(Press Release: Unedited)
DRDO Awards for the year 2011 for outstanding contribution in various areas of technology will be given away by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, in the august presence of Hon’ble Defence Minister, Shri A K Antony and a galaxy of dignitaries at 1030 Hrs on 31 July 2012 in a brief ceremony to be held at Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan. The Awards are to honour individual Scientists/Teams of DRDO, partners of DRDO from other sectors for their outstanding contributions in furthering DRDO’s efforts in self reliance.
The Life Time Achievement Award has been conferred on Prof P Rama Rao in recognition of his exceptional contributions of the highest order in the multi-fold array of technology and management initiatives. Prof Rama Rao’s immense contributions to Metallurgy and Material Science, in particular, have significantly enriched DRDO. Many novel materials and products developed under his stewardship are extensively being used today in all strategic programmes and weapons.
Silicon Trophy for the Best Systems Laboratory of DRDO is awarded to Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun for design and development of Electro-optical Fire Control System for Navy and other significant contributions in the field of Night Vision Devices.
Titanium Trophy for the Best Science Laboratory of DRDO has been awarded to Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore for developing innovative technologies for convenience foods, food preservation and processing, food packaging and safety of processed foods.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership qualities, the Technology Leadership Awards for the year 2011 have been awarded to following Scientists:
Shri AK Chakrabarti, Outstanding Scientist, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad for outstanding contributions in the successful development of the first Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile System (SLBM) for the nuclear powered platform ‘ARIHANT’.
Dr K Sekhar, Outstanding Scientist & Chief Controller Research & Development, DRDO HQrs, inter alia, for noteworthy contributions to the Indian Missile Programme over two decades leading to induction of several strategic and tactical missile systems; for making DRDE, Gwalior a centre of excellence in detection, protection and decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents.
Dr K Tamilmani, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Executive, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC),Bengaluru for profound technical expertise and leadership in addressing airworthiness and certification of ab initio, licensed and bought out Aircraft Systems of country.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS are given to members from academia associated with DRDO for research in emerging areas. Such directed research helps DRDO in capability building. For the year 2011, there are two awardees. Prof VG Idichandy, Deptt of Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai along with his team has made significant contributions in study of hydrodynamics of missiles. Dr P Seetharamiah, Professor, Deptt of Computer Science & Engineering, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, has developed Signal Processing algorithms, software tools for applications in under water communications, active noise control-based Silencer and speech processing algorithms for applications in Implantable Receiver Stimulator Units.
The transformation of technologies developed by DRDO into products/systems/processes for Armed forces requires absorption of technologies by the production agencies. Defence Technology Absorption Award is given to DRDO’s industrial partners for their support in this endeavor. M/s Graphite India Limited, Bengaluru has established the Carbon-Carbon brake disc manufacturing facilities by assimilating and absorbing the intricate aspects of C/C brake disc process technology, acquiring special skills in fabrication aspects and successfully producing C/C brake discs for limited series production (LSP) and special Series Production (SP) of Air Force and Naval version of Tejas aircraft (LCA) to airworthy standards. In recognition of the significant contributions, they are conferred with the award for the year 2011.
Technological Excellence Scaling New Heights
The Life Time Achievement Award has been conferred on Prof P Rama Rao in recognition of his exceptional contributions of the highest order in the multi-fold array of technology and management initiatives. Prof Rama Rao’s immense contributions to Metallurgy and Material Science, in particular, have significantly enriched DRDO. Many novel materials and products developed under his stewardship are extensively being used today in all strategic programmes and weapons.
Silicon Trophy for the Best Systems Laboratory of DRDO is awarded to Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun for design and development of Electro-optical Fire Control System for Navy and other significant contributions in the field of Night Vision Devices.
Titanium Trophy for the Best Science Laboratory of DRDO has been awarded to Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore for developing innovative technologies for convenience foods, food preservation and processing, food packaging and safety of processed foods.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership qualities, the Technology Leadership Awards for the year 2011 have been awarded to following Scientists:
Shri AK Chakrabarti, Outstanding Scientist, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad for outstanding contributions in the successful development of the first Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile System (SLBM) for the nuclear powered platform ‘ARIHANT’.
Dr K Sekhar, Outstanding Scientist & Chief Controller Research & Development, DRDO HQrs, inter alia, for noteworthy contributions to the Indian Missile Programme over two decades leading to induction of several strategic and tactical missile systems; for making DRDE, Gwalior a centre of excellence in detection, protection and decontamination of chemical and biological warfare agents.
Dr K Tamilmani, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Executive, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC),Bengaluru for profound technical expertise and leadership in addressing airworthiness and certification of ab initio, licensed and bought out Aircraft Systems of country.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS are given to members from academia associated with DRDO for research in emerging areas. Such directed research helps DRDO in capability building. For the year 2011, there are two awardees. Prof VG Idichandy, Deptt of Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai along with his team has made significant contributions in study of hydrodynamics of missiles. Dr P Seetharamiah, Professor, Deptt of Computer Science & Engineering, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, has developed Signal Processing algorithms, software tools for applications in under water communications, active noise control-based Silencer and speech processing algorithms for applications in Implantable Receiver Stimulator Units.
The transformation of technologies developed by DRDO into products/systems/processes for Armed forces requires absorption of technologies by the production agencies. Defence Technology Absorption Award is given to DRDO’s industrial partners for their support in this endeavor. M/s Graphite India Limited, Bengaluru has established the Carbon-Carbon brake disc manufacturing facilities by assimilating and absorbing the intricate aspects of C/C brake disc process technology, acquiring special skills in fabrication aspects and successfully producing C/C brake discs for limited series production (LSP) and special Series Production (SP) of Air Force and Naval version of Tejas aircraft (LCA) to airworthy standards. In recognition of the significant contributions, they are conferred with the award for the year 2011.
Technological Excellence Scaling New Heights
(Press Release: Unedited)
With the successful launch of India’s home grown long range strategic missile Agni 5, DRDO, the Defence Research and Development Organization, has come a long way since its modest beginning in 1958. Starting with only 10 laboratories, DRDO has grown multi-dimensionally and has evolved to be a core research organization with a vast network of 52 laboratories and establishments spread across the country. With a vision to empower India with cutting-edge technologies and equip our services with internationally competitive systems, DRDO has developed state-of-the-art strategic and tactical military hardware and related technologies in diverse disciplines such as Aeronautics, Armaments, Combat Vehicles, Combat Engineering, Electronics, Missiles, Life Sciences, Materials and Naval Systems. Today, DRDO has transformed into a highly professional and mature organization with strong technology base and management systems to undertake indigenous development of state-of-the-art Defence systems in a comprehensive manner including design, development, integration and leading tomproduction. DRDO has made the country proud through achievement of technological self-reliance in a number of critical areas including ammunition, armoured systems, surface to surface missiles, sonar systems, electronic warfare systems, NBC defence and advanced computing.
The production value of systems based on technologies developed by DRDO (inducted/accepted/orders placed during the past one decade is well over Rs 1, 48, 000 crores. Today, around 48% of the requirements for our defence forces are being met indigenously, largely with the technologies developed by DRDO, besides range of spin-offs for societal benefits; contributing greatly to our nation’s economy as well as civil society.
It was a proud moment for every Indian when India’s longest range strategic missile Agni 5 took to skies on its maiden flight and reached the pre-designated target point over 5000 km away in the Indian Ocean with remarkable accuracy. A giant leap in India’s capabilities, both in strategic deterrence as well as technological prowess and rightly called “a game changer” by Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, SA to RM & Secretary Deptt. of Defence R&D, the maiden flight of Agni 5 taking place just three years after the project’s sanction, carried behind it around three decades of dedication, innovation and hard work by the DRDO team. In terms of technologies, Agni 5 is the country’s most advanced missile and incorporates many new indigenously developed technologies. Another important feature of Agni-5 is its ability to be launched from a canister. The canisterisation offers advantages which include very high degree of mobility, faster response time, lesser maintenance and longer shelf-life. The seventeen metre long missile weighing around fifty tones has a three-stage solid propulsion system. The maiden flight of Agni 5 was preceded by the first successful flight of another highly advanced missile Agni 4 on 15 Nov 2011.
India considers its Agni series of missiles (Agni-1, Agni-2, Agni-3, Agni-4 and Agni-5) along with the short range ballistic missile Prithvi II and its ship launched version Dhanush as weapons of peace as they provide the needed deterrence against a misadventure by a potential aggressor and thus are aimed at avoiding war. Agni 1-3 have been already inducted into the Armed Forces.
While it is important to have the capability to strike deep inside adversary’s strategic targets, it is equally important to have adequate defence against similar threats emanating from our adversaries. India’s no first used policy (for strategic weapons) necessitates effective defence against the threat of ballistic Missiles. DRDO has developed a two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) shield against missiles with range upto 2000 km class. Both the exo and endo atmospheric interception have been demonstrated with direct hits leading to disintegration of target missile.
In the arena of tactical systems, induction and productionization of Akash, the medium range air defence system with multi-target, multi directional capability is another shining achievement. The production value of Akash missile systems ordered by Army and Air Force is around Rs 23,000 crores. Orders for two Army regiments and six Air Force Squadrons are under execution. Akash is a complete air defence system with missile Batteries, Launchers, Surveillance and Tracking Radars and Commandant Control Posts. The army version is road mobile with cross country capabilities. Medium range (MRSAM) and long range (LRSAM) in advanced stages of development in collaboration with Israel are other advanced air defence systems for tri services.
Prahar the 150 km range precision strike surface to surface tactical missile was test flown during the last year. Conceived to filled the vital gap between multi barrel rockets like Pinaka and medium range ballistic missile like Prithvi-II, Prahar is comparable to the best in its class. The missile capable of carrying different types of warheads has been developed as battle field support system for the Indian Army. With a payload of 200 kg the missile has a fast reaction time, which is essential for the battle field tactical missile. Developed in less than two years Prahar has been developed to provide Indian Army a cost effective, quick reaction, all weather, all terrain, high accurate battle field support tactical system.
Nag, the fire and forget anti tank missile with top attack capability is another important missile developed by DRDO. Its helicopter mounted version, Helina, has been also been demonstrated.
On-Board Computers (OBC) incorporating innovative indigenously developed and produced ‘System on chip’ (SOC) have been developed to ensure high efficiency and security for various tactical and strategic missile projects such as Prithvi, Agni, Dhanush, Akash, Nag, Astra, Brahmos, Helina etc.
There has been a significant achievement in the Electronic Warfare Area which includes integration and testing of country’s first indigenous active array radar, operationalisation of Combat Information Decision support System (CIDSS) and development and testing of laser based ordnance Disposal System and advanced Laser Guided Bomb Tester. The initial development of Indira-1, a short range 2D system has now been extended to high power 3D system like 3D Central Acquisition Radar Weapon locating radar (WLR) based on phased array. The DRDOs radar warning receivers have been selected to upgrade most of Indian Airforce aircraft like MiG 21, MiG 29, SU 30MKI, MiG 27 and Jaguars.
DRDO is alive to new challenges to the National Security through undeclared cyber attacks and has identified cyber security as a thrust area. DRDO is accordingly planning to develop indigenous servers, routers and operating systems.
In the area of Combat Vehicles one of the significant achievements of DRDO had been the development of MBT Arjun. Two regiments of MBT Arjun Mk-I have already been inducted in the Army. Certain major and minor modifications as suggested by users have been incorporated in Arjun Mk-II. The significant improvement/incorporation that have been made are in the realm of commanders panoramic sight, canisterized ammunition bin, power driven Air Defence Gun system, missile firing through main gun with deployment of Laser Target designator integrated in Fire Control System etc. Innovative system BMP Urban Survival Kit (BUSK) for enhanced protection against enemy weapons has been designed and developed by DRDO in record time. BUSK is made up of light weight composite cage armour in vehicle’s front and sides to diffuse/detonate the RPGs, has Bullet Proof Glasses for driver for manoeuvre in built up areas and has RPG net for turret and rear doors. The system also provides for extremity marking poles for driving assistance in confined roads and wire mesh guards to protect optical instruments and vision devices against splinters. The system is presently under evaluation by users for its efficacy.
DRDO has successfully designed and developed technologies for Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) applications like virtual prototype through modelling and simulation, Advanced Running Gear System, Auxiliary Power Unit, Water Jet propulsion and shock Resistance seats.
A light Weight Composite Armour has been developed by DRDO as a replacement to the existing imported heavy steel armour for Mi 17-IV helicopters thereby improving its net payload capacity at high altitudes. A new version of Synthetic Camouflage Net (SCN) made of polyester base fabric coated with UV reflective PVC formulation has been developed. The SCN has been accepted for use in snow bound areas.
In the field of aeronautics there has been a significant achievement in the field of UAVs. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ‘NETRA’, a mini UAV for LOW intensity conflict operation, has been designed and developed by the DRDO. The transfer of technology has been carried out and Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) has inducted ‘NETRA’ in their service. It has four high speed propellers (quad rotor) allowing it to take off and land vertically. Similarly a fixed wing mini UAV for low intensity conflict has been demonstrated to security forces at various locations for surveillance within the range of 10 kms. It is also useful in reconnaissance over hills.
NISHANT with ground control system has been made ready for the Army after confirmatory trials. Orders for Lakshya II are expected from the Services after successful demonstration to them. Similarly, UAV Rustom-I, a forerunner to Mediun Altitude Long Range (MALE) UAV Rustom-2, had series of successful trials.
An indigenous Wankel rotary engine has been developed by DRDO jointly with NAL, Bangalore, for powering UAVs like NISHANT. Rotary engine technology, especially suited for such applications, is the first of its kind in India.
DRDO has also made significant achievements in the field of ‘Aerial Delivery System’viz P-7 heavy drop platform system for IL-76, Bulk production of Heavy Drop System for AN-32, Successful demonstration of controlled Aerial Delivery Systems etc.
The other major highlights in the field of Aeronautics have been Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) for light combat Aircraft (Tejas) which is country’s first modern Light Combat Aircraft, is a precision weapon launch platform to carry a range of Air to Air missile, unguided rockets and bombs. The aircraft is integrated with advanced cockpit, digital avionics and weapons interface, to provide effective point and shoot capability with quick turnaround time. Light Combat Aircraft -Navy (LCA-Navy) had its first flight on 27th April 2012 followed by flights during month of Jun/Jul 2012. Initial Operation Clearance of this aircraft is expected by Dec 2014. The Shore based Test facility (SBTF) is being developed by DRDO at Naval Air Station INS Hansa, Goa. The test facility will also be used for training of pilots on LCA - Navy and MiG29K aircraft. The facility will be one of its kind in Asia and third in the world.
Among naval systems, Varunastra, a state-of-the-art ship launched Heavy Weight Anti Submarine Electric Torpedo, equipped with the latest advances in control, homing and recovery aspects and advanced indigenously developed propulsion technology is all set for User Evaluation Trials. Vaunastra is capable of targeting submarines, both in deep and shallow waters, even in an intense countermeasures environment.
DRDO has laid a lot of importance to R&D of soldier support systems to suit unique requirements of soldiers under Indian conditions of diverse terrain, climate and anthropometry. DRDO has developed a life saving one man HAPO chamber which is a portable first aid device for emergency treatment for varying degrees of acute mountain sickness including HAPO (high altitude pulmonary oedema, a life threatening disease). An Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) based on On-Board Oxygen Generating Systems have been developed for LCA for long endurance flights. The system is undergoing tests and is expected to be integrated soon. The system is also intended to be fitted in various other aircraft of IAF. DRDO has also developed a submarine escape set with a self contained closed circuit breathing apparatus used for escape from a damaged submarine. The test facility for evaluation of Submarine Escape Set in 30m escape tower has been designed, developed and installed. The system has been accepted for induction into Navy.
In the arena of NBC Defence the DRDO has produced NBC Recce Vehicle which has been handed over to Army. DRDO has also developed over 60 products covering detection, protection, decontamination and medical management leading to high level of self-reliance.
A Combat Free Fall (CFF) oxygen system for paratroopers has been developed by the DRDO to protect the paratrooper during free fall from altitudes of 30,000 feet from lack of oxygen, low temperature and other atmospheric conditions prevailing at such high altitudes. Transfer of technology to SMEs for Combat Free Fall (CFF) Oxygen system for Paratroopers (Army) has been completed. These indigenised items have resulted in substantial saving of foreign exchange. The subsystems consist of CFF Helmet, Oxygen mask, Pre-breather console, Personal Bailout Oxygen system, Dilution Demand Oxygen Regulator, Hoses jump suits and gloves. The Helicopter oxygen system has also been accepted for introduction into service and TOT has been completed.
The perennial problem of disposal of human waste in extreme cold climate has been successfully resolved by the DRDO through development of Bio-digesters. As technology spin-off for civil sector modified bio-digesters are been installed by Indian Railways in rail coaches. Already installed in 500 coaches, soon all passengers trains will have bio-toilets. Bio toilets have also been installed in Lakshadweep Islands and North Region of India for safe disposal of human waste.
Thus technologies evolved for countries defences are also being employed for larger societal benefit.