Interview with Avinash Chander | New DRDO boss puts Tejas project on radar | Agni-V induction too tops agenda

 By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) new boss Dr Avinash Chander has put India's fighter jet project Tejas on his radar, with a possible mission to jettison it out of the current turbulence. In an interview to Express on Friday, soon after New Delhi officially handed over the mandate to pilot DRDO for the next three years, Avinash said that completing the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of Tejas by September this year and attaining the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) by the end of 2014, are two primary targets he has already set.
“After finishing the taking over formalities, I am catching the first available flight to Bangalore to review the project. I am absolutely aware of the issues that are dogging the project and I would now want to see it from close quarters, what the delays are. The Tejas' IOC and FOC cannot be postponed any further,” said Avinash, who will also double up as the Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister. He said the induction of India's long-range ballistic missile Agni-V and development of 155-mm gun are other projects that would get his immediate attention.
Saying that his task is cut out with many projects reeling under time overruns, Avinash promised to turn around DRDO into a delivery-oriented unit. “There are grey areas still, despite our efforts to stick to the deadline. We are lagging behind in directive energy systems such as high-energy electro-magnetic lasers. We also need to gear up on the materials front. We have proven our abilities with multiple missile programmes and we need to emulate the same in other projects as well,” said the 62-and-a-half-year-old missile scientist.
He said DRDO will be restructured to catch up with the challenges of modern times. “I will take everything one step at a time. I am aware that we need to create the 'Brand DRDO' image. It will be a collective team effort. The idea is to take DRDO to the next level. I will ensure that the confidence of users in DRDO will be always high,” Avinash said.
Incidentally, Avinash will be the second man after Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, who will serve as the DRDO chief beyond 65 years.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

CV of another Missile Man | The new DRDO boss

DRDO's new captain Avinash Chander.

(From a release | Unedited)

Sri Avinash Chander, Distinguished Scientist, Programme Director, AGNI and Chief Controller (Missiles & Strategic Systems) is an eminent Missile Scientist and the Chief Architect of the Long Range Ballistic Missile System AGNI. Envisioned and evolved the Strategies for Long Range Missiles and led the design and development of AGNI series of Missile Systems – AGNI A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 providing cutting edge, decisive Strategic Weapon systems to the Armed Forces.
Led to the Successful development of the Nation’s pride, ‘5000Km range AGNI 5 Strategic Weapon System’ propelling India to join the elite club of five advanced nations. Development of Agni Range of missiles in highly restrictive International Control Regimes was possible only out of his technology forecast, perspective planning and relentless efforts. Created the infrastructure, industry base, production lines, and integration facilities to produce different classes of AGNI Missile Systems varying from 300 to 5000 kms in range. Today, the AGNI A1, A2, A3 Missiles occupy the pride of place in the inventories of the Indian Army.
Forecasted the requirement of Safe and Long Test Range for futuristic missions of the country and was instrumental in establishing Range with state-of art Sensors, Ranging Systems and Launch Pads. He has played a vital role in conceptualization and design of a Ship based Tracking System with sophisticated equipments for tracking and monitoring of Long Range Missions. Facilities for Missile Integration and Storage & the Launch Sites have been established at Strategic locations all over the country thereby facilitating a distributed Long range ballistic missile Launch Centres with Command, Control and Communication Network to the Armed Forces, the most sought feature of the Advanced Nation’s defence capabilities.
His pioneering research in the Innovative Energy Management Guidance Scheme has enabled utilization of Solid Propulsion, the main thrust and the backbone of Long Range Missile System. Under his leadership, DRDO carried out extensive Research and indigenously developed the critical technologies such as Composite Rocket Motors, Re-entry Carbon Composite Heat Shield, Advanced High Accuracy Navigation Systems, Flex Nozzle Control System, High-end Real-time computing techniques. His long term expertise has been providing the necessary thrust for the Programmes of National importance such as Underwater Missiles, BrahMos Cruise Missiles, Nag, Air Defence systems etc. He laid the Technology Roadmap for Missile Complex Laboratories and led the R&D in the advanced Navigation Systems, Onboard Computers, Servo Valves and Seekers.
Shri Avinash Chander joined DRDO in 1972 after completing graduation in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi. He obtained M.S in Spatial Information Technology from JNTU, Hyderabad. He is a Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineers, Fellow of Systems Society of India, Fellow of Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences and Vice-President of Astronautical Society of India.
The distinguished scientist has received numerous awards and honours including DRDO Scientist of the Year, Astronautical Society of India Rocketry and related Technologies Award, Dr. Biren Roy Space Science and Design Award, Agni Self-reliance Award, Path Breaking Research/Outstanding Technology Development Award, Outstanding Technologist Award by Punjab Technical University, Technology Leadership Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award of IIT, Delhi.
In recognition of his immense contributions towards strengthening the National Defence, Government of India has recently honoured him with the prestigious PADMA SHRI Award.