A monthly house bulletin of Defence Research & Development Organisation ■ Vol. 31 No. 1 ■ January 2011 SA to RM Addresses the DRDO Family Dear Directors, Officers, and Staff of all DRDO labs and HQrs, I bring to all of you warm and fraternal New Year Greetings. The end of one year, and the beginning of another, is always a time for reflection, assessment, and planning. We delve on what we did right and what went wrong in the year gone by and in which way we can improve in the coming year. It is also a time for us to prioritise and set goals and objectives to bring in changes for achieving better results. We may be satisfied today with what we have achieved so far, but this must be improved upon tomorrow; the performance bar must constantly be raised to higher levels. Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to the tasks ahead, re-kindling our spirits, renewing our strength, and re-assuring ourselves that we have the capability to overcome every obstacle. You may recall, during my first New Year address on 01 January 2010, I had mentioned certain key goals for 2010 in various technology areas, based on our long-term plan. I am very happy to announce that we not only accomplished majority of these goals or made significant progress towards accomplishment of the others, but also undertook many new initiatives. In this Issue SA to RM Addresses the DRDO Family Successful Launch of Agni-1 Missile BrahMos Successfully Flight-tested Type Approval for AMAGB of LCA-Tejas DRDO Directors’ Conclave Aviation Conclave 2010 NPOL at Pan-IIT 2010 Conclave Aerostat-ADRDE Transfer of Technology: VRLSTS Raising Day Celebrations DRDO Newsletter Correspondents List Excellence through Creativity and Innovation is the abiding motto of this Organisation
Transcript
1January 2011
A monthly house bulletin of Defence Research & Development Organisation ■ Vol. 31 No. 1 ■ January 2011
SA to RM Addresses the DRDO Family
Dear Directors, Officers, and Staff of all DRDO labs and HQrs, I bring to all of you warm and fraternal New Year Greetings.
The end of one year, and the beginning of another, is always a time for reflection,
assessment, and planning. We delve on what we did right and what went wrong in the year gone by and in which way we can improve in the coming year. It is also a time for us to prioritise and set goals and objectives to bring in changes for achieving better results.
We may be satisfied today with what we have achieved so far, but this must be improved upon tomorrow; the performance bar must constantly be raised to higher levels. Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to the tasks ahead, re-kindling our spirits, renewing our strength, and re-assuring ourselves that we have the capability to overcome every obstacle.
You may recall, during my first New Year address on 01 January 2010, I had mentioned certain key goals for 2010 in various technology areas, based on our long-term plan. I am very happy to announce that we not only accomplished majority of these goals or made significant progress towards accomplishment of the others, but also undertook many new initiatives.
In this Issue SA to RM Addresses the DRDO Family
Successful Launch of Agni-1 Missile
BrahMos Successfully Flight-tested
Type Approval for AMAGB of LCA-Tejas
DRDO Directors’ Conclave
Aviation Conclave 2010
NPOL at Pan-IIT 2010 Conclave
Aerostat-ADRDE
Transfer of Technology: VRLSTS
Raising Day Celebrations
DRDO Newsletter Correspondents List
Excellence through Creativity and Innovation
is the abiding motto of this Organisation
2 January 2011
has been accorded by the DAC for Air-to-Surface BrahMos missile.
System Development and Technology Demonstration in various Technology Disciplines
The technology spectrum of our activities is fairly broad. I would like to mention the significant progress made in each of the technology clusters, through dedicated efforts of team members involved:
In the Aeronautics discipline, Aerostat – Akashdeep (2000 cum capacity) was realised. The manufacturing of the first Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft commenced with assembly of fuselage junction.
In the Missiles cluster, user trials for Nag missile were completed; the tactical missiles, Helina and Astra underwent a number of successful developmental launches; the ballistic Control and Navigation Test (CNT) flight trials of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) were conducted; an active radar seeker, for AD mission, has been developed and tested for acceptance; and the first computerised War Gaming Center at Chandimandir has been established.
In the Electronics area, the major achievements include integration and field testing of country’s first indigenous active array radar; installation and trial evaluation of the EOFCS on INS Shivalik; operationalisation of Combat Information Decision Support System (CIDSS); and development and testing of Laser-based Ordnance Disposal System and Advanced Laser guided Bomb Tester.
Under the Armaments and Combat Engineering stream, user trials of ROV have been successfully completed; and composite propellant facility has been created for the development of motors for strategic missiles.
The achievements of Naval group of laboratories include successful technical trials of the Advanced Torpedo Defence System (ATDS) – Mareech; successful demonstration of Sea Bed Array Sonar for detection of submarine in littoral water; system development of Ship-launched Heavy Weight Torpedo; and realisation of Air Independent Energy module under Fuel Cell Programme.
Major Accomplishments
Let us recapitulate some of the major milestones accomplished during 2010:
■ Roll out of first prototype of LCA (Naval version)
■ Maiden flight-test of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – Rustom
■ Successful flight trials of Kaveri engine on IL-76 based Flying Test Bed
■ Successful test launches of Prithvi-II (in salvo mode), Dhanush, and Agni series of missiles by user groups
■ Successful interceptor missile test (AD Mission) in endo-atmospheric region achieving direct hit of incoming ballistic missile (2000 km class target) with live P-charge warhead
■ Successful launches of BrahMos missile
■ Induction of Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), Multimode Grenade, Carrier Command Post Tracked (CCPT) Vehicle, and Varuna EW system
■ Delivery of multi-barrel rocket launcher system (Pinaka), MBT-Arjun tanks, NBC Recce vehicle, Mobile Nuclear Contamination Analysis Station, and Armoured Engineering Recce Vehicles
DRDO-Developed Systems Under Production
I would like to mention that the cumulative production value of DRDO-developed systems accepted by the Services and under production has been growing steadily, and has touched Rs one lakh crore. It is likely to increase further, in near future, with the acceptance for induction and placement of production order for new DRDO-developed systems. Production order for Akash missile for two squadrons of IAF has already been received and approval accorded for six additional squadrons. The approval
3January 2011
In the Materials arena, the significant achievements include development of low alloy steel DMR-1700 as a cost-effective replacement for 250 grade maraging steel and its successful application in Akash and Agni missile boosters; development and flight trials of lightweight composite armour for Mi-17 helicopter. Various indigenous materials such as polymer matrix resins, broadband microwave-absorbing composites, structural adhesives, sealants and lubricants have been developed and approved for missile and other applications.
In the Life Sciences discipline, the accomplishments include development of modular, man-portable NBC shelter; development of an Integrated Life Support System for pilots of fighter aircraft; establishment of an oxygen enrichment facility at Leh to take care of acute mountain sickness of air crew.
Under the newly formed cluster of Micro-Electronics and Devices, the achievements include demonstration of the functioning of Gallium Nitride high-electron mobility transistor and development of multi-beam klystron and testing for delivery of 100 W pulsed power at Ka-band for the first time in the country. Variants of 100 W MPM transmitter for EW systems have been developed.
New Technology Initiatives In addition to striving for accomplishment of goals
set during the last year, we undertook several new technology initiatives in the areas of Cyber Security, Space Security, and Energy Security. In view of the growing threats of cyber attacks and data theft, there is a need to develop our own computer operating system so that the source code and complete architecture is known to us and any malicious attempts of cyber attacks are thwarted. There is a need to develop technologies for protection, detection, and mitigation of cyber threats. We have launched projects covering development of indigenous operating systems,
hardened network hardware, and network security devices.
In the field of Space Security, we have launched programme for space surveillance and security. Under Energy Security, a 2-MW plant is planned for producing flexible CIGS-based solar cells.
Initiatives have been taken to develop technologies to combat Low Intensity Conflict (LIC). The requirements of various users, viz., Para-military Forces, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, NSG, and Coast Guard have been mapped with DRDO capabilities. A three-tier approach has been evolved to support LIC combat operations by supplying ready-to-use products within six months and products after suitable modification within a year, and new requirements involving R&D, within three years.
Information Techno- logy Initiatives
During my last New Year Address, I had brought out the need to bring in an IT-enabled working environment, for which the Directorate of MIST was created. The DRDO website has been re-designed. The Intranet backbone has been upgraded. A DRDO-wide
Video Conferencing System has been established and is being utilised. This has resulted in substantial saving in the money used for movement of personnel. An online Data Repository and Project Tracking System has been provided. IT should be effectively utilised for long-term planning, budget forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and fiscal discipline.
Human Resource Initiatives DRDO’s greatest strength lies in its human
resource. A number of initiatives have been taken to strengthen, streamline, and facilitate the functioning of our workforce. A forward looking Cadre Review and Restructuring has been taken up with Dept of Personnel & Training and Ministry of Finance for Admin/Stores/Personal/Allied/Accounts and DRTC
.... listening to the New Year Address at Kothari Auditorium, New Delhi
4 January 2011
cadre. A template has been formulated for creating a multi-skilled Ministerial cadre to enable absorption of personnel at Graduate/+2 level mainly for Ministerial support functions. This cadre will have limited FCS with the prospect of going up to Director level within the cadre. The DRDS rules are being reviewed to keep in tune with changing scenario. Action has also been initiated for enhancing manpower capacity of DRDO.
Academia InitiativesTo institutionalise
interaction with Indian academia, a number of new initiatives were undertaken. We have recently entered into an agreement with lIT Madras Research Park to establish a DRDO Research and Innovation Centre, so as to create a new ecosystem to synergise DRDO, Academia, and Industry towards Directed Research. DRDO’s entry into the lIT-Madras Research Park is first of its kind initiative on similar lines as MIT/Stanford in USA. The new ecosystem is the platform that all labs should exploit to its full potential by positioning a part of the young and bright minds to work in the areas identified.
We need to create our own ‘workcentres’ outside DRDO in both academia as well as industry which would act as extended arm of DRDO augmenting our human resource potential and ‘R’ capability in R&D.
Industry InitiativesDRDO is seeking to leverage the benefits of
the offsets provision of Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) 2010, with the aim of bringing in critical technologies into the country. The MoD is soon likely to amend the DPP to include collaborations with DRDO in R&D, joint development, and joint
ventures as eligible offsets. This is a major change in the offset policy, and we should be ready with our strategy to attract through strategic partnering, those OEMs with cutting edge technology capability. In this process, it is also important for us to involve Indian industries. Therefore, the need to evolve a merit-based mechanism to select the right industry for the right job assumes greater importance.
I would like to emphasise one other point - technology transfer and stake holding during
production, remains the responsibility of DRDO and we should not assume that our part is complete with prototype development. All the Lab Directors should put in place a dedicated team to look at production issues so that this is given its due importance and project teams must work, keeping in mind the final production scenario.
Financial EmpowermentAs a first step towards
meeting the legitimate need of the organisation for greater empowerment at various levels for executing our R&D efforts in cutting edge areas in a timely fashion, we have carried out the delegation of higher financial powers
to various functionaries of the DRDO. These higher powers have been delegated with the specific aim of bringing in uniformity and clarity at all levels while at the same time, enabling Labs to take timely decisions. More needs to be done in this regard by way of positioning dedicated financial advisers at Labs so as to enable them to exercise these enhanced powers effectively. We are going to do this soon.
With authority comes responsibility. It is incumbent on the Labs to exercise these enhanced powers judicially so as to meet the aspirations of the armed forces for timely delivery of systems by us.
I call upon all of you to
work towards
transforming DRDO
into a high-performing
result-oriented
oganisation. We need
to look forward, stay
ahead and work into
the future.
5January 2011
and support by academia to develop systems in a timely fashion.
Here, I would like to present a new framework and guidelines for formulating and executing technology demonstrations and system level projects. We must consider the readiness levels of industry and academia and envision technology development processes. Technology development for futuristic products would require evolving new concepts and nascent technologies, which will fall in the scale of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 1–4. For example, development of nano technologies, fibre lasers, and particle weapons would come under this category. This segment would require very close collaboration with domestic and international academia, and may be, small-scale industries. This activity needs careful planning, strategy of development, and choice of partners in a judicious manner. Multiple paths are to be pursued in parallel for guaranteed success.
Technology development for realisation of customised products / sub-systems like System-on-Chip, Inertial Sensors, Actuators, Computers, etc., would require dealing with technologies with a maturity level of 4–7. Here, generally customisation, packaging, and integration of software and hardware will lead to a useable product for assembly and integration of larger systems. It will be prudent to involve medium-scale industry and accomplished academia for collaboration in this segment. Production strategy should be formulated concurrently as these products would be required for multiple systems in large numbers. Investment decisions for setting up production lines must be examined critically.
Development of large-scale systems or system-of-systems should be based on technologies which are matured to TRL 7-10. This would require careful choice of the various sub-systems for optimum performance of the system. The emphasis would be on System Engineering, System Analysis, Simulation and Modelling, Detailed Design, Prototyping, Test and Evaluation, Environmental Certification, Production, Induction, and Life Cycle Management. Concurrency with robust Risk Mitigation plans should be the main strategy for development in this segment.
It is also the duty of the Financial Advisers to be extremely mindful of the organisational objectives, while rendering timely and effective financial advice. Creating and sustaining a transparent and yet robust financial management system in the DRDO is also vital.
Interaction with ServicesIn an attempt to enhance synergistic interaction
with Services, DRDO organised a series of technical interactions on futuristic weapons and technologies with scientists and Service personnel to bring in some consensus on the requirements of tomorrow, and we hope this initiative will bear fruit.
DRDO ManagementI had convened a two-day Directors Conclave
to discuss about techno-managerial issues and resource management. I would like to share some of the issues of concern:
■ The sense of belonging to the organisation needs to be enhanced through dedication, sincerity, and punctuality.
■ Mentoring and Succession Planning: With the aim of bringing in greater synergy between the present generation and Gen Next, it is necessary to plan for succession at each level. This is necessary to maintain sustainable comprehensive management.
Road Map for Re-engineering of Develoment Process for Enhancing Competitiveness
I call upon all of you to work towards transforming DRDO into a high-performing result-oriented organisation. We need to look forward, stay ahead and work into the future. Government regulations have been simplified to bring in private industry by creating a level playing field along with DPSU’s. We all know that only the best will survive in this intensely competitive world. This calls for re-engineering the process of R&D and leveraging our knowledge base, skillsets, industry support, international collaborations
6 January 2011
How to Achieve Organisational Excellence?
Excellence through creativity and innovation is the abiding motto of this Organisation. It is indeed a matter of great pride that some of the best minds of this great country are amidst us in DRDO and striving to make the country self-reliant in state-of-the-art Defence technologies.
By pursuing excellence in our given areas individually, we create synergy which
will ultimately lead to our Division, Directorate, Laboratory, and DRDO
as a whole to achieve exponential excellence.
I declare 2011 as the ‘Year of Creativity and Innovation’. I would like each cluster to launch at least two new programmes and each Lab to initiate development of two new futuristic technologies to dovetail into the existing cluster programmes. For vibrant DRDO, we need creative leaders who can pioneer the integrated development
of defence systems and technologies. I would request
each Lab to create a Centre for Innovation and Creativity where
scientists are encouraged to think and provide out-of-box solutions.The organisational visibility
should be increased by way of patents, publications, participation in national/
international conferences, and award of fellowships in academic institutions.
We have seen a successful and eventful year 2010. We must continue the same momentum forward into 2011.
For vibrant
DRDO, we need
creative leaders who
can pioneer the integrated
development of defence
systems and technologies.
I would request each lab
to create a ‘Centre for
Innovation and Creativity’,
where scientists are
encouraged to think and
provide out-of-box
solutions.
It must be remembered that Mission Mode Project formulation with regular reviews and follow up action by multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams has always led to success.
Technology development under project mode should have a well-defined and targeted end. Timely development will ensure that we attain a competitive edge in the market and our products do not become irrelevant.
Test and evaluation form a very important part of the Systems Engineering process. It is also becoming a significant element in the decision-making process. Test and evaluation data provides information to the user during development and confirms readiness for fielding. Programmatic decisions on system performance maturity and readiness to advance to the next phase of development are becoming more dependent on demonstrated performance. Therefore, it is very important that while formulating the mission mode system development projects, adequate attention is given for creation of Test and Evaluation facilities.
The management of knowledge in the 21st century is beyond the capacity of a single individual. The amount of information that we have around is overwhelming. Therefore, knowledge management must move out of the realm of the individual and shift into the realm of networked groups. We are already the nation’s Best Knowledge Group responsible for developing state-of-the-art Defence systems and technologies; we have to foster creativity and innovation.
7January 2011
My Dear friends, belief is one of the most powerful tools behind the success of any person, may it be personal or professional. At this point, I can’t resist myself to quote Swami Vivekananda:
‘All Power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that. Do not believe that you are weak; do not believe that you are half-crazy
lunatics, as most of us do nowadays. Stand up and express the divinity within you’.
On this occasion, I wish that we bring changes and walk into the future with significant contributions to the Defence Services and to the Nation.
I once again wish you all and your families, a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
The medium-range missile Agni-1 was successfully launched on 25 November 2010, from the Launch Complex – IV, Wheelers Island, in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Orissa. The missile followed the trajectory perfectly and reached the designated target in the Bay of Bengal. The radars, telemetry and electro-optical systems along the coast have tracked and monitored all the health parameters. Ships located near the target -area have witnessed the success of the terminal event successfully. Strategic Force Command (SFC)
launched the Agni-1 missile as part of the user exercise. The launch
operations were over viewed by Shri J Chattopadhyay,
Project Director and DRDO scientists. Dr VK Saraswat, SA to RM, DG DRDO, and Secretary, Defence R&D; Shri Avinash Chander, Programme Director; Shri SP Dash, Director, Integrated Test Range and other top DRDO scientists witnessed the launch
of the missile. SA to RM congratulated all
the DRDO scientists and Armed Forces for the
textbook like successful flight of Agni-1 missile.
Successful Launch of Agni-1 Missile
8 January 2011
Library Day Celebrations – 2010
Library Day was celebrated on 24 November 2010 at Knowledge Centre (KC), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru. The aim was to create awareness about the resources and services of the Knowledge Centre. Shri G Natarajan, OS and Officiating Director inaugurated the Library Day. Dr AM Nageswara Yogi, Sc ‘E’, and Head, Knowledge Centre, gave a talk on the collections, services, and achievements of the KC.
Shri Natarajan inaugurating the Library Day
BrahMos (Block III) Successfully Flight-tested
Block III version of BrahMos was successfully flight-tested from Launch Complex III, at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, on 02 December 2010, with advanced guidance and upgraded software, incorporating high manoeuvres at multiple points and steep dive from high altitude. All telemetry and tracking stations including naval ships near terminal point worked in perfect harmony and have made the mission successful. The launch was executed from a mobile autonomous launcher by trained army personnel. DRDO scientists, who significantly contributed for this advanced guidance system, were thrilled to see the supersonic manoeuvres of the missile in real-
time display, proving the success of their immense efforts. The flight witnessed by high ranking officials of the Army, expressed their happiness to have such high potential weapon system inducted into the Army. Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, DS and CC R&D (DRDO) and CEO and MD BrahMos Aerospace, has confirmed the success of the mission and described it as a ‘text book launch’. Shri P Venugopalan, Director, DRDL; Shri SP Dash, Director, ITR; and Shri S Som, Project Director, participated. Defence Minister congratulated DRDO and BrahMos scientists, Army Officers, and the whole team for the mission successful.
Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, DS and CC R&D (DRDO) and CEO and MD, BrahMos Aerospace, has confirmed
the success of the mission and described it as a ‘text book launch’.
9January 2011
Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, has indigenously designed and developed Aircraft-Mounted Accessory Gearbox (AMAGB) for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas. AMAGB is a critical Line Replacement Unit for the LCA and forms an important part of the secondary power system of LCA - Tejas.
AMAGB is a lightweight, compact, high speed, single-input, multi-output gearbox with a maximum power transmission
‘Type Approval’ for AMAGB of LCA- Tejas
capability of 185 kW at a rated speed of 16,810 rpm. AMAGB casings are made of magnesium alloy and the gears are of DIN class 5. The gearbox has its own self-contained lubrication system with one pressure pump, two scavenge pump modules, and in-built oil passages (mini core technology), which ensures safe functioning/operation of the gearbox. AMAGB operates in two modes - starter mode and accessory mode. In the starter mode, it aids in starting the engine through jet fuel starter where as in accessory mode, it drives accessories namely, two hydraulic pumps and an integrated drive generator. These accessories in turn generate hydraulic and electrical power required for the aircraft.
This gearbox has undergone strenuous environmental tests, for high temperature, low temperature, salt fog, sand and dust, and altitude along with structural integrity tests, namely, centrifuge test, shock test, and vibration test. Further, this gearbox has also undergone 1000 h of endurance test.
Till date, AMAGB gearboxes have undergone more than 2200 h of flight-testing with 1465 flights. As a precurser to induction into the Indian Air Force, ‘Type
Approval’ from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) is mandatory. CVRDE has successfully obtained this Type Approval for AMAGB from CEMILAC.
In this regard, a function was organised at CVRDE on 04 December 2010 with delegates from ADA, CEMILAC, and DGAQA. The Type Approval Certificate was handed over by Dr K Tamilmani, DS and Chief Executive, CEMILAC, to Shri P Sivakumar, Director, CVRDE, in the presence of Shri S Sundaresh, DS and CC R&D (ACE), Shri PS Subramanyam, DS, PGD (CA) and Director, ADA, and other dignitaries.
A view of the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Gearbox
Dr K Tamilmani handing over the ‘Type Approval Certificate’ to Shri P Sivkumar in the presence of Shri S Sundaresh and Shri PS Subramanyam.
DRDO Directors’ Conclave was held on 29 and 30 November 2010, at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The Conclave – a first of its kind
event in the history of DRDO – was attended by all Chief Controllers (CCs) and Financial Advisers, Lab Directors and HQrs Directors, in addition to Distinguished and Outstanding Scientists from labs. The Conclave was intended to focus on techno-managerial issues, which are an integral part of an organisation’s operations.
Shri G Elangovan, DS and CC R&D (R&M), took the responsibility to conduct and convene the event. In his welcome address, he highlighted the importance of the event, and invited all Directors to participate and express freely their views, suggestions, and difficulties faced in each of the focus areas.
The concept of the Directors’ Conclave was given shape and direction by Dr VK Saraswat, SA to RM, DG DRDO, and
Secretary, Defence R&D. In his inaugural address, SA to RM spoke extensively about his vision for DRDO, giving both a macro overview and outlining current
and future directions in each and every technology domain. He also spoke eloquently on the need for all to nurture a sense of belongingness to the organisation and to work towards developing an innovation culture in DRDO.
The two-day Conclave had seven planned sessions, each with a Chairman, aided by a Panelist team covering topics on technology development and management, human resources development, major infrastructure, material management, Dr Rama Rao Committee recommendations and implementation, and business plans including their commercial aspects.
Dr KD Nayak, OS and CC R&D (MED& MIST) proposed the vote of thanks and thanked all concerned who had worked
to make the event purposeful and output-oriented.
A view of the Directors’ Conclave
The concept of the Directors Conclave was
given shape and direction by Dr VK Saraswat,
SA to RM, DG DRDO, and Secretary, Defence R&D. In his inaugural
address, SA to RM spoke extensively of his vision for DRDO, giving both a macro overview and outlining current and
future directions in every technology domain.
13January 2011
Aviation Conclave 2010and Technology, Govt of India chaired the panel discussions. The panel members were Dr VK Saraswat; Dr Prahlada, DS and CC R&D (Ae&SI), DRDO; Shri PS Subramanyam, DS and Programme Director, LCA; Dr AR Upadhya, Director, NAL; Shri PS Krishna Kumar, GM, HAL; and Mr Christian Dedieu, Sagem, France. Dr Saraswat emphasised on achieving excellence in all areas of aviation industry and aeronautics by fostering technologists and developing strategies through partnership with industry, government agencies, and academia.
The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Hyderabad, organised Aviation Conclave 2010: ‘International Conference and Exhibition on Aviation in the Millennium, Are We Geared Up?’ during 18–20 November 2010, at Hyderabad. The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, His Excellency Shri ESL Narasimhan, Hon’ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh, on 18 November 2010. Dr VK Saraswat, SA to RM, and Chairman, AeSI, Hyderabad Branch, in his opening remarks, stressed on current areas of design and development in all areas of aviation industry and aeronautics, and the efforts needed to meet the challenges in the rapidly growing aviation sector of the world. Dr R Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to Govt of India and Prof. R Narasimha, Chairman, Jawarharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, were the Guests of Honour. Shri Avinash Chander, DS and Director, ASL, was the Chairman, AeSI Organising Committee.
The programme consisted of nine sessions covering various areas of aircraft design and development namely, aviation policy and infrastructure, blue skies growth, aviation industry, aircraft industry and its capabilities, aircraft engines and education, international collaboration, training and manpower development, and Indian scenario. Eminent speakers included delegates from DRDO, departments from Govt of India, universities, and the aviation industry.Prof. P Rama Rao, former Secretary, Dept of Science
Dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony of Aviation Conclave 2010
NPOL at Pan-IIT 2010 Conclave
Pan-IIT 2010 Conclave was held in Delhi during 29–31 October 2010. The theme was ‘Sustainable Transformation: Our New India’. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) participated in the Technology Expo organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), as part of the Pan-IIT 2010 Conclave. Some of the innovative technologies developed by NPOL, viz., magneto-rheological fluid, magneto-resistive electrical switching fluid, syntactic foam, apparatus for simultaneous generation and detection of the optical diffraction pattern for vibration monitoring, and opto-electronic system for real-time monitoring of motions in stratified fluids, were showcased in the exibition. The Expo served as a suitable platform for prospects of commercialisation and business application of technologies developed by DRDO.
Shri Sameer Abdul Azeez, Sc ‘D’ and Business Manager, NPOL, briefing about the NPOL technologies.
14 January 2011
Ground-based sensors have limited line-of-sight (LOS) range due to the limitations posed by earth’s curvature (horizon effect). Mounting these sensors on elevated platforms like towers, aircraft and balloons, etc., could increase the LOS range. The limitation of the height up to which, the tower could be built, is obvious because aircraft have limited endurance (on-station time), whereas balloons (aerostats) have proved to be excellent platforms for these sensors, especially in surveillance and communication roles for a variety of civil and military applications. An aerostat balloon derives a lifting force mainly due to the buoyant effect that results from displacement of the higher density air surrounding it.
Aerostat consists of a balloon with ballonet and nacelle, winching and mooring platform, fibre-optic conducting tether, gas management system, and ground station with power supply equipment.
Balloon provides the aerostatic lift and houses the payload and Aerostat Health Monitoring System (AHMS). The balloon is aerodynamically shaped with three fins in inverted – Y shape configuration. It has a small air chamber under its belly called ballonet to
act as a pressure control system during rise, both in altitude and temperature. It has an external housing for the payload under its belly called nacelle. The envelope of the balloon is made of laminated fabric to provide gas retention and structural properties. A winch is provided for raising/lowering and holding the balloon. Tether is the link between the aerostat and the winch. For aerostat applications, tether is required to be in conducting mode, which allows power supply from ground to airborne equipment through a copper core and two-way data transmission through a fibre-optic core in it. There are only two lighter than air gases, i.e., hydrogen and helium, which can be used as the inflation medium. While hydrogen is cheap and inflammable, helium on the other hand is very much safe to handle, but is costly.
Aerostats have adequate instruments to monitor their health for providing real-time information about gas pressure, air pressure, temperature, wind speeds, trim and rates of yaw, pitch and roll, on-off position status of various airborne equipment, etc. Most of these parameters can be monitored from ground through either conducting tether or independently via a telecommand telemetry link. The ground station is required for control and monitoring.
Aerostat systems help to raise electronics payloads for increasing their LOS/range so as to overcome terrain obstructions like trees, buildings, mountains, etc. The important payloads that can be integrated to aerostat system include elecro-optic sensor, radar, COMINT, ELINT, RF data link, etc.
Aerostat balloon raising in progress
15January 2011
Raising Day CelebrationsDLRL, Hyderabad
ITR, Chandipur
PXE, Balasore
Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) celebrated its 49th Raising Day on 19 November 2010 at V Narayana Rao Auditorium at DLRL. Shri G Boopathy, OS and Director, in his opening address, reiterated the importance of employees’ hard work and sincere efforts in fulfilling DLRL targets. The day witnessed various fun sports and a cultural programme by all DLRL employees. Director, DLRL, distributed laboratory scientist awards, technology group awards, best performance awards to DRTC and Admin personnel, and merit-cum-means scholarships to 25 children of DLRL employees.
of Honour. Sri SP Dash, Director, ITR, stressed on the need of united efforts of Range employees as a single family to achieve future targets of Range. Shri MV Bhaskarchary, Associate Director and Chairman Annual Day and Shri PC Rautray, Chairman, Works Committee addressed the gathering on the occasion. The Chief Guest distributed lab scientist award, technology group awards and other awards.
ITR Raising Day was celebrated on 14 November 2010. Dr HS Rama Rao, Sc ‘F’(Retd) and Founder Member of ITR, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He shared his glorious memories and efforts made in the initial setup that was built up with great enthusiasm to make ITR ready for first Agni launch in 1989. Shri V Vasudeva Murthy, Sc ‘G’ (Retd), was the Guest
Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) celebrated its 116th Raising Day this year. Maj Gen P Mathur, Director, PXE, inaugurated the occasion. Dr Sukanti Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, was the Guest of Honour. As part of celebrations, a cultural programme was organised for the members of the PXE family on 29 October 2010 and games and sports events on 3 November 2010. Director, PXE, gave various lab awards and 25 years service mementos. Shri BK Panda, Sc ‘C’, was awarded Lab Scientist of the Year and Shri Radha Nath Barik, Technical Officer ‘B’ was awarded Best Proof Man of the Year. Eighty five retired employees were also invited, who graced the occasion.
Virtual Reality Laparoscopic Surgery Training Simulator: ToT
Virtual Reality Laparoscopic Surgery Training Simulator (VRLSTS) was developed by the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS) with inputs from Bangalore Endoscopic Surgery Training (BEST) Institute, and funded by the Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT). A meeting was held at Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru, to formally transfer the technology (ToT) of VRLSTS. Shri VS Mahalingam, DS and Director, IRIS and CAIR chaired the meeting. Dr VC Padaki, CEO, SBMT and Director, Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL),Bengaluru; Shri K Ramesh, Sc ‘G’ and Project Director; IRIS; and Shri J Guru Dutt, Director, Bigtec Solutions Pvt. Ltd were also present. The ToT documents comprising the MoU and technical information on VRLSTS were transfered by Dr Padaki to Shri Guru Dutt to take up the technology and market the simulators to the healthcare sector at affordable costs in line with the mission of SBMT.
The VRLSTS is an indigenously developed biomedical device that will enable surgeons to get trained in basic laproscopic procedures before attempting surgeries on live patients. It has inbuilt assessment module to evaluate one’s own surgical dexterity. The market potential for VRLSTS is extremely high as it will be required in every hospital and medical college in the country.
Virtual reality laparoscopic surgery training simulator
16 January 2011
A seminar on ‘Trends in Aerospace Structures Technology’ was conducted during 24–25 November 2010 at ADE, Bengaluru. Shri G Natarajan, OS and officiating Director, ADE, inaugurated the seminar. Dr PS Nair, Director, IITSA, Bengaluru, formerly Satish Dhawan Professor and Deputy Director, Mechanical Systems Area, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, delivered the keynote address. The seminar was also addressed by Dr Prahlada, DS and CC R&D (Ae&SI), DRDO. The two-day seminar consisting of 15 sessions broadly covered structural materials, structural design, analysis, manufacture, modelling, simulation, testing, and certification.
ADE, Bengaluru
Dr PS Nair delivering the keynote address
Dignitaries releasing the CEP course material.
A course on ‘Advances in EW Technologies and Systems’ was conducted during 08–12 November 2010. Shri G Boopathy, OS and Director, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) was the chief guest. He briefed about the technological advances in electronic warfare and the need of incorporating this technology in the on-going systems to support the Armed Forces in the Electronic Order of Battle (EOB). Prof. G Kumaraswamy Rao, former Director, DLRL, in his inaugural talk gave an overview of modern electronic warfare.
Training Courses
ADE, Bengaluru
A course on ‘Management Skills’ was conducted during 22–26 November 2010 at Combat Vehicles
DLRL, Hyderabad
CVRDE, Avadi
Research and Development Estt. (CVRDE). Shri R Venugopal, Sc ‘G’, Additional Director, inaugurated the course. The course was aimed at creating awareness on various aspects like time management, stress management, building leadership qualities, improving creativity, team building, etc. About 24 scientists and officers from CVRDE, ADE, and RCI participated in the course. Shri K Krishnamoorthy, Sc ‘G’, Associate Director, presided over the valedictory function and distributed certificates to the participants.
Shri K Krishnamoorthy distributing the certificates.
About 30 participants from DLRL, DRDL, RCI, ISSA, HEMRL, DARE, LRDE, and CABS attended the course. Faculty included both internal and experts from other DRDO labs. Shri Dadi Sivaraju, Sc’G’ was the course director.
Manpower Development Activities
17January 2011
INMAS, Delhi
Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) organised a course on ‘Future Trends in Information and Knowledge Management’ during 8–12 November 2010 for library professionals working in TIRCs of DRDO labs. Over 30 participants from 27 DRDO labs attended the course. The CEP
DIMSEZ - 2010A two-day seminar on ‘Disaster Management’
for eastern zone DRDO labs was organised by ITR, Chandipur, during 02–03 November 2010. Around 85 delegates from ITR, PXE, NSTL, DRL, SFC, CCE (East), and DIC attended the seminar. Eminent speakers were invited from leading establishments like DRDO, Coast Guard, Orissa Police, Coal India Ltd, State Civil Administration, etc.
A wide range of topics on different domains of disaster management like prediction of meteorological disaster, DRDO’s experience on disaster management, security concerns in coastal belt of Orissa and associated remedial measures, perception of security threats in eastern zone and remedial action plan, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear disaster management, disaster mitigation plan in a missile test range, etc., were dealt with and relevant issues deliberated.
Shri SP Dash, OS and Director, ITR, was the Chief Guest and Shri Nikunja Kumar Sundaray, Managing Director of Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA) and the relief commissioner of State of Orissa was the Guest of Honour in the Inaugural Ceremony. Around 100 distinguished invitees from DRDO, Coast Guard, State civil administration, Defence units of Chandipur, etc., attended the seminar and participated in the deliberations. A panel discussion was held with the active participation of a team of panelists headed by Director, ITR as the Chairman.
Techno-Managerial Workshop Indo-Israel Armament and Land System Workshop
was held at Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, during 22–24 November 2010. Directors and senior scientists from ARDE, CVRDE, VRDE, DMRL, HEMRL, CAIR, R&DE(E), and officers from Indian Mechanised Forces and Israel MoD attended the workshop. Shri S Sundaresh, DS and CC R&D (ACE) graced the occasion.
Workshops/Seminars
A course on ‘Solid Rocket Propellants - Present Scenario and Future’ was conducted during 22–26 November 2010. Shri SN Mantha, Director (Technical), BDL, Hyderabad, inaugurated the course and delivered the inaugural lecture.
Shri SN Mantha delivering the inaugural lecture
Course participants included officers from both DRDO labs and other R&D organisations. The course covered the basics of propellants, advanced energetic materials for propellants, propellant grain design, propellant sub-systems, ignition systems, design of rocket hardware, quality assurance and safety during processing of propellant; non-destructive testing, static testing, and modern techniques for propellant evaluation. Dr BR Gandhe, Sc ’G’ (Retd) and Shri J Ram Mohan, Sc ‘G’, ASL, were the keynote speakers. The faculty included experienced scientists in the field of solid rocket propellants from different DRDO labs. The valedictory function was graced by Dr A Subhananda Rao, DS and Director, HEMRL. Dr RV Singh, Sc ‘F’ was the course director and Shri JG Bhujbal, Sc ‘D’ was the course coordinator.
HEMRL, Pune
was inaugurated by Dr RK Jain, Director, RAC, Delhi. Prominent speakers from DRDO and various organisations/universities spoke on a wide range of topics. The focus was knowledge management, role
18 January 2011
(L to R): Dr Tripathi, Dr Narendra Kumar, and Dr Rajeev Vij at the CEP course.
RCI, Hyderabad
A course on ‘BLDC Motor Technologies and their Applications’ was organised at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), during 01–04 November 2010. The course was inaugurated by Shri SK Ray, DS and Director, RCI.
The course covered all technologies related to the design and development of BLDC motors like fundamental design principles, magnets and magnetic materials, drives and power semiconductor devices and controllers, and usage of advanced software for the design and analysis of the motor and drives. The faculty included renowned professors, scientists and experts from the industry. About 31 participants from various DRDO labs like NSTL, ADE, ARDE, CVRDE, R&D(E), and ASL attended the course. The Chief Guest for the valedictory function was Shri L Sobhan Kumar, Director R&QA, RCI. Shri Rahul Dixit, Sc ‘D’ and Shri Vinod Kabra, Sc ‘D’ were the course co-ordinators and Shri PSR Srinivasa Sastry, Sc ‘F’ was the course director.
INMAS Golden Jubilee Oration
(L to R): Dr Maini, Dr Selvamurthy, Dr Trehan and Dr Vij at the inaugural ceremony.
Defence Science Forum and INMAS jointly organised a HR oration as a part of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations on 25 November 2010, at Dr Bhagavantham Auditorium, Metcalfe House, Delhi. The oration titled ‘Heart to Heart’ was delivered by Padma Bhushan Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta - The MediCity, and world renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon. Dr AK Maini, OS and Director, LASTEC,
of INFLIBNET and DELNET, Web 2.0 and Library 2.0, digital resources, Open Access resources, marketing, digital preservation, e-learning, National Knowledge Commission, educational blogs, e-journals, current IPR issues, Open Source software, motivation, etc.
The valedictory address was delivered by Dr Narendra Kumar, Director, DL Jodhpur. Dr Narendra Kumar and Dr RP Tripathi, OS and Director, INMAS distributed certificates to the participants.
gave the welcome address. Dr W Selvamurthy DS and CC R&D (LS) delivered the presidential address and gave an elaborate introduction of Dr Trehan.
About 600 participants including CCs, Directors of DRDO HQrs and labs of Delhi, officers and staff from various Delhi-based labs were benefitted by the oration. Dr Rajeev Vij, Secretary, Defence Science Forum, proposed the vote of thanks.
Higher Qualification Acquired
Dr Malay Kumar Nema, Sc ‘D’, CAIR, Bengaluru, obtained PhD from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, for his thesis titled, ̀ Edge model-based representation of Laplacian subbands and its applications’.
CAIR, Bengaluru
19January 2011
Dr Sreehari Rao, OS and CC R&D (ECS), on 19 November 2010.
Maj Gen BS Pama SM ADG PP, on 26 November 2010.
Hon’ble Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj, Member of Parliament and Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, on 27 November 2010.
Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence, UK, on 22 November 2010.
Dr Sreehari Rao interacting with the ‘Network Manage-ment System’ project team.
Demo of ‘Laparoscopic Surgery Training Simulator’ by Robotics Group, CAIR, to Maj Gen BS Pama.
Dr W Selvamurthy, DS and CC R&D (LS) presenting memento to Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj.
Dr Fox and Shri G Elangovan, DS and CC R&D (RM) visiting the exhibition.
Visits to DRDO Labs/Estts
Shri Himanshu Shekhar, Sc `F’, HEMRL, Pune, obtained PhD (Mechanical Engineering) from University of Pune, Pune, for his thesis titled `Mechanical characterisation and fracture behaviour of advanced solid propellants’.
Dr A Srinivasa Kumar, Sc ‘F’, Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, obtained PhD in Chemical Engineering from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, for his thesis titled, ‘Experimental and theoretical studies on variation of
pressure and temperature of an expanding gas due to blast of high explosives in air and underwater’.
HEMRL, Pune NSTL, Visakhapatnam
20 January 2011
The Editorial Team thanks
all the DRDO Newsletter
Correspondents for
their contributions.
ISSN:0971-4391
DRDO
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sSmt V Bala, Sc ‘F’ Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru
Shri RK Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), AgraShri Manuj Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG), Hyderabad
Smt Suchitra S Avachat, Sc ‘F’ Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), PuneShri Hemant Kumar, Sc ‘B’ Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad
Smt MR Bhuvaneswari, Sc ‘E’ Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), BengaluruMs Sangeeta Shrivastava, Sc ‘E’ Center for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru
Shri P Chatterjee, Sc ‘G’ Center for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES), DelhiMs Tripty Rani Bose, TO ‘A’ Center for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), BengaluruDr Mehbuba Begam, Sc ‘D’ Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM)
Shri K Giridharan, Sc ‘F’ Combat Vehicles Research & Development Estt. (CVRDE), AvadiShri N Chandrasekaran, Sc ‘F’ Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Bengaluru
Shri VK Girhotra, TO ‘D’ Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), DelhiDr GK Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore
Head, Librarian Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), PuneDr Mohammad Arif, Sc ‘E’ Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), Haldwani
Dr Ashish Yadav, Sc ‘C’ Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), LehDr Praveen Vats, Sc ‘D’ Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), DelhiSmt Nity Sharma, Sc ‘C’ Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), Delhi
Dr Rajesh Singh Rathore, Sc ‘F’ Defence Laboratory (DL), JodhpurShri M Prahlada Rao, Sc ’F’ Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), HyderabadDr VV Satyaprasad, Sc ‘G’ Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), HyderabadDr Kingsuk Mukhopadhyay,
Sc ‘E’Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur
Dr BK Bhattacharya, Sc ‘F’ Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), GwaliorDr K Nageswara Rao, Sc ‘E’ Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
Shri Ravi Kumar Gupta, Sc ‘G’ DRDO HeadQuarters, DelhiShri Ajit Kumar Das, TO ‘C’ Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur
Shri N Prabhakaran, Sc ‘F’ Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), BengaluruShri AM Devale, TO ‘C’ High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune
Dr Rajeev Vij, Sc ‘F’ Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), DelhiMs Nitu, Sc ‘E’ Institute of Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA), Delhi
Dr MK Pande, Sc ‘E’ Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), DehradunShri Tapas K Majumdar, Sc ‘D’ Institute of Technology Management (ITM), Mussoorie
Shri GR Panda, Sc ‘F’ Integrated Test Range (ITR), ChandipurShri Ajay Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), DelhiDr Latha Christie, Sc ‘F’ Microwave Tube Research & Development Center (MTRDC), Bengaluru
Dr C Durga Prasad, Sc ‘F’ Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), AmbernathShri S Radhakrishnan, TO ‘C Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi
