in-defence-sector-developedhttp://www.ptinews.com/news/478692_Rechargeable-cell-useful-in-defence-sector-developed

Coimbatore, Jan 21 (PTI) The Centre for Life Sciences, a unit of DRDO in the Bharathiar University (BU), has developed a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can work for longer period in low temperature areas.

Since the jawans operate and live mostly in remote areas located in low temperature locations in the Himalayas for more than one or two months, the cell, which would last nearly three months, would be useful in their communication equipment, BU Vice Chancellor Dr C Swaminathan told reporters here today.

Appearing similar to a 50 paise coin, with two to four voltage range, the cell is awaiting approval from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, after which it would be released for manufacturing and commercial production, he said.

 

[sayareakd]

this just might be the kit........

 

[s_bman]

India tests laser guided bombs successfully
January 21, 2010 19:25 IST


India [ Images ] on Thursday carried out two successful flight trials of laser-guided bombs (LGBs) for the Indian Air Force to test the effectiveness of the guidance and control systems at the Chandipur integrated test range in Orissa.

"Two flight trials were conducted at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, to test the effectiveness of the guidance and control systems of the LGBs," a Defence Ministry release said in New Delhi [ Images ].

IAF officers flew their aircraft and released the LGBs as per prescribed standard operating procedures. "On-board systems in both the trials worked satisfactorily and the mission objectives have been met," the release added.

Bangalore-based Aeronautics Development Establishment (ADE) has developed the guidance kit for 1000-pound LGBs and these are designed to improve accuracy of air-to-ground bombing by IAF.

The ADE has already carried out a number of tests on the LGBs both through simulation and flight tests over the last few years to reach the required performance levels.

"The bomb, once released, by the mother aircraft at appropriate range, will seek the target and home on to it very accurately and with high reliability. All the necessary on-board components are sourced from Indian industry," it said.

Instruments Research and Development Establishment, another DRDO lab in Dehradun, has partnered ADE in the project.
India tests laser guided bombs successfully: Rediff.com India News

 

[Rahul Singh]

have a better res pic? so it is a smart kit put on a dumb bomb, i guess.

For you ppgj

 

[ZOOM]

What is a difference between guidence kit and LGB?
Has india developed both or tested former with foreign LGB?

 

[nitesh]

India sets stage for laser- guided missile

DRDO-BU centre launch shortly

 

[Sridhar]

Friday, January 22, 2010

DRDO participation in Republic Day Parade 2010

As every year, this year also DRDO will be parading some of their products on the Republic Day. While some of the products already inducted by Indian Army will be forming part of Army’s contingent, other products will be shown under DRDO banner.
The equipments that are being displayed by DRDO in the Republic Day parade for the first time are :

• 1. Light Combat Aircraft - Tejas
  2. Shaurya Missile
  3. Rohini Radar

DRDO’s star product namely Agni III missile will be displayed again for the public.

The brief description of each of the equipment is hereby attached.

• INDIAN LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT – TEJAS

Indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft – TEJAS is the most compact, light weight, supersonic, multi-role, combat aircraft, best in its class in the world. TEJAS has been built incorporating key technologies like Carbon Composites for primary structures, agility through Unstable Aerodynamic Configuration, Quadruplex Digital Flight Control System, Glass Cockpit and Digital Avionics. As on date, more than 1200 sorties have been successfully flown by IAF pilots on seven prototypes of TEJAS. Trainer variant of TEJAS has successfully taken to skies. Naval variant of TEJAS is being developed for Carrier borne operations and the prototype is in the final stages of fabrication.

• AGNI – III MISSILE

Agni – III is an indigenously developed Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. With a range of 3500 km, Agni – III provides vital deterrence capability for Indian Defence. The Missile with two stage solid propellant Rocket Motor is transported and launched from rail network anywhere in the country. The Missile is inertially guided with high accuracy and is designed to carry nuclear payload.

• SHAURYA MISSILE

SHAURYA is a canisterized surface to surface strategic missile developed by DRDO for use by the Armed Forces. Mounted on a 8 x 8 Tatra vehicle this missile has a range of 700 Kms with a 500 kg warhead and can be launched from fixed as well as mobile Launchers. Boosted by a solid propellant rocket motor, the missile travels at hypersonic speeds. Productionisation activity has already commenced and soon this missile will give a real edge to the services in their battle readiness.

• ROHINI RADAR

ROHINI is a ground based 3D Medium Range Surveillance Radar for air space surveillance having 180 km range and high altitude coverage. It is capable of detection and tracking hundreds of air targets, even under hostile EW environment. The radar has advanced technologies like multibeam antenna, digital receiver, programmable signal processor providing high resolution, accuracy, response and information availability and 24 x 7 airspace awareness to the Commanders during peace and war time. The radar has been inducted in the service and mode of realization of the radar has been quoted as shining example of DRDO Industry Synergy, the new age objective of DRDO.

DRDO developed systems being showcased by Army are the following :

• 1. Main Battle Tank Arjun
  2. Samyukta Integrated EW System
  3. Armoured Engineering Recce Vehicle
  4. Multispan Mobile Bridging System – Sarvatra
  5. Armoured Ambulance

Brute Gorilla: DRDO participation in Republic Day Parade 2010

 

[ppgj]

What is a difference between guidence kit and LGB?

basically different types guidances to seek and hit the targets are available. laser guided, GPS guided etc.. these are part of the missiles.

now there are ways of making even dumb bombs as smart bombs. this is done by adding separate guidance kits (laser or GPS). my question in the previous posts were reagarding that.

here more for you -

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts existing unguided gravity bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM equipped bombs are guided to their target by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for enhanced accuracy, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km) from the release point.

The program's approach was in contrast to earlier laser-guided bomb and imaging infrared technology, both of which can be hindered by adverse ground and weather conditions; however, laser designators are now being fitted to some JDAMS as well[citation needed], because of their suitability for attacking certain types of targets.

Joint Direct Attack Munition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Has india developed both or tested former with foreign LGB?

seems they have.

here is an interesting piece of info. i guess based on this latest info, india must be capable of doing this.

The Mirage 2000 were supplied with Thomson-CSF Laser Designator Pod, known as ‘ATLIS’ which was capable of delivery of Matra 1000 kg LGBs, which were purpose built for destruction of reinforced targets. These weapons were highly capable but were very expensive. It was decided to augment their capability by adding the 1000 lb bomb coupled with Paveway II laser-guided bomb kit. The IAF had ordered a number of these, but they had been supplied with an incorrect part. Because of the nuclear test performed by India, they were on the embargo list and were unable to get the correct parts sent as replacements. Consequently IAF technicians had to remanufacture this part in order to make the Paveway serviceable for use on the Mirage.

The IAF in the Kargil Operations - 1999

 

[ZOOM]

What kind of a capability can we materilize from this latest LGB Test in terms of affordibility, realiability and its operational use?

And to what extent it will minimize our dependence upon foreign nations for similar technology and availibility?