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

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 02 Apr 2009 22:26

From PIB

Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has recorded a turnover of Rs. 4618 crores (provisional) for the year 2008-09 as against last year’s turnover of Rs. 4102.54 crores.

The estimated Profit Before Tax is Rs. 1095 crores as against last year’s figure of Rs. 1171.3 crores. BEL achieved exports of US $ 17.75 million, which is an increase of 15 per cent over last year’s figure of US $ 15.43 million. The turnover per employee during 2008-09 has increased to Rs. 38.6 lakhs from last year’s Rs. 33.16 lakhs. The value added per employee has also shown a considerable growth to Rs. 18 lakhs from last year’s Rs. 16 lakhs.

The order book as on April 01, 2009 is estimated to be around Rs. 10,000 crores. Some of the significant orders executed during the year include supply of High Power HF Communication Sets, Frequency Hopping VHF Transreceivers, UHF Radio Relays, Artillery Combat Command Control Systems, Upgraded Fire Control Systems, Fourth Generation Composite Communication Systems for various ships and yards, Radar Warning Receiver, Surveillance Radar Elements, Thermal Imager based Integrated Observation Equipment, 3D Surveillance Radar Rohini, Shipborne & Airborne Electronic Warfare Systems, Laser Range Finders, Night Vision Binoculars, Satellite based Road & Rail Mobile Communication System and Upgraded EVMs.

More than 20 new products were introduced and supplied during the year. The new products include Upgraded Fire Control Systems, Light Weight Helicopter borne ESM Systems, Light Weight Vehicle based Direction Finding Systems, Shipborne Radar band ESM System, Radar Finger Printing System, Wide Area Network for BSF, Upgraded EVMs, Thermal Imager Sight for existing radars and Synchronous Transfer Mode Encryptors.

Hiten · Post by **Hiten** » 05 Apr 2009 20:27

Maiden flight of indigenous Wankel engine of UAV takes off

The first ever indigenous Wankel Rotary engine, powering Nishant, the Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), took off from a World War II abandoned runway near a village eight kilometres from Kolar in Karnataka.

The maiden flight of the indigenous Wankel engine of a UAV, which took off yesterday morning, climbed to an altitude of 1.8 km effortlessly before cruising for 35 minutes.

The air vehicle was recovered safely at the intended place at a dried-up lake after a total flight duration of 40 minutes, a defence press release said here today.

The event signifies achievements in many categories: It is the first time that a Wankel engine has been developed within the country and UAV flown with an indigenous engine.

The engine, a Wankel Rotary type, was a developmental project, which originated at the DRDO through VRDE, Ahmednagar, and was jointly designed and developed by NAL, a CSIR laboratory, VRDE, Ahmednagar, and ADE, Bangalore, it said.

The Wankel engine is the first of its kind that was totally designed and developed in the country. Very few countries in the world have the capability to develop and master this technology, the release said.

This indigenous engine is expected to replace the present imported engine for Nishant.

putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 07 Apr 2009 04:45

Nishant takes off from WWII runway

...
The Wankel engine weighs about 30 kgs, and this engine type is known for its high power to weight ratio in a single rotor category.

Performance
check

The performance of the engine during the flight met the requirements of the first flight of a engine in the air vehicle.

This 55 hp indigenous engine is expected to replace the present imported engine of Nishant.

The critical core engine, including the special cylinder composite nickel-silicon carbide coating and special aluminium alloy castings, was designed and developed by NAL.

VRDE developed engine peripherals such as the ignition and fuel systems and ADE developed flight testing.
...

narmad · Post by **narmad** » 10 Apr 2009 01:18

Parachute factory rises to demands of market
Sandwiched between Delhi-Howrah railway route and prestigious NH-2, is factory of OPF (Ordnance Parachute Factory), where a silent technological revolution unfolds every day. The factory has received fresh orders for parachutes from Mongolia
The acceptance is indeed growing, particularly in Asian markets. About 600 break-parachutes used to slow down multi-utility Sukhoi air-craft worth Rs 1.5 crore were exported to Indonesia recently. Similarly, Algeria and Malaysia have also received break parachutes used in Mig-29, Mig-23 and other Mig series aircrafts developed in parachute factory of Kanpur.

JaiS · Post by **JaiS** » 11 Apr 2009 20:05

The implications of this would be non-military but since it is DRDO related so putting it here.

DRDO - FICCI ATAC programme

JaiS · Post by **JaiS** » 12 Apr 2009 20:26

BSF acquires eight Dhruv helicopters

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 22 Apr 2009 03:04

DRDO Newsletter for April 2009

Engine Test House at CVRDE, Avadi Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, Distinguished Scientist & CC R&D (NS&ACE), DRDO HQrs. New Delhi inaugurated the newly created State of the Art Engine Test Facility at Combat Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi. In his inaugural address, he congratulated theCVRDE team for their vision and dedicated planning towards the creation of world class Engine Test Facility which has two test cells capable of testing the engines up to 1500 kW and 800 kW power, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, CC R&D said that the development work for the Mark II Arjun has already commenced with serious deliberations towards incorporating the future technologies into the new version of MBT, which is expected to embrace the most advanced digital electronics and nano technology.

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 23 Apr 2009 10:06

establishment and comissioning of the new engine dynos, may well indicate that the indigwnous MBT engine project has atleast reached the prototype stage. Any idea, what output has the engine achieved so far?

KBDagha · Post by **KBDagha** » 23 Apr 2009 21:55

O/p achieved: 1300 bhp
Target: 1500bhp
Source: Scientist @ IIT Techfest

Regards,
Khambat Dagha.

Raj Malhotra · Post by **Raj Malhotra** » 24 Apr 2009 09:54

DRDO is trying to match Mtu k-893 series of engines which can produce around 2000-2500hp in useful configurations though for tank use are derated to 1500hp. So if we are producing only 1300hp on test stands then we long way off.

jmaxwell · Post by **jmaxwell** » 24 Apr 2009 16:04

Raj Malhotra wrote:DRDO is trying to match Mtu k-893 series of engines which can produce around 2000-2500hp in useful configurations though for tank use are derated to 1500hp. So if we are producing only 1300hp on test stands then we long way off.

This is the most powerful engine I find on MTU's glossy brochures: Twelve-Cylinder Diesel Engines MT 883 CRI for Heavy Military Vehicles 1100 kW (1500 HP) 2700 rpm, 1200 kW (1630 HP) 3000 rpm

Which engine are you referring to?

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 25 Apr 2009 04:19

DRDO Newsletter for May 2009

sudeepj · Post by **sudeepj** » 25 Apr 2009 05:40

From DRDO newsletter, Young Scientist Awardee list:~

Ms Ritu Khurana, Sci C, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, for her commendable work in theoretical analysis and mathematical modelling of detonation and shock wave phenomena, which formed the basis for numerical simulation of multipoint initiated implosion system. She was instrumental in the design and development of hybrid spherical wave lens will achieve 35 per cent reduction in weight and 15 per cent reduction in size in the new system.

What are these multipoint initiated implosion systems used for?

sanjaychoudhry · Post by **sanjaychoudhry** » 26 Apr 2009 02:58

Powering future warfare
Sri Krishna

NEW DELHI, April 25: The ElectroMagnetic Pulse (EMP) bomb which has multiplied the destructive potential of electromagnetic energy would dominate future warfare, according to a scientist.

In a paper on ‘Emerging Trends in Airborne Defence Technologies’, Mr Sreenath Bhat has said the EMP bomb generates a broad band, high intensity, low duration burst of magnetic energy which disrupts or damages any electronic equipment miles away from the locus of explosion.

A nation having superiority over the electromagnetic spectrum will be the most powerful in the future warfare scenario, he has stated.

In a paper published in DRDO Science Spectrum 2009, Mr Bhat said the high intensity EMP can be generated using a low scale nuclear explosion at high altitudes. Although the electric field created from a EMP lasts for only a short time, its effects can be devastating. It is predicted that a single high altitude burst 200 miles above the USA could propagate an EMP enveloping the entire US.

“Electrical systems connected to things that can conduct current like wires, antennas and metal objects will suffer significant damage. EMP effects on electronics include interference of radio frequency links, irreparable damage to microcircuits and even the disabling of satellites. Thus, the EMP bomb could be the super weapon of the future which could paralyse the enemy in a matter of a few seconds. Pentagon has predicted the use of EMP bombs by 2012,’’ the paper said.

It went on to say that scientists are working on the creation of EMP bombs that can target artillery shells and missiles and disrupt their trajectory in mid-flight. They could be of crucial assistance in today’s urban warfare where one bomb could take out the enemy’s electrical infrastructure before the arrival of ground troops. Thus in the blink of an eye, the EMP bomb can throw civilization back by 200 years.
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.p ... &id=252262

sivabala · Post by **sivabala** » 26 Apr 2009 03:11

sudeepj wrote:From DRDO newsletter, Young Scientist Awardee list:~

Ms Ritu Khurana, Sci C, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, for her commendable work in theoretical analysis and mathematical modelling of detonation and shock wave phenomena, which formed the basis for numerical simulation of multipoint initiated implosion system. ...
What are these multipoint initiated implosion systems used for?

Do you really need answer for this question?
This "multipoint initiated implosion system" itself is a dead giveaway.

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 26 Apr 2009 12:18

^^^ Trigger for a nuclear device?????

JaiS · Post by **JaiS** » 26 Apr 2009 18:55

DRDO products not just for armed forces anymore

and from

(Northeast) Cantonment Buzz

The day began with an address by Lt Gen. K.T. Parnaik, GOC, Gajraj Corps.

The general lauded the contribution of DRDO scientists for creating an extraordinary range of infrastructure and technology, which has helped the armed forces operate in these areas.

He also stressed the need for timely deliverance of technology.

sanjaychoudhry · Post by **sanjaychoudhry** » 28 Apr 2009 03:11

KALI 5000 - Enemy Missiles - Here we come!

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, has assembled KALI-5000, a powerful electron accelerating machine which, its scientists say, can potentially be used as a beam weapon.

Bursts of microwaves packed with gigawatts of power (one gigawatt is 1000 million watts) produced by this machine, when aimed at enemy missiles and aircraft, will cripple their electronics systems and computer chips and bring them down.

Today we bring to you the star war weapons designed and developed indigenously in our country.

Kali-5000 will be ready for testing by the end of this year, according to Mr P H Ron, head of the accelerator and internal linkpulse power division at Barc and chief designer of India`s first star wars weapon.

http://www.sankalpindia.net/drupal/?q=k ... er-machine

Ameet · Post by **Ameet** » 28 Apr 2009 03:35

sanjaychoudhry wrote:KALI 5000 - Enemy Missiles - Here we come!

Kali-5000 will be ready for testing by the end of this year, according to Mr P H Ron, head of the accelerator and internal linkpulse power division at Barc and chief designer of India`s first star wars weapon.

[/quote]

Article is from April 2008. Hopefully they will have a little info leaked for us soon.

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 30 Apr 2009 00:41

KBDagha wrote:O/p achieved: 1300 bhp
Target: 1500bhp
Source: Scientist @ IIT Techfest

Regards,
Khambat Dagha.

Daghaji, could you glean any more info from the scientist? I want to know if the engine uses a common rail fuel injection system or the old inline pump type fuel injection system?

KBDagha · Post by **KBDagha** » 30 Apr 2009 11:53

Sorry mate,
Thats all the information I got

Regards,
Khambat Dagha.

Nitesh · Post by **Nitesh** » 02 May 2009 12:03

http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news ... nal/1/20/1

Hyderabad , Apr 30 The Defence Research and Development Organization is now looking at advanced research for next generation weapons and wars, Chief Controller of R&D (SI) DRDO Dr Prahlada said here today.
"At present the DRDO&aposs concentration is on advance research for next generation weapons," Prahlada told PTI on the sidelines a press meeting.

" Since the future wars are likely of low intensity conflicts, wanting to cause maximum damage, DRDO is looking at what technology needs to be required and what has to be done. How the industry, government and academia in the country be involved in this task,"he said.

For the purpose, DRDO has already identified 20 areas for advanced research including nano photonics, tera hertz, network centric operations, hypersonic, software radios.

"The research work is expected to complete in three years and each year, three hundred crore rupees will be spent on research,"he said.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 05 May 2009 16:14

L&T, EADS announce JV for defence tech.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 05 May 2009 23:03

two excellent articles by Ajai Shukla on the off-beat DRDO labs in the NE.
gives people who crib about "why drdo does research in biology, non-critical technology " blah blah blah an eye-opener.

The Naga Chilli: Spicing up DRDO research

Tuesday, 28 April 2009 Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur: The DRDO’s most unusual lab

JaiS · Post by **JaiS** » 09 May 2009 21:14

Wipro pumps more investment into product R&D

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 12 May 2009 05:20

HAL Minsk

Thanks to the excellent performance of the ALH, the Ecuadorian Army and Navy too are planning to add ALHs to their fleets

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 12 May 2009 06:04

A Sharma wrote:HAL Minsk

Thanks to the excellent performance of the ALH, the Ecuadorian Army and Navy too are planning to add ALHs to their fleets

This is a huge success for HAL. If more ALH are sold then Ecquador will be the biggest operator of ALH outside India. Great great..

JaiS · Post by **JaiS** » 14 May 2009 07:04

Tata Advanced Materials aims $1 billion revenue in 10 yrs

HAL’s intermediate jet trainer HJT-36 makes maiden flight with Russian engine

BANGALORE: Overcoming numerous integration issues the indigenous intermediate jet trainer (IJT) Hindustan Jet Trainer-36 (HJT-36) presently under development at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has crossed a major milestone making its maiden flight with the Russian AL-551 engine.

Piloted by HAL’s Executive Director Squadron Leader (retd) Baldev Singh and the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) Wing Commander K.D. Bhat, the HJT-36’s Prototype One (PT1) undertook a 30 minute flight on May 9 landing without any hitches. However, being the PT1’s maiden flight only general manoeuvres were gone through with, no major checks undertaken.

---------- rest snipped ----------

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 14 May 2009 20:18

BHEL bags Rs 1475 cr order for thermal power plant

NEW DELHI: Government owned power equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has bagged an order worth Rs 1475 crore for a 600 MW thermal
power plant in Chattisgarh. BHEL will supply the main plant package for the greenfield power project.
...

...

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 14 May 2009 21:41

Tata Advanced Materials aims $1-bn revenue in 10 yrs

Kersi D · Post by **Kersi D** » 20 May 2009 13:05

sudeepj wrote:From DRDO newsletter, Young Scientist Awardee list:~

Ms Ritu Khurana, Sci C, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, for her commendable work in theoretical analysis and mathematical modelling of detonation and shock wave phenomena, which formed the basis for numerical simulation of multipoint initiated implosion system. She was instrumental in the design and development of hybrid spherical wave lens will achieve 35 per cent reduction in weight and 15 per cent reduction in size in the new system.
What are these multipoint initiated implosion systems used for?

Sounds like a nuclear bomb

K

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 23 May 2009 18:03

http://bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=10827

sum · Post by **sum** » 23 May 2009 18:38

We are Gandhian onlee..

We wont even export mosquito repellents since that might be constituted as an offensive weapon(mosquitoes are killed) and this is against our Gandhian culture of peace...

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 23 May 2009 23:24

Nahhhh.....just a goofup by some lower level babu not realizing the importance of the issue. It'll get sorted out as soon as new ministers get going.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 24 May 2009 06:32

Antony is again with MoD so would press for export of Dhruv to Bolivia and look into matter. Also good for our own Arjun over babus favorite T90's.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 24 May 2009 07:14

Gaurav_S wrote:..Also good for our own Arjun over babus favorite T90's.

ain't that easy my friend., it just isn't babus favorite.. the clout has a larger strategic sectors... if arjun has to win, then he has to face the litmus test of listening and adhering to bhagwat gita...and further more just play to what the lord says [lord: unbeatable future battle tank specs, that IA is after]

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 24 May 2009 10:12

Saik guru, you are correct in referring in to Army's slated GSQR. Am no expert, AFAIK there are 1500hp engines under development to replace current 1400hp ones. This should help cutting out agility problem that might be caused due to 58T weight.

BTW Big decisions await Antony from Hindu.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 25 May 2009 01:50

thats required to have.. but not nice to have or even excellent to have.. the tussle soon will begin, and you can (BR) perhaps start a new thread on this event alone.

sanjaya uvacha wrote: DRDO has been seeking Government's intervention to get orders for around 500 Arjuns for the Army so that it can stabilise its production line and develop a futuristic MBT based on the indigenously developed Arjun.

On the other hand, the Indian Army has plans of replacing its older T-55 and T-72 tanks by 124 Arjuns and around 1650 T-90s.

http://bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=10829

bishma is still stronger and not engaged yet. time is no where near .. unless a baboolini (shikkandi) strikes him!

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 27 May 2009 10:36

Bata to make foray into defence sector

KOLKATA: Bata India is planning to make an entry into the defence sector to cater to the segment of safety shoes for the military and the paramilitary sector, company Chairman P. M. Sinha said.

Selling over 45 million pairs of footwear annually, Bata has a 33 per cent share of the organised shoes market in India.

Talking to reporters after the company’s annual general meeting, he said the company had already recruited a retired senior defence official and had set up a team which was working on this ‘project’. A formal application had been made by the company to the relevant authorities for supplying shoes for the military. An indication of the market size can be found from the fact that there were three million defence and paramilitary personnel and they needed four pairs of shoes each. In Chile also, Bata catered to the military, Mr. Sinha said.

He said the company had begun marking its presence by making safety shoes for the construction and the cement industries. To cater to the safety shoe segment, Bata has purchased two dedicated machines at its Batanagar factory which produces safety shoes of international standards.

narayana · Post by **narayana** » 27 May 2009 11:24

Gaurav_S wrote:Bata to make foray into defence sector

KOLKATA: Bata India is planning to make an entry into the defence sector to cater to the segment of safety shoes for the military and the paramilitary sector, company Chairman P. M. Sinha said.

Retail price would be Rs.999.95 paise