Orange to add teeth to India’s gen-next weapon systems

By https://twitter.com/writetake

Future missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) being developed by India will be tested for their Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurements at the recently-opened facility codenamed Project Orange (open range) in Dundigal near Hyderabad.
Orange is a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) project operated by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Research Centre Imarat (formerly RCI). It is being developed as a national facility for RCS measurements, which is capable of enhancing the stealth features of India’s gen-next weapon systems.
Giving exclusive details to OneIndia, an official said that Orange is capable of measuring RCS over a wide frequency band for various platforms. The facility was recently opened by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
“Orange can be used to test platforms currently in use by defence forces and those futuristic weapon systems under development. The facility presently covers frequency ranges in far field scenario and is capable of providing RCS measurements as well as onboard antenna characteristics,” the official, requesting anonymity, said.
The capacity of the pylon is capable of addressing the requirements of scale models, dummy mockups, operational light aircraft and even heavy fighter such as a Su-30MKI.
Many home-grown technologies incorporated
“The RCS measurement and calibration technique for the test range is based on RCI's two-decades-plus expertise in this domain. In addition to RCS measurements, the RF imaging capability of the range is capable of diagnosing the hot spots (prominent scattering centres) on a platform,” he said.
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Nirbhay warms up for launch; DRDO gags its men

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched probably one of the most secretive operations in the recent times ahead of the upcoming maiden test of Nirbhay, a subsonic cruise missile. Sources confirmed to Express on Wednesday that the missile has reached the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, after its long journey from Bangalore, by road. The tentative launch date is now fixed for March 10 (subject to changes) and the campaign activities will enter the last lap in the coming days.
But, the DRDO officials in Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad have gone into a shell, working on a common script and refusing to reveal any details of the launch. “The DRDO HQ had to answer some queries recently over too many sensitive information appearing in the media. These are national programmes and the DRDO has been told to adopt a tied-tongue policy,” a top official with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. The Services too have expressed their displeasure of too many DRDO officials interacting with the media, ahead of critical launches.
Nirbhay will have its maiden test from a mobile launcher, with a pre-designed target set in the sea. Sources said that the R&D Engineers, Pune, a specialised arm of DRDO, have completed making changes on the launcher. The missile was originally scheduled to be tested in October 2012, but last-minute changes on the launcher brought in delays.
With an ability to travel at a speed of 0.7 Mach and perform multiple manoeuvres, Nirbhay is the first full-fledged missile being developed in Bangalore, outside DRDO’s Missile Complex in Hyderabad. Designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment, Nirbhay is a two-stage missile with a range of about 1,000 km.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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Tracking Agni-V was like watching a 20:20 thriller: Scientists | Missile Complex in Hyderabad erupts in celebrations

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Scientists in Hyderabad's Missile Complex tracked every moment of Agni-5's 20-minutes flight with bated breath on Thursday. Scientists who couldn't make it to the Wheeler Island, watched the missile's historic test-flight with prayers. “We were naturally tense as each one of us knew what systems were onboard the missile. It was like watching a 20:20 match. We didn't get up from our seats,” a scientist with ASL said.

Sources tell Express that up to the last command (release of the payload) of Agni-5 was monitored through various internal networks of DRDO. “The radars positioned at various parts of India (part of the Air Defence project) too helped us track the missile. We couldn't have asked for more seeing Agni-5 doing exactly what we wanted,” sources said.

Hyderabad houses all the major labs of DRDO involved directly with India's missile programmes with ASL, RCI and DRDL leading the pack. “It was a great sign to see that the missile met all mission parameters. We are waiting for our team members to return and the celebrations will continue for a long time for sure,” a navigational expert with RCI said. Sources said that inside the Missile Complex posters congratulating the Agni team have up at many places.

At the Hyderabad airport, the Agni team members were taken by surprise when hundreds gathered to welcome them soon after they landed from Bhubaneswar at 8.50 pm. “This was something that we haven't experienced before. We were lifted like heroes and offered garlands, bouquets and sweets,” a senior DRDL official said.

Sources said that DRDO brought all the non-officer cadre staff from Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad in two AN-32 aircraft. “This was a special gesture as we wanted all the DRDO team members to be back in Hyderabad on the same day to be with their families and celebrate,” sources said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Preparations for Agni-V launch hit last lap | Missile payload on way to Wheeler Island

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service 

Bangalore: India's longest-ever near-Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V is scheduled to be test-fired from the Wheeler Island (Orissa) in the second week of April. The final stages and payload of the missile are set to move out of the Missile Complex in Hyderabad any time now. Sources tell Express that some major parts, including the motors of the missile, have already reached the launch site.

“The final checks and integration of all stages will be carried out in Wheeler Island. The check-out and launch pad tests will be completed in the next 15-20 days. The new launcher for the missile is ready. Over 200 scientists and close to 300 technicians are working round-the-clock at the Missile Complex and other work centers,” sources said. The missile is parented by Defence Research Development Organisation's (DRDO) Hyderabad-based unit, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL).
With a range of 5,000-plus-km, the missile when launched, is expected to travel to its target in international waters close to Australia. “The ships meant for tracking, which are normally positioned near the target, are expected to begin their long journey in the first week of April. We expect the sailing time to be between 10-12 days,” sources said.
Agni-V is the first Indian missile with four stages, including three propulsion and one final payload stage (re-entry vehicle). The others in the Agni series (A-2, A-3 & A-4) had only three stages making Agni-V an extremely complex vehicle. “The missile is expected to hit the target within 20 minutes as things stand now. The tentative date for the launch is fixed for April 16 and this is again not final,” sources said.
As reported in these columns earlier, Agni-V can be launched from anywhere in India in any direction at any time.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Dr Kalam inaugurates Navigation & Embedded Computer Complex in Hyderabad

 (Press Release)

The state-of-art technology center for design & development of world class Advance Navigation systems & Real-time Embedded computing products was inaugurated by Dr. APJ. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India on 9^th December 2011 (Friday), at RESEARCH CENTER IMARAT (RCI), the brain child of Dr. Kalam and the premier defence Avionic systems laboratory situated in the DRDO’ s Missile complex in Hyderabad.

The ‘NAVIGATION & EMBEDDED COMPUTERS COMPLEX’ which has been built over 14.5 acres within the premises of RCI, houses the most advanced design, fabrication & performance evaluation facilities required for the development of all classes of Navigation sensors & systems and real-time embedded systems. The Inertial Navigation group of RCI, which will be relocating to this complex, has been involved in the design & development of highly critical inertial sensors like Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLGs), Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs), Quartz Accelerometers, Hemispherical Resonating gyros (HRGs), etc which go into the Navigation systems of missiles, combat aircraft, torpedoes, ships & submarines.

The Real-time Embedded computing Group of RCI has been developing the real-time computer systems for all DRDO products and is an expert group in state-of-art VLSI & System-on-Chip (SoC) technologies. The DRDO scientists confirm that this new advanced Navigation complex is on par with the best in the world and possesses all relevant infrastructures required for the system development and performance evaluation of the present & future Navigation requirements.

Dr. Kalam, the founder of RCI, also inaugurated the museum within the complex, which showcases the birth and evolution of the navigation & computing technologies of the world & DRDO, from ancient times to the present day. Dr. Kalam, during his address, expressed that his dream of RCI heading towards the Number 1 position in the field of Inertial sensors, Navigation systems & algorithms, etc is becoming a reality and emphasized the need to develop the Single chip Navigation, Guidance & control solution based on the System-on-chip technology.

Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri & the Chief of DRDO Dr. V.K. Saraswat, congratulated the scientists on establishing the world class facility and wished RCI to emerge as the world leader in avionics. The Chief Controller R&D (Missiles & Stategic Systems) Shri. Avinash Chander, Director of RCI Shri. SK. Ray and many other Chief Controllers & top scientists of DRDO were present during the occasion.

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An Outstanding Scientist (OS) in DRDO at 48!

Future Perfect: G. Satheesh Reddy, DRDO's young missile scientist.

Are we witnessing the impact of HR reforms in DRDO, following the revamp announced by A.K. Antony in 2009? Insiders say that the much-needed change is slowly setting in. Result: Youngsters are getting their due, finally.

As a result, a promising missile scientist from RCI -- G. Satheesh Reddy -- is being promoted as an Outstanding Scientist (OS), recently. While there are many in DRDO with the OS status, what makes this promotion unique is the fact that Satheesh is only 48, thereby making him probably the youngest scientist to get the coveted OS status.

His technological achievements, eminence and innovative applications of engineering gave him the rare distinction to pick up this rare honor at the age of 48 years. He was earlier conferred with DRDO Scientist of the Year Award in 2010 and also the Fellowship of Indian National Academy of Engineering Fellowship (FNAE).

He has already made remarkable contributions towards indigenous design, development and production of advanced Navigation Systems for various defence applications. Insiders in DRDO say that the man has been playing a leading role in giving youngsters exposure to some of the most critical programs. "Satheesh has worked with Dr Kalam and was fortunate enough to have watched his working style from very close quarters. It is a good sign that DRDO is recognizing the talent of the second and third line of leaders. This will certainly help check the brain drain to a great extent," say sources.

DRDO hopes to impress Army with Prahaar punch; demo launch of tactical missile on July 21

Prahaar tactical missile will look the same as above, barring the writing on it and for some component(s). It is a spin-off of endo-atmospheric interceptor used for AD programme (above). Prahaar's minimum range is 50 km and maximum is 150 km. Photos: Tarmak007 Archives

The Launch Complex (LC-III) of the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Balasore (Orissa) is all set  for the maiden launch of India’s new tactical missile Prahaar. Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that this short-range missile is capable of hitting targets at a minimum distance of 50 km and maximum of 150 km.“Today we don’t have a good tactical missile for any conventional role. The Russian-made Smerch has a range of 90 km. Prahaar will be in the 90-plus-km-class, capable of carrying a payload of 200-250 kg,” sources tell Tarmak007. Prahaar is an offshoot of India’s AD programme. “It is a spin-off programme – a conversion of endo-atmospheric interceptor used for the AD,” sources said.

DRDO hopes to get a formal sanction for the programme subject to the successive launch of the first missile on July 21. “The programme is not yet sanctioned. What we are attempting is a demonstration launch for the user and only one missile will be tested. We will take the inputs from the user (Army) and make the necessary modifications needed. Then we will go for the final sanction,” sources said.

So what makes Prahaar different? Well, if one were go by what insiders tell Tarmak007 then Prahaar is an extremely cost-effective missile. It will be much cheaper than the BrahMos cruise missile. Since it uses solid propulsion systems, it will be on a ready-for-launch-mode any time. There won’t be any storage issues and the missile will be completely maintenance-free, taking it out of the periodic-checking issues. Load it on to a Canister system and fire it!

Being a road-mobile system, Prahaar can hit multiple targets at a time with the canister system (launcher) able to hold a maximum of 6 missiles. “All components and critical systems for this missile are available in India and it can be produced in large numbers at very short notice making it extremely cost-effective,” sources said.

“We have set a target in sea. Weather is not a concern and we have taken all necessary precautions. Just that clear weather would give us good data. For example, optical tracking will not be possible if it is cloudy. But, we have other options like telemetry and radar tracking,” sources added.

Close to 50 scientists and engineers, including many youngsters, have worked for the Prahaar project.