India's R&D in Defence DRDO, PSUs and Private Sector

KrishnaK · Post by **KrishnaK** » 21 Sep 2013 04:15

Flight Delay :HAL’s production of helicopters and aircraft cannot keep up with even half of the requirements of India’s Air Force and Navy
I hope this hasn't been posted before

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 21 Sep 2013 08:13

indranilroy wrote:
Sagar G wrote:I think this wasn't posted here since wasn't released before

Armament Technologies August-December 2012

Has info of SAMHO, PG Kit for HSLD and lots of other good stuff with pics
The PG kit for HSLD is really interesting. Never heard of this before. Can't think of how it is different from Sudarshan or why this dual effort. Any ideas anybody?

Its JDAM+

The INS and GPS gives it JDAM capability. The seeker in the nose gives it the Paveway capability. Hence in my view its an all weather guided bomb.
Plus am not sure but Sudarshan is specific to the 1000 lbs bomb which has British measurements. And its LGB only.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 25 Sep 2013 21:19

Old Tarmak report

A next-generation bomb (NG-LGB) studded with new technologies is in the pipeline, but the scientists need to address the problem of rolling of the bomb, after its release. “The range of Sudrashan now is around 9 km, if dropped from a normal altitude, and for the NG-LGB we hope to increase the range to 50 km,” he said.

Maybe this HSLD bomb kit is the NG-LGB one.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Sep 2013 21:44

To get 50km range it needs some wings for lift. The pics show stubby wings. But then who knows. they might be using the kinetic + potential energy after release with those stub wings. So you might be right.

Its clearly different than the Sudarshan LGB kit with looks more like Paveway II in style and is for the 1000 pounders Mark 11A model.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 27 Sep 2013 23:14

A presentation by L&T from 2010. Start from page 9.

L&T ISRO PARTNERSHIP - An Overview & view to future

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 27 Sep 2013 23:25

Lots of photu of components. Start from page 8.

Doing Business with ISRO - Opportunities

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 28 Sep 2013 04:06

Hats off to Dr.AC.Finally there is real change taking place in the DRDO.As I posted in other tds.,the lack of appointing a DG-ADA saw the LCA languish for more than a decade.The new DGs will have the autonomy to chart out the programmes under their wing,but will have to deliver as the buck will stop with them.The emphasis on exports is essential.The other post about HAL being unable to manufacture half the requirement for the forces is worrying.It means more imports and there are some types and sizes of helicopters in the med-heavy class where we have no programmes at all under development.the IN's ASW/multi-role helos of which we need a 100+ is just one example.Past time to set up another manufacturing unit if BLR is overloaded.The demand for UCAVs of all kinds,will also explode in the near future.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 28 Sep 2013 06:25

yes ramana!

http://phys.org/news/2011-09-university ... e-cl-.html

instead of sugar substitutes, we can consider agave nectar.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 Sep 2013 09:09

Interesting. But CL-20 was supposed to be insensitive. So what gives?

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 28 Sep 2013 09:14

Lab scale production only in India and very expensive.
Also, lot of studies need to be done about its usability (Safety, etc)

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 28 Sep 2013 10:07

Advances in High Energy Materials - From 2010 - DSJ

Indian Scenario

Production base for conventional explosives like TNT and RDX exists in Ordnance Factories of India. HMX is being produced at limited scale in DRDO Laboratories. The melt cast and cast cure compositions based on of these explosives have been developed for wide range of applications in missile warheads and gun projectiles. CL-20 has been productionised at kg level in Defence and Private Sectors. CL-20 has been evaluated in explosive compositions based on and increase in penetration of shaped-charge has been established. FOX-7 and TATB are being produced at pilot scale in DRDO. TEX and NTO have been synthesised. The investigation on RSRDX has been undertaken and encouraging results have been obtained in cast cure explosives.

The production base for AP/Al/HTPB exists in the private sector. Ordnance factories are well equipped to produce double-base propellants. The composite propellants are being produced in both ordnance factories and pilot plant facilities in DRDO. Investigative studies have been undertaken in DRDO for elastomer-modified double-base (EMDB) propellants. HNF has been synthesised in DRDO Labs. and attempts are on to tackle its sensitivity problems. Double-base and triple-base propellants are being produced in ordnance factories to meet all the gun propellant requirements. RDX and HMX are also being evaluated in LOVA propellant with thermoplastic elastomers and conventional polymers as binders. A large number of nitrogen rich compounds
have been synthesised and evaluated as components of gun propellants. Nitrogen-rich compounds have also been evaluated in other systems.

The production of energetic polymers and plasticizers like GAP, BAMO and TMETN/TEGDN has been established in private sector. These energetic binders are extensively evaluated in gun propellants. Feasibility studies are also under taken on rocket propellants and explosive compositions.

Lots of other info.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 28 Sep 2013 12:37

Good info on DRDO, BEL and also CVRDE. Pictures of Arjun MK2 Prototype 1 with RCWS

http://www.aeromag.in/sites/default/fil ... 202013.pdf\

1000 HP Upgraded engine for T-72 available for user trials in 2013

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 Sep 2013 20:47

Are there large factories that produce concentrated Nitric Acid in the chemical industry?

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 Sep 2013 21:03

This wiki helps understand some of the DRDO TechFocus link posted above circa 2012:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaped_charge

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 28 Sep 2013 21:06

I think India does have big companies producing concentrated Nitric Acid.

member_20317 · Post by **member_20317** » 28 Sep 2013 21:07

Nitric Acid is required in Nuke industry too. Besides the propellents and explosives. So I guess there should be big sources for it.

Re. CL-20 I think R&D face some challenges in stability due to dimensional &/or phase changes. RDX/HMX in its various filler forms still seems a much more deployment worthy (cost, stability, strength, safety) etc.

pragnya · Post by **pragnya** » 29 Sep 2013 18:13

Lots of details. posting in full.

DRDO strives to become a self-sufficient armament designer for Indian armed forces

NEW DELHI. “By charter DRDO is only to be a design agency. Policy change is not in our hands. There are a number of measures to fill the gap between design and production. Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is the production agency and we have been involving their engineers from the design stage so that they can plan in advance and transition to production time is reduced. Quality should be better in this case,” Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller R&D ( Armaments, Combat Engineering & Services Interaction) S Sundaresh responded to India Strategic on why DRDO should not be given the right to produce, in an exclusive interview.

DRDO is mandated to develop prototypes and then hand over to production agencies for large-scale manufacture. But a substantial amount of handholding is required in the post-development phase. DRDO would like to play a lead role in the selection of production partners and the lead integrator for production of DRDO-developed products, so as to ensure seamless transfer of technology, manufacture and product support.

India has a long history of design and development of conventional armament. Realising the importance of self sufficiency in modern warfare, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in the process of developing the advanced towed arty Gun, 155mm, 52 calibre with advanced technology. “The prototype will be ready in three years by 2016, user trials will finish by 2018 Production post this by OFB,” Sundaresh, former Director of Combat Vehicles Research and Development Organisation (CVRDE) which designed India’s Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, also said the Explosive Reactive Armour Mk-I developed for T72, will protect the tank in times of attack and already more than 700 are fitted with this. “Currently we are working on ERA Mark II which promises better performance than the previous one. It is equivalent if not better than the Russian technology which had been refused by them. User trials are expected to begin in December 2013,” he added. The major upgrades in Arjun Mark II include the panoramic sight with night vision to attack targets at night, missile-firing capability against long-range targets, an anti-aircraft gun to shoot down helicopters, higher penetration ammunition, sensors to detect lasers fired by an enemy tank and a plough to weed out mines. It will take a few more months before all the user trials are completed.

For meeting the present day tactical requirement of the Indian Army with light weight, compact and better fire power small arms, a family of Small Arms in 5.56 mm calibre (INSAS) and its family of ammunition have been developed by DRDO and produced by OFB. The mass produced INSAS rifle, meant to be the main rifle for the Indian Army has been known to malfunction in extreme conditions. In November 2011, the Ministry of Defence issued a tender for 66,000 assault rifles to replace the INSAS. MoD wanted the new rifles to be able to switch calibres between the small, high-velocity 5.56 mm rounds the INSAS fires and the devastatingly powerful 7.62 mm rounds of the older FAL rifles. But DRDO insists that improvements on INSAS are on. It is making the under barrel grenade launcher for Indian Army. 10,000 have been ordered of which 2000 have been already delivered.

“We are designing multi calibre 5.56, 6.8 and 7.62 for Infantry but there is no demand from the army. There is a small arms QR from Army for protective carbines. User trials will begin from December 2013. INSAS team is working on these products. Also corner firing weapon is under development for para military forces by DRDO. Demonstrations in December 2013 and trials next year are on the agenda. Explosive Detection Kit for paramilitary and police forces being designed by DRDO is being made by Vantage Security Solutions. Technology has been taken by US and has been launched in the US market.
DRDO is currently developing the 155 mm, 52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) at the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). Improved firepower at longer ranges, higher accuracy and enhanced mobility are some of the primary requirements for this gun system. Efforts are being made to develop new technologies for weapon platforms, automation and control systems, recoil management and materials to achieve improved weapon performance.

Lately there have been talks of the Army Headquarters having initiated the process to procure within 12 to 18 months around 75,000 to one lakh rounds of FSAPDS ammunition from global sources, but with no confirmation. And the news that still has to make rounds is that this very vital technology for development of Fin Stabilised Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) ammunition has been developed in the country by DRDO.

FSAPDS ammunition is the most lethal kinetic energy ammunition, capable of destroying all known tank armour up to direct shooting range. The 125 mm FSAPDS (soft core) ammunition has been successfully designed and developed for enhancing the fire power of existing T-72 tank. For T series tanks FSAPDS. DRDO has developed a soft core FSAPDS Mk I for For T72 Russian tanks. Technical trials for Mark II have been done and user trials are on. Production should begin by 2015. After 2015 we will be able to reduce import dependency. For Arjun FSAPDS is totally developed by ARDE.

DRDO completed the development of Oleo-resin plastic hand grenades (partly derived from the potent Bhut Jholokia Chilli found in north-east India), as a less lethal way to control rioters, better tear gas shells and short-range laser dazzlers. ARDE developed 81 mm and the, 120 mm illuminating bombs and 105 mm illuminating shells for the Indian Army’s infantry and Artillery.

Sundaresh said the DRDO was developing the Mark II version of Pinaka, the multi-barrel rocket launcher that fires the Pinaka rockets. While the rocket Pinaka-I has a 10 km to 38 km range, Pinaka-II will have a range of 60 km. Ordnance Factory Board will be producing 5000 Pinaka Mark IIs in the first year. If OFB uses it’s full capacity it should be able to make 20,000 to 30,000 per year. For this version we are extending the range from 30 Km to 68 Kms. It is undergoing technical trials which will finish by the end of 2013. In 2014 summers it will go for user trials which will finish by 2015. Pinaka regiments will get upgraded by 2018.

Laser Guided Bombs for Air Force have been long awaited and it is pleasant news that design trials are on. ADE Bangalore has developed a LGB Sudarshan which is undergoing user trials. It is a 1000 lb bomb. Airburst grenade assembly is going on and so is DRDO’s evaluation. Sundaresh confirmed that it should finish by 2015. Also a Canopy severance system for LCA which is developed by DRDO will be a life saver for the pilot.

“To protect the precious lives and use the armament effectively, all combat aircraft are provided with crew escape aid systems along with the systems to operate the armament at a desired level of confidence. Power cartridges employed to operate these systems at the highest degree of operational reliability have been successfully developed and produced. The technological capability of development of power cartridges of almost all in service combat aircraft has been fully indigenised, resulting in substantial saving of foreign exchange. DRDO is also making power cartridges for all the three services. Manufacturing is done by DRDO at ARDE Pune as quantity is less than 500,” stated Sundaresh.

Submerged Signal Ejector cartridges (SSE), limpet mines, short range anti-submarine rockets (with HE and practice warheads), the Indian Sea Mine which can be deployed against ships and submarines both have also been designed by DRDO for Navy. DRDO also designed short and medium range ECM rockets which deploy chaff to decoy away anti-ship homing missiles. In a similar vein, they also developed a 3 in (76.2 mm) PFHE shell, pre-fragmented and with a proximity fuse, for use against anti-ship missiles and other targets, by the Navy.

To achieve self- sufficiency in critical armament technologies within the stringent time frame, with the basic objective of pooling the scientific talent available in DRDO, sister organisations like Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Science & Technology, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, etc, and academic institutions and industry the Armament Research Board has been constituted. It aims to provide a platform for coordinating research activities related to armament technologies in the country. It will enable the armament group of laboratories to meet the demands of the nation for the sophisticated and state-of-the-art conventional armament.

© India Strategic

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 29 Sep 2013 20:14

DRDO is mandated to develop prototypes and then hand over to production agencies for large-scale manufacture. But a substantial amount of handholding is required in the post-development phase. DRDO would like to play a lead role in the selection of production partners and the lead integrator for production of DRDO-developed products, so as to ensure seamless transfer of technology, manufacture and product support.

This is the second time DRDO has stated publicly that they want a say in choosing the production partner previously MoD had shot it down on the ground that it will lead to "corruption"

asprinzl · Post by **asprinzl** » 29 Sep 2013 20:46

The world's biggest steel magnate is an Indian (Mittal). He has all types of steel manufacturing/production technology at his disposal and yet I don't see any mention of Mittal in desi defense production effort. What gives? Ego?
Avram

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 29 Sep 2013 20:53

Mittal is British I think.

member_24580 · Post by **member_24580** » 29 Sep 2013 21:19

He holds an Indian passport still. Thats where it starts and ends.

Sagar G wrote:Mittal is British I think.

jahaju · Post by **jahaju** » 29 Sep 2013 21:24

ramana wrote:Are there large factories that produce concentrated Nitric Acid in the chemical industry?

Fertilizer manufacturing companies, both PSU and private.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 29 Sep 2013 23:18

Pragnya, amazing report. Covers the entire gamut of critical programs. Also points out that DRDO really wants to move production to agencies with better QA than OFB.

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 29 Sep 2013 23:32

pandyan wrote:Mittal sahib has consistently mentioned that his success has nothing to do with India and they are not interested in doing business in india.
Either he has some very bitter experience trying to do business in India or nobody in the current government is taking initiatives to bring the companies into defence production.

I don't think Mittal can pass technical know-how in critical areas even if he wants. Even if he has 10 different technologies in 10 different countries, he will have to protect the details to honor local laws.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 30 Sep 2013 00:20

Sagar G wrote:
DRDO is mandated to develop prototypes and then hand over to production agencies for large-scale manufacture. But a substantial amount of handholding is required in the post-development phase. DRDO would like to play a lead role in the selection of production partners and the lead integrator for production of DRDO-developed products, so as to ensure seamless transfer of technology, manufacture and product support.
This is the second time DRDO has stated publicly that they want a say in choosing the production partner previously MoD had shot it down on the ground that it will lead to "corruption"

Not a fan of Shri Antony I see.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 30 Sep 2013 00:21

It does not matter which country's passport he holds. It is the local/national laws that he has to adhere to. Forget passing it on to some other entity, he cannot even pass it on to his own companies without the proper paperwork. But, typically the inter-company stuff is worked out prior to buying a company in another nation.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 30 Sep 2013 00:22

RamaY wrote:
pandyan wrote:Mittal sahib has consistently mentioned that his success has nothing to do with India and they are not interested in doing business in india.
Either he has some very bitter experience trying to do business in India or nobody in the current government is taking initiatives to bring the companies into defence production.
I don't think Mittal can pass technical know-how in critical areas even if he wants. Even if he has 10 different technologies in 10 different countries, he will have to protect the details to honor local laws.

Correct. Local subsidiaries are governed by local laws such as ITAR and their technologies are often ring fenced from the corporate HQ. It would be a rare businessman who would take the risk to play fast and loose with such issues

negi · Post by **negi** » 30 Sep 2013 00:24

Mittal sir only deals with brick and mortar type of business i.e. iron ore processing and steel manufacturing in general , if at all he comes to India he will be only competing with Tatas and Jindals . Technologically on paper Tatas are closest to getting into cutting edge stuff in India they own the Jaguar and LR group there is a lot of good CFD and engine tech type R&D happening in those companies.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 30 Sep 2013 03:08

avaram, Mittal's enterprises are located outside India and has to obey the local laws. India also has very good, high quality steel making facilities which are providing the necessary resources. btW just because a person is of Indian origin doesn't mean he has to supply stuff to India.

pragnya · Post by **pragnya** » 30 Sep 2013 11:12

Karan M wrote:Pragnya, amazing report. Covers the entire gamut of critical programs.

yes Karan M.

Also points out that DRDO really wants to move production to agencies with better QA than OFB.

i had pointed this out earlier too. this has been an issue for the DRDO who have made their stand known for the past few years now - like this one in march 2012. DRDO of late has been encouraging the pvt sector to be part of many of their efforts. for instance like the barrel - going to be from the pvt sector - in the ARDE effort of the 155mm howitzer gun.

i wish DRDO is allowed to choose their production agency form either pvt or public sector.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 05 Oct 2013 04:19

Yet another new DRDO radar program mentioned here on the last page:

http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/nl/2013/NL_Oct_2013_web.pdf

LRDE, Banagalore
Lt Gen VK Saxena, VSM, Director
General, Army Air Defence, visited
Electronics and Radar Development
Establishment (LRDE), on 29 August
2013. Shri S Ravind, OS and Director,
LRDE, apprised the visitors about the
products and technologies developed
by the establishment. Lt General was
also given demo on GPR and Atulya
radar development

GPR is Ground Penetrating Radar judging by whats being developed for the Army. Now, the only other "unnamed radar" (as memory serves) for the Army is the "Multi Mission Radar (MMSR)"
http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs/LRDE/Engli ... asWork.jsp.

Judging by the photo on the last page (only partially visible) - it seems to be similar to the Aslesha (http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2 ... 309803.jpg) and not large enough to be a MMSR which judging by similar radars worldwide, is usually much larger/more powerful. The fact that its the DG Army Air Def. also tends to support the thought this is an Army specific variant of the Aslesha 3D radar (developed for the IAF). If so, this is a new radar and not mentioned anywhere else.

Also another radar not mentioned on LRDE webpage but in MOD AR 2012 is the Ashwini LLTR, 4D, AESA. IMHO, this will be reconfigured to serve as a MMSR for the IA.
Arudhra MPR is stated to have a prototype in evaluation already.

At this rate, radar imports will be a thing of the past.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 05 Oct 2013 15:44

Annual Report 2012

https://mod.gov.in/writereaddata/AR_2013/Eng/ch8.pdf

Loads of interesting info.. some snippets..

ERA:

Aim was to develop an ERA equivalent to T-90 ERA adaptable to all three tanks of the Indian Army, T-72, T-90 and Arjun
Development of ERA MK-2 having equivalent performance to T-90 ERA has been completed. Performance of ERA MK-2 vs T-90 ERA, against Milan shaped charge warhead, and 125mm FSAPDS (AMK-340) has been demonstrated to the user.

Pinaka
40 launchers, 16 battery command posts, 40 loader cum replenishment vehicles, 20 replenishment vehicles have been handed over to the army. five lots of restricted high explosive rockets, and 23 lots of preformed fragment warhead rockets have also been handed over.

81mm Anti Thermal rockets

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 06 Oct 2013 01:46

Karan M wrote:Judging by the photo on the last page (only partially visible) - it seems to be similar to the Aslesha (http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2 ... 309803.jpg) and not large enough to be a MMSR which judging by similar radars worldwide, is usually much larger/more powerful. The fact that its the DG Army Air Def. also tends to support the thought this is an Army specific variant of the Aslesha 3D radar (developed for the IAF). If so, this is a new radar and not mentioned anywhere else.

It's not just a radar but something more, had the pic of the radar been shown people would have immediately guessed what it is.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 06 Oct 2013 01:50

Well, as far as I know, LRDE works only on radars and not ESM/ECM systems, so this should be a radar, unless I misunderstood you..
The pic is not shown (IMHO) because DRDO is still pretty hit and miss at PR. Most of these visits and seminar sort of stuff, show poor res pics of the people attending, generals, senior personnel, politicians etc and completely miss out on the actual equipment and infoboards etc.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 06 Oct 2013 01:53

It's a radar but it's more than what you are thinking it is, your thought train is moving in the right direction. Keep an eye on this Atulya radar and lungi dance moment is assured

Regarding the pic DRDO is more evil than you think.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 06 Oct 2013 02:54

The only radars that are in the Army section of the LRDE website, which we don't have names/ data on are:
FOPEN (Foliage Penetration)
GPR (Ground Penetration Radar)
MMSR (Multi Mission Surveillance Radar)

We also know LRDE is working on TWIR (Through Wall Imaging Radar)

Lets work through these options.
1.We know its not the GPR. That was mentioned separately.
2. Is not the FOPEN (IMHO) because, the antenna array is usually very different. See:http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/9632/tp864.jpg
In fact DRDO was supposed to be collaborating with SAAB on adapting CARABAS. For further confirmation, check FOPEN from LM, similar antenna arrays mounted in a long pod. By their very nature, these radars are mounted on aircraft.
3. As to MMSR - doubt that because an ideal MMSR would be high powered enough to detect arty rounds, mortar rounds etc - meaning vehicle mounted, larger antenna array. (e.g. http://www.iai.co.il/sip_storage/FILES/9/38029.pdf )
4. Is not a TWIR - those are hand held/man portable much smaller units (http://www.endoacustica.com/immagini/prisma_370x363.jpg)
5.Looking at the stuff that is there on the side - the central unit electronics in a cradle behind the antenna, plus the 4 legged base, power supply/UPS etc besides on the ground - it seems very similar to Aslesha. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Doi6jByv4js/T ... poster.JPG

Also, the visitor is Gen from the Army Air Defence.

Aslesha is also being modified for the IAF (a higher power variant on a truck), is on offer for the Navy (light ships, will require stabilization - like L&T did for Revathi) and for ATC (Air Traffic Control) for civilian operators.

Note, the simpler 2D Bharani LLLWR was developed for the Army AD as well and is being procured by them. After the Aslesha cleared trials for AF in Ladakh/Leh, 21 are being made for the AF.

Hence, a variant for Army Air Defence is not implausible.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 06 Oct 2013 11:46

Ordnance Factories Organization

The infrastructure in Ordnance Factories built over the years need continuous updating to keep pace with advancements by induction of state-of-art technologies and to meet futuristic requirements of users. OFB has an ambitious plan of modernization envisaging investment of around Rs.15000 Crore during 12th Plan period (2012-17) as against Rs 583 crore during 11th Plan period.

The major investment plans during the 12th Plan period are:

(a) Augmentation of capacity for production of Tank T-90
(b) Creation of capacity for production of variants of tank T-72
(c) Augmentation of capacity for ICV BMP-II and its variants
(d) Augmentation of capacity for Engines of Armoured vehicles
(e) Nalanda and Korwa project
(f) Augmentaion of capacity for Pinaka Rocket
(g) Creation of capacity for production of 155 mm Howitzer
(h) HMX and Ammonium per-chlorate plant
(i) Booster and Sustainer for Akash missile
(j) Creation of capacity for production of Track Link Assembly for armoured vehicles

Notable Achievements and Awards during 2012-2013 were as follows:

i) As desired by Army, two 155 mm x45 cal Guns are planned to be offered to Army by March 2013 for evaluation. Functionality, Range, Accuracy and Consistency trial of these two indigenously manufactured Guns have been successfully carried out at Central Proof Establishment (CPE), Itarsi and PXE Balasore during December, 2012. The development of these Guns has been a collaborative effort of all the stake holders viz Army, OFB, DRDO and DGQA. Such an exercise has been done for the first time in the country.

ii) Bulk production clearance for Rocket RGB-60 (High Explosive) and its fuse has been received from Indian Navy during 2011-12 and April 2012 respectively. OFB has achieved complete indigenisation of this Rocket, which was hitherto being imported by Navy.

iii) Rifle Factory Ichapur received Raksha Mantri’s award for excellence for the ‘Best Performing Factory’ of 2010-11 at a function held at New Delhi on October 5, 2012.

iv) Shri Shrihari Ashok Tapkir, an employee of Ordnance Factory, Dehuroad, has become the first employee of OFB to climb Mt. Everest. He was a part of a team of Mountaineering Club of Pune and achieved this remarkable feat on May 19, 2012.

In-house R&D: R&D activities at Ordnance Factories primarily aim towards development of new products/ process, upgrades of existing products/ process by re-engineering, absorption of TOT, collaboration/ joint venture with Indian partners/ foreign partners.

To strengthen the R&D set up further in OFs, several actions were initiated to augment the capabilities of Ordnance Development Centres. Designing and analysis software are being procured and are being regularly updated. In many centres, specialized software and hardware have been installed to create facilities for specialized jobs like developing the components through Reverse Engineering Process. Value of Issues (VOI) worth Rs. 923.93 crore have been achieved from indigenously developed projects during 2011-12 and still higher value is expected in 2012-13.

OFB is presently working on development of some important projects like Up-Gunning of 130 mm M 46 Guns to 155 mm/45 Caliber MK-IV, Development of 155 mm X 52 Caliber FH Mounted Gun system with Electronic Modules, Integration of 105 mm LFG on BMP, Development of SRCWS (Stabilized Remote Control Weapons Station) with 12.7 HMG for Navy, Indigenisation of AK-630-M and KAVACH MOD-II through in-house manufacturing and assistance from Indian industry.

Looks like my assumption about the 155/52 gun development being a joint effort between OFB and DRDO was correct. They are collaborating on the 155/45 cal gun too. Good to hear that Army and DGQA are engaged from the start of the project.

It seems industrial scale HMX production is going to start soon.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 06 Oct 2013 16:40

The development of these Guns has been a collaborative effort of all the stake holders viz Army, OFB, DRDO and DGQA

Phew good to know that DRDO is involved in 45 cal project so it's a bit of relief now if OF doesn't eff it up with it's legendary QC then we can see some much needed artillery induction.

OFB has an ambitious plan of modernization envisaging investment of around Rs.15000 Crore during 12th Plan period (2012-17) as against Rs 583 crore during 11th Plan period.

All these plans and money is down the drain only if they don't eliminate the parasitic unions first.

Good job pankajs for such data mining.

chackojoseph · Post by **chackojoseph** » 06 Oct 2013 16:44

Collaborative has been loosely used. OFB needs to be credited with Solo development of 45 cal.

Rupak · Post by **Rupak** » 06 Oct 2013 18:09

The other interesting issue is that of integration of 105mm guns with the BMP. I recall seeing a prototype at DEFExPO some years ago..is there a production order for these?