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A monthly in-house bulletin of Defence Research & Development Organisation

2015 Anniversary Issue

Completed 35 Years of Publication

From the Editor in Chief...Dear Readers,

Through this Annual Issue of DRDO Newsletter, I convey New Year’s Greetings to all our contributors and readers the very best for the year 2016.

Year-end and the beginning of New Year is the time for reflection and assessment and planning. This Annual Issue is an editorial tribute to scientists who toil to give security to the nation and arms to the Indian Armed forces. The edition has traversed through the year 2015 and recapitulated the key events which took place in DRDO. The volume includes an assortment of images of months gone by, covering national and international events, successful product demonstrations, international meetings, and awards conferred on individuals and DRDO.

I also take this opportunity to inform our readers that DRDO Newsletter has completed 35 years in 2015, and as DRDO has grown from strength to strength, the newsletter has also grown from a bimonthly four-page leaflet to a full-fledged monthly magazine. The editorial team and all those involved are determined to maintain and enhance the status of the magazine and its position. To that extent our readers will also note that the editorial handling process and consequently the turnaround of magazine have been speeded up over the past six months. The Magazine is punctual and now comes out on its pre-established date.

As I look to the year ahead, I reiterate with confidence, the commitment that DESIDOC will continue with even greater enthusiasm and dedication. In the year 2016, we have planned to reorganise the Magazine with the possibility of increasing the number of pages and adopting a new, easier-to-read format by adapting to e-publication. I, on behalf of DESIDOC, promise to do our best not only to maintain the content excellence of the magazine, but to continue the work in improving DRDO Newsletter as it enters into 36th year.

The success depends on the equal partnership which I promise to improve upon and promote through our role in this partnership. I look forward to the valued contributions of DRDO Labs, which I believe can only be achieved with the continued cooperation of our contributors and valued readership.

In closing, I once again wish all our contributors and our readers the very best wishes for 2016 and assure that DESIDOC is now moving forward to new standards of excellence. — "We are all very proud of our profession and together, can achieve great things for all."

Gopal Bhushan Director DESIDOC

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 2015

In this IssueEditor-in-ChiefGopal Bhushan

Senior EditorB Nityanand

EditorManoj Kumar

Assistant EditorGeeta Sharma

Design & Pre-pressAnjan Kumar Das

Multimedia RK Bhatnagar

Printing SK Gupta; Hans Kumar

DistributionRP Singh

Local Correspondents

ISSN: 0971-4391

35th year of Publication

Ahmednagar: Lt Col. AK Singh, Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE); Ambernath: Shri P Sivaraman, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL); Balasore/Chandipur: Shri PK Mohanty, Integrated Test Range (ITR); Dr AK Sannigrahi, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE); Bengaluru: Smt Bala V, Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE); Smt MR Bhuvaneswari, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS); Smt Faheema AGJ, Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR); Ms Tripty Rani Bose, Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC); Smt Josephine Nirmala M, Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE); Shri Kiran G, Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE); Shri KM Veerabhadra, Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE); Dr Vishal Kesari, Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC); Chandigarh: Shri HS Gusain, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE); Shri Niraj Srivastava, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory; Chennai: Shri PD Jayaram, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE); Dehradun: Shri Abhai Mishra, Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL); Shri JP Singh, Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE); Delhi: Shri Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM); Dr Rajendra Singh, Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES); Dr KP Mishra, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS); Shri Ram Prakash, Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL); Dr Indu Gupta, Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC); Shri Raj Kumar Jain, Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC); Smt Kamini Malhotra, Scientific Analysis Group (SAG); Dr Rupesh Kumar Chaubey, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL); Gwalior: Shri RK Srivastava, Defence R&D Establishment (DRDE); Haldwani: Dr Atul Grover, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER); Hyderabad: Shri Hemant Kumar, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL); Dr JK Rai, Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG);Shri JP Singh, Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS); Shri ARC Murthy, Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL); Dr Manoj Kumar Jain, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL); Dr K Nageswara Rao, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL); Shri N Venkatesh, Research Centre Imarat (RCI); Jodhpur: Shri Ravindra Kumar, Defence Laboratory (DL); Kanpur: Shri Ashok Kumar Gautam, Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE); Kochi: Shri S Radhakrishnan, Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL); Leh: Dr Somen Acharya, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR); Mussoorie: Shri Ashish Joshi, Institute of Technology Management (ITM); Pune: Dr (Mrs) JA Kanetkar, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); Shri AM Devale, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL); Shri SS Arole, Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE (E)]; Tezpur: Dr Jayshree Das, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL); Visakhapatnam: Shri YSR Prasada Rao, Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL)Website: http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo-nlE-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Tel: 011-2390 2474; Fax: 011-2381 9151

Parachute System for Recovery of Mission Crew Capsule 4Navy Prototype of LCA tested Successfully 4DRDO wins Thomson Reuters India Innovation Award-2014 5National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine in Kyrgyz Republic 5CSI honours Dr G Satheesh Reddy 6RCMA certifies Aviation Turbine Fuel 6UAV Panchi had successful Maiden Flight 7CAS Inaugurates Computerised Pilot Selection System 7Indigenous ILSS-OBOGS-based Integrated Life Support System for Tejas 8Successful Flight trial of Pinaka Mk-II Artillery Rocket 8DRDO test-fires canisterised Agni 5 ICBM 9LCA Tejas achieves another Milestone 9LASTEC develops Hand-held Explosive Detection System 10New Generation Electronic Warfare Equipment integrated on Tejas 10LASTEC develops Optical Target Locater 11 GTRE signs MoU with JSC Klimov 11BVR Air-to-Air Missile Astra successfully Test Fired 12Indo-Myanmar Defence Cooperation 12Bio-toilet Facility inaugurated at SECR Nagpur 13Ballistic Test Facility established at TBRL 13National Intellectual Property Award 2015 to DRDO 14New Watercraft for NPOL 14DRDO participates in LAAD—Defence and Security International Expo 2015 15Dr Sekaran lays Foundation Stone of CHESS's HEL Integration Facility 15Dr S Christopher appointed Secretary Deptt of Defence R&D and DG DRDO 16Dr G Satheesh Reddy takes over as SA to RM 16DIPR develops Psychological Screening Test for ITBP 17 INMAS signs MoU with Thapar University 17Raksha Mantri dedicates Akash Missile System to the Nation 18Process Technology for Heptafluoropropane Transferred 19INMAS inks MoU with Guru Nanak Dev University 19PM inaugurates Extreme High Altitude Field Laboratory in Kyrgyzstan 20CFEES transfers Technology for Low Pressure Water Mist Gun System 20Raksha Mantri releases Life Sciences Products & Technologies Compendium 21Indoor Far-Field Rectangular RF Anechoic Chamber Facility at ARDE 21Raksha Mantri inaugurates 39th DRDO Directors’ Conference 22Optical Target Locator deployed for Independence Day Security 22Seabuckthorn-based Technologies Transferred 23Technology for Near Isothermal Forging Transferred 23CFEES develops High Performance Magazine Structure 24Ladakhi Kisan-Jawan-Vigyan Mela at DIHAR 24PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Dr Kalam on his Birth Anniversary 25Missile Complex rechristened as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex 25Dr Christopher inaugurates World's Highest Terrestrial R&D Centre 26INS Astradharini commissioned in Indian Navy 26Book Exhibition by DESIDOC 27Industry Partners' Meet 27Raksha Mantri dedicates Seakeeping and Manoeuvering Basin to the Nation 28Dr Christopher inaugurates Vertical Planetary Mixer at ACEM 28

4 ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 2015

It was a defining moment when light combat aircraft (LCA) Navy Prototype 1 (NP 1), the first indigenously designed and developed 4th plus generation combat aircraft designed to operate from the decks of aircraft carriers, took-off majestically from Ski-Jump Facility of Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa in Goa. LCA Navy is designed with stronger landing gears to absorb forces exerted by the ski jump ramp during take-off to be airborne within 200 m as against 1000 m required for normal runways. It’s special flight

Navy Prototype of LCA tested Successfully

The successful launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk 3 by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Sriharikota to validate Moon Mission Crew Capsule Recovery system equipped with advanced parachute system designed and developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), an Agra based lab of DRDO, proved the efficacy and reliability of the parachute system. The parachute deployment system functioned perfectly and achieved the required descent rate. ISRO has expressed happiness and thanked ADRDE and DRDO for the support.

Parachute System for Recovery of Mission Crew Capsule tested with GSLV

January 2015

control law mode allows hands-free take-off relieving the pilot workload, as the aircraft leaps from the ramp

and automatically puts the aircraft in an ascending trajectory.

5ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 2015

DRDO, India’s premier military weapon developer, has been once again awarded the prestigious Thomson Reuters India Innovation Award-2014 in category of “Research Institutions”. Shri Avinash Kumar, Additional Director, Directorate of Extramural Research and Intellectual Property Rights, DRDO HQ, received the award on behalf of DRDO at a function held in Mumbai.

The award was adjudged on the basis of patents filed, efficiency and effectiveness of research, the impact of innovations as measured by patent citations and international

DRDO wins Thomson Reuters India Innovation Award-2014

National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine in Kyrgyz Republic

Dr Avinash Chander, SA to RM, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development and DG, DRDO, inaugurated Computed Tomography Scanner worth $ 1.2 million donated by the Government of India to National Centre of Cardiology and Internal Medicine (NCCIM), Kyrgyz Republic. Mrs Paiza Usenbaevna Suiumbaeva, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ms Jumugulova Ainagul, Director, NCCIM and Dr Akapay Sarybaev, Director, Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Biomedical Research Centre (KIMBMRC), were present during the inaugural function.

competitiveness. DRDO had also won the Thomson Reuters India Innovation Award-2011 in the

January 2015

category of “Hi-Tech Academic and Government Institution”.


Dr G Satheesh Reddy, DS, Director, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has been given the Honorary Fellowship of the Computer Society of India (CSI). Dr Reddy received the award for his outstanding contribution to the growth of computers, information technology, and his leadership in designing and developing a wide range of on-board mission computers, navigation computers, and miniaturised high-speed computers based on System-on-Chip for a variety of DRDO-developed missiles including the Agni series. He has also led the development of real-time mission software for missiles and has initiated important development projects, including high-speed avionics, for indigenous missiles.

CSI honours Dr G Satheesh Reddy

RCMA certifies Aviation Turbine Fuel Aviation turbine fuel (ATF)

is single largest and critical consumable in any aircraft for providing propulsive power. It plays significant role in military aircraft and requires stringent evaluation. Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) is entrusted for airworthiness certification of ATF produced by various refineries.

Shri S Jayapal, Chief Executive (Airworthiness), CEMILAC, issued and handed over the Type Approval Certificate to M/s HMEL Refinery for ATF production by utilising state-of-the-art Merox and hydrotreater process. Dr Shirish S Kale, Regional Director, RCMA, Foundry and Forge-

Fuel Oil Lubricants (F&F-FOL), handed over technical certificate to

Vice President (Refinery), HMEL, at Bathindat.

January 2015


February 2015UAV Panchi had successful Maiden Flight

Panchi, the wheeled adaptation of tactical Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) Nishant, had its maiden flight at Kolar, with the external pilot in loop, and flew for 25 minutes before making a safe and successful landing. The aircraft demonstrated excellent handling quality at every stage of flight.

CAS Inaugurates Computerised Pilot Selection System

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC, inaugurated the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) developed by DRDO at 2 Air Force Selection Board, Mysore. The event was marked by the presence of high ranking officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force. Dr K Tamilmani, Distinguished Scientist (DS), DG (Aero), DRDO and Dr Manas K Mandal, DS, DG (Life Sciences), DRDO and Air Marshal S Sukumar, AVSM, VM, Air Officer-in-Charge, Personnel, Air HQ, were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. The event also marked the opening of the new selection system at 1 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Dehradun and 4 AFSB Varanasi

through live streaming via AFNET. The Board Presidents Air Cmde OP Tewari, AOC 2 AFSB, Mysore, Air Cmde SW Gosewade, VM, AOC, 4

AFSB, Varanasi and Air Cmde Nitin Sathe AOC, 1 AFSB Dehradun, briefed on the progress made in their respective boards.


Indigenous ILSS-OBOGS-based Integrated Life Support System for Tejas

The ILSS-OBOGS, indigenous on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS)-based integrated life support system (ILSS), designed and developed by Defence Bio-medical and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru, to provide enhanced physiological protection to aircrew of high speed and high altitude fighter aircraft Tejas with primary objective of meeting long endurance flights was handed over by Dr VC Padaki, Outstanding Scientist (OS), Director, DEBEL, to Dr PS Subramaniam, DS, Programme Director, Combat Aircrafts and Director Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru. Dr K Tamilmani, DS,

DG (Aero), DRDO, and Dr Manas K Mandal, DS, DG (Life Sciences), DRDO, and Directors of Bengaluru-

Successful Flight trial of Pinaka Mk-II Artillery Rocket

The Pinaka Mark-II rocket developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, was successfully test fired at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Balasore. Rockets were fired for different ranges covering 20 km to 60 km. Pinaka Mk-II is an advanced version of the unguided Pinaka Multibarrel Rocket System wherein the firing range has been enhanced to 60+ km from the existing 38 km.

The rocket incorporates a high performance solid rocket propulsion system and advanced stabiliser system with six flat fin configuration developed by ARDE. The energetic propellant has been developed by High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.

based laboratories were present during the ceremony.

February 2015


March 2015DRDO test-fires canisterised Agni 5 ICBM

India’s Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni 5 was successfully test fired from a canister. It was a historic moment when for the first time Agni 5, about 17 meters long and weighing over 50 ton, majestically rose from the confines of its canister. Having risen to about 20 meters, its first stage motor ignited lifting Agni 5 into the sky. The flight continued on its predetermined path during which the second all composite lightweight motor followed by the third innovatively designed conical all composite rocket motor

propelled the missile into the space taking it to a height of more than 600 kilometers. The missile, after reaching peak of its trajectory, turned towards the Earth to continue its journey, directed precisely by the advanced on-board computer and inertial navigation system, towards the intended target with an increased speed due to the Earth’s gravitational pull.

LCA Tejas achieves another MilestoneWith three consecutive start-

ups of its engine after overnight soak in extreme cold (around -15 ºC) conditions of Ladakh winter, Tejas, has achieved yet another rare distinction. Starting the fighter aircraft under such extreme conditions without any external assistance or heating is a technological challenge. The requirements become further stringent when the starting is to be done three times consecutively with a partially charged battery. Team LCA led by Aero Engine Research and Design Centre (AERDC) of HAL, and members from ADA, National Flight Test Centre (NFTC), IAF, CEMILAC and Director General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) succeeded in achieving this.


LASTEC develops Hand-held Explosive Detection System

Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi, has developed a hand-held stand-off explosive detection system, called 'Preemptor', to detect and identify explosives in solid and liquid forms from a stand-off distance up to 5 meters. The system utilises Raman backscattering technique, which provides a 'finger print' of explosive material in terms of Raman shifted light signals. The technique can detect multiple species of explosives contained in transparent bottles in a single measurement within few seconds.

New Generation Electronic Warfare Equipment integrated on Tejas

An advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite developed by Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), a DRDO laboratory specialising in avionics and electronic warfare systems for combat aircraft, has been tested on-board LCA Tejas PV1 on 10 January 2015 at Bengaluru. In addition to the Radar Warner, the EW suite is also equipped with a Jammer. The suite gives pilot an additional capability of nullifying the effect of detected radar threat by appropriate mode of jamming. Existing EW systems, fitted on various combat aircraft, are basic EW equipment known as Radar Warner Receiver and provide warning to the pilot in case of detection of a radar threat.

March 2015


April 2015LASTEC develops Optical Target Locater

Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi, has designed and developed an Optical Target Locater (OTL), a laser-based portable surveillance device, for detection of passive or active optical threats. The system functions on the cat’s eye effect. Any optical system when illuminated by a laser beam returns some back-scattered energy. This retro reflected energy helps in locating optical targets against a static background.

The system is an important tool for detection of any active or passive surveillance device using the retro reflected signal from their front-end

optics. Two variants of the OTL are being developed. The development of short range version, OTL 300, for 300 m range has been completed.

OTL 1500, the long-range version, is presently undergoing test and optimisation process.

Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, and JSC Rosoboronexport/JSC Klimov, Russia, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for joint development of Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring Nozzle for future generation aero-engine applications.

Dr K Tamilmani, DS, DG (Aero), DRDO and Dr CP Ramanarayanan, OS, Director, GTRE, exchanged MoU with the Russian delegation during Aero India-2015 held in Bengaluru.

GTRE signs MoU with JSC Klimov


May 2015BVR Air-to-Air Missile Astra successfully Test Fired

India’s Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile Astra was once again successfully test fired by the Indian Air Force off the coast of Odisha near the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore, on 19 March 2015. The missile has been indigenously designed and developed by the DRDO. Astra, carrying telemetry equipment in place of the warhead, was fired from a Su-30 aircraft against a Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA). The target was successfully engaged, which was captured by Telemetry and Electro-optical Tracking Stations.

Further to Indo-Myanmar defence cooperation, Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA), Delhi, has developed INFCOTT-M© Map Converter and Map Copier Software for Myanmar Army. INFCOTT-M©

Map Converter and Map Copier Software facilitates generation of Terrain Map Sheet in INFCOTT-M (a computerised tactical training tool developed by ISSA for Mayanmar Army) compatible format. A team of scientists from ISSA Myanmar provided necessary user training to the officers of Myanmar Army at Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Kalaw.

Indo-Myanmar Defence Cooperation


Bio-toilet Facility inaugurated at SECR NagpurDr Lokendra Singh, OS,

Director, Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, inaugurated the Training and Development Centre for Environment Friendly Toilets of Indian Railways at Motibagh Workshop, South East Central Railway (SECR), Nagpur. Shri RS Kochak, Chief Mechanical Engineer, SECR, Bilaspur, officers from Indian Railway, and DRDE scientists involved in development of Biodigester Technology, were also present on the occasion. The Centre is a state-of-the-art facility comprising a quality assurance/quality control laboratory for testing and monitoring of effluent quality, a

design laboratory with latest design software such as CAD and CAE,

Ballistic test and evaluation of body armour is of great priority for any army to meet their operational needs. Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, has a full-fledged small arms ballistics

Ballistic Test Facility established at TBRL

range, which caters to ballistic evaluation of protection systems for the Indian armed forces, paramilitary forces and other law enforcement agencies as per various international standards. A new state-of-the-art

Ballistics Test Facility has been established at TBRL for ballistic evaluation as per global standards. The facility, besides catering to the enhanced needs of our armed, paramilitary and police forces will also provide testing support to sister DRDO laboratories and other research organisations.

conference as well as an exhibition hall for biodigesters.

May 2015


June 2015National Intellectual Property Award 2015 to DRDO

DRDO, has been awarded the prestigious National Intellectual Property Award 2015 in the category “Top R&D Institution/Organisation for Patents”. Dr Satish Kumar, Distinguished Scientist (DS), Chief Controller (CC) R&D (TM), DRDO HQ, received the award on behalf of DRDO from Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry, Government of India (GoI), at a function held on 24 April 2015. The National Intellectual Property Awards are given on the basis of several key parameters that include number of patents granted/filed,

growth in IPR portfolio in the last five years, efforts for inculcating IPR culture, contribution towards

New Watercraft for NPOLAn additional facility in the

form of a new Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)-class steel boat, Jalaprayog, has been commissioned at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility (UARF), a division of Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, at Kulamavu, Idukki. The 9.2 m long, 3.5 m broad and 1.8 m deep boat can carry 10 persons on-board and can cruise at a maximum speed of 7 knots. It will be used as a platform for providing support to various project-related trials of the organisation.

humanity at large and towards the socio-economic development of the country.


DRDO participates in LAAD—Defence and Security International Expo 2015

Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi, participated in Latin America Aerospace and Defence (LAAD) —Defence and Security International Expo 2015 at Rio-de-Janeiro, Brazil, during 14-17 April 2015. The basic aim of this Latin America’s premier trade show was to bring together Brazilian and International companies especialising in defence and security arena.

The exhibits included HMS X2, the compact Hull Mounted Sonar System, Underwater Communication System for ships and submarines and Model of Akash missile. The compact nature of HMS X2 sonar was a major attraction and live demonstrations of this product caught the attention of naval personnel from Africa and

Latin America. Besides DRDO, Ordnance Factories Board (OFB), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), Mishra

Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI), Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) also participated in the expo.

Dr VG Sekaran, DS, DG, Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS), DRDO, laid the foundation stone of High Energy Laser (HEL) Integration Facility at the campus of Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. The CHESS is mandated to be the centre for the design and development of directed energy system and technology in the country. Shri Suranjan Pal, OS, Director, CHESS, Directors of Hyderabad-based sister DRDO laboratories and officers of Chief Construction Engineer (R&D), MES, CDA, also graced the occasion.

Dr Sekaran lays Foundation Stone of CHESS's HEL Integration Facility

June 2015


July 2015Dr S Christopher appointed Secretary Deptt of Defence R&D and DG DRDO

Dr S Christopher, Distinguished Scientist, Programme Director, Airborne Early Warning and Control Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system and Director, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru, has taken over as Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Director General, DRDO.

Dr Christopher, known to be the man behind the indigenous AEW&C system, obtained his BE (Hons) in Electronics and Communication Engineering from University of Madras in 1978,

MTech in Microwaves and Radar Engineering from IIT, Kharagpur, in 1980 and PhD in Antenna and Measurement Techniques from IIT Madras, in 1985. He joined IIT Madras, as faculty member in 1980 and carried out research in Microwave Antenna Design and Near Field Measurement Techniques. During 1985 to 1988, he worked as Senior Engineer with M/s Bharat Electronics, Ghaziabad, where he designed antenna for Digital Troposcatter Communication System.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy takes over as SA to RMDr G Satheesh Reddy,

Distinguished Scientist and renowned expert in navigation and avionics technologies has been appointed as the Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri. He also holds additional charge of Director, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a missile laboratory of DRDO in Hyderabad.

Dr Reddy joined DRDO in 1986 and since has been involved in conceptualisation, design, development and productionisation of inertial sensors, navigation schemes, algorithms and systems, calibration methodologies, sensor models, simulation along with

development of satellite navigation receivers and hybrid navigation systems. Under his leadership, advanced products and varieties of avionics systems have been produced and successfully flight tested in strategic programmes of the country. As Project Director, he pioneered design and development of Ring Laser Gyro-based Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), MEMS-based INS System, Sea-Guard Reference System and Ship Navigation System strengthening the country’s self- reliance in high accuracy and long-range navigation. He also successfully developed a 1000 kg class guided bomb.


DIPR develops Psychological Screening Test for ITBP

Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), Delhi has developed a Psychological Screening Test for Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) for assessing commando-like qualities among its personnel who wish to join the elite commando forces like National Security Guard (NSG). A team of DIPR scientists, led by Project Director Dr Updesh Kumar, Sc F and Principal Investigator Dr Vijay Prakash, Sc C, developed the test in the minimum possible time duration. The test provides a comprehensive personality profile essentially for

performing commando duties. The requisite qualities were determined on the basis of thorough job analysis of NSG commandos.

The test has robust psychometric properties in terms of high reliability and criterion validity.

INMAS signs MoU with Thapar UniversityInstitute of Nuclear Medicine

and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, and Thapar University (TU), Patiala signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 May 2015 for enhanced academic interaction and R&D collaboration. The MoU is initially between two Departments—Department of Biotechnology Engineering, and Department of Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation —of TU and INMAS. This collaboration will include applied research and projects. The MoU was exchanged between Prof. Prakash Gopalan, Director, TU, and Dr RP Tripathi, OS, Director, INMAS.

July 2015


Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar dedicated indigenous surface-to-Air Akash Missile System (AMS) to the Nation at Indian Air Force (IAF) Station Gwalior on 10 July 2015. The system has been designed and developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics

Ltd (BDL). The culmination of Akash Missile System is a hallmark of sustained concentric jointmanship of DRDO, BEL, Indian industries and IAF. Indigenous development of the system has given impetus to the defence industrial base in the country and generated business of more than Rs 20,000 crore. Akash system is the outcome of

partnership of Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), the nodal DRDO laboratory along with 13 other DRDO laboratories, 19 Public Sector Units (PSUs), five Ordinance Factories (OFs), three national laboratories, six academic institutions and more than 265 private sector industries across the country. The induction of Akash system has increased the self-reliance index of defence technologies in the country.

August 2015Raksha Mantri dedicates Akash Missile System to the Nation


Process Technology for HeptafluoropropaneTransferred

Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi, has developed commercially viable technology for the production of Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea). HFC-227ea is a highly effective, non-corrosive, non-conductive, non-Ozone depleting environmentally acceptable fire extinguishing agent less toxic than Halon and leaves no residue on application. It is ideally suited for suppression of critical fires and has become the market leader in providing rapid and safe fire protection for high value assets. The process involves hydro fluorination of HFC-227ea with anhydrous

hydrofluoric acid using Chromium, Aluminium, and Zinc-based catalyst. The performance of HFC-227ea vis-à-vis Halon 1301 has been proved under retrofitment trials in fire suppression experiments in T-72 tank meeting the requirements

Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, for enhanced academic interaction, applied research, and biomedical product development programmes for a period of five years. Dr Rajendra Prashad Tripathi, OS, Director, INMAS and Prof. AS Brar, Vice Chancellor, GNDU, signed the MoU.

The MoU will encourage interactions between INMAS and GNDU and enhance the value of research and training at both places by undertaking collaborative research projects. The collaboration

INMAS inks MoU with Guru Nanak Dev University

will be implemented in a manner that supplements the resources of both the institutions to facilitate research and training. There will be exchange of scientists, teaching faculty and students. Research students working at INMAS will be

able to register for PhD degrees to be awarded by GNDU, under the supervision of INMAS scientists. Likewise PhD students of GNDU will be able to carry out a part of their research work at INMAS.

of GSQR and NFPA for fire suppression timing in both crew and engine compartments. CFEES has transferred the technology to M/s Gujarat Fluorochemicals Pvt. Ltd under DRDO-FICCI-ATAC programme.

August 2015


September 2015Prime Minister inaugurates Extreme High Altitude Field Laboratory in Kyrgyzstan

Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Extreme High Altitude Test Laboratory Phase 2 of the Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Biomedical Research Centre (KIMBMRC) at Syok Pass at an altitude of 4020 metres. KIMBMRC Project was sanctioned in August 2008 by the Ministry of Defence, India, with an objective to study the biological responses during the process of acclimatisation in two ethnic groups (Indian and Kyrgyz population). Research on human acclimatisation and improving performance at high altitude is important for India and Kyrgyzstan because of similar geographical locations.

Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO, Dr Manas K Mandal, DG (Life Sciences), DRDO and

Dr (Mrs) Shashi Bala Singh, OS and Director, DIPAS, were also present during Prime Minister's visit.

CFEES transfers Technology for Low Pressure Water Mist Gun System

Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi, has designed and developed a portable, hand-held and backpack, low pressure twin-fluid water mist gun system for fighting class A, class B and electrical fires in naval platforms like ships, submarines, POL stations, defence stores, trains, process industries, civilian buildings, hotels, warehouses, village farm stockyards, etc. The system

successfully passed fire tests as per international standard EN 3:7-2004 for B233, A55.

A patent on design of the system has been filed and technology transferred to M/s Aska Equipment Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, for commercialisation.


Raksha Mantri releases Life Sciences Products & Technologies Compendium

Shri Manohar Parrikar, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, released Life Sciences Products and Technologies Compendium 2015 on products and technologies developed by Life Sciences labs of DRDO on 10 July 2015 at Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO; Dr Manas K Mandal, DG (LS) and Dr Lokendra Singh, OS and Director, DRDE, were also present on the occasion.

The compendium presents all the significant tangible and intangible

Indoor Far-Field Rectangular RF Anechoic Chamber Facility established at ARDE

products and processes developed by Life Sciences laboratories for active use by Army, Navy and Air

Force and Paramilitary forces with spin-off to civil populace.

A fully automatic Indoor Far-Field Rectangular RF Anechoic Chamber Facility has been established at Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, to characterise the communication antennas and RF measurements in simulated free space. Dr KM Rajan, OS and Director, ARDE, inaugurated the facility. Measurement of electromagnetic waves is needed to validate working of a design according to the requirements as electromagnetic waves can be affected by frequency, material, and environment. An anechoic far-field chamber is best suited for simple and correct measurement of electromagnetic waves.

September 2015


October 2015Raksha Mantri inaugurates 39th DRDO Directors’ Conference

Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar addressed the inaugural session of 39th DRDO Directors’ Conference held at DRDO Bhavan and suggested DRDO scientists to concentrate on core activities factoring the defence technology requirements of the Armed Forces and involve industry in producing technologies developed by it. “Hand-hold the industry to make some products, which you may have developed”, he said.

Complimenting DRDO Shri Parrikar said, close interface of DRDO with Navy in developing technology/products is well matured, DRDO should now develop similar level of interface with Army and IAF. Appreciating large scale technical manpower that DRDO has developed over the years, Shri Parrikar said DRDO can play an inspirational role in skill-development in the country across several fields,

leading to job creation for the ever expanding youth population of the country. He also asked DRDO to avoid duplication or overlapping of activities for greater economic efficiency and urged scientists not to rest on laurels but seek greater heights in innovation and technology. There is a potential of one billion dollar worth of exports of technology products developed by DRDO in 2-3 years, he added.

The short-range Optical Target Locator, OTL300, developed by Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi, was deployed at Red Fort, Delhi, on 15 August 2015. Two units of OTL300 were deployed by Special Protection Group (SPG) and one by

Optical Target Locator deployed for Independence Day Security National Security Guard (NSG) for Prime Minister’s security and area sanitisation during his speech from the rampart of the Red Fort. Users appreciated the performance of the equipment.


Shri Manohar Parrikar, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri visited Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh. He was accompanied by Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO; Gen Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff; Dr Manas K Mandal, DG (Life Sciences); Lt Gen DS Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command; Lt Gen SK Patyal, GoC 14 Corps and other dignitaries.

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri evinced interest in R&D activities being carried out for providing fresh food to defence forces and the local population of Ladakh. Five Seabuckthorn-based technologies were transferred

Seabuckthorn-based Technologies Transferred

Technology for Near Isothermal Forging transferredHigh pressure (HP) compressor

disc forgings, made of titanium alloy, are critical rotating parts of Adour aero engines of the Jaguar aircraft and requires replacement after specified period of operations or if unacceptable damages take place during/before expiry of the life. The annual requirements of HP compressor disc forgings are high therefore warranted indigenisation. Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, in association with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd (HAL) and Airworthiness Agencies, has developed technology for manufacturing disc forgings of all the

five stages. Technology has been transferred to MIDHANI for bulk production. MIDHANI will use the

isothermal forging facility at DMRL (on cost basis) for production.

October 2015


High performance magazine (HPM) is a concept of storing high capacity (5 ton net explosive content) explosive in a compartment. The concept is realised by incorporating non-propagating sandwich partition walls between adjacent compartments of the explosive storage building, which prevents sympathetic detonation of explosives/ammunition in case

CFEES develops High Performance Magazine Structure with Blast Gauges

of detonation in one compartment. However, the structural integrity of the adjacent compartments is not assured and there is a possibility of delayed detonation.

The HPM design addresses the need for ammunition storage in critical locations where land is not available.

Ladakhi Kisan-Jawan-Vigyan Mela at DIHAR

Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, organised Ladakhi Kisan-Jawan-Vigyan Mela on 8 and 9 August 2015 to create awareness about various agro-animal technologies and herbal health supplements developed by DIHAR among local farmers and troops deployed in the region. The Mela was inaugurated by Lt Gen SK Patyal, SM, GOC HQ 14 Corps. Ms Vandana Kumar, IFA (R&D), IDAS, DRDO HQ, was the Guest of Honour of the inaugural function. Various competitions were organised among civilians as well as defence units during the Mela and the winners awarded.

October 2015


November 2015Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Dr Kalam on his Birth Anniversary

On 15 October 2015 Hon’ble Prime Minister unveiled the statue of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at DRDO HQ in New Delhi and opened a Photo Exhibition, “A Celebration of Dr Kalam’s Life.” Addressing a large gathering, PM described Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as one who was a “Rashtra-Ratna” before a “Rashtrapati” and not only he had risen from a humble beginning to the highest office in India but also built great institutions virtually from scratch and that all of us should draw inspiration from his example. PM said that a memorial would be built at Rameswaram to inspire future generations and encouraging the innovation in India. On the occasion PM also released a book, a compilation of tributes by scientists who have worked with Dr Kalam and

released a commemorative postage stamp in his memory. Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development Shri M Venkaiah Naidu and Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar also addressed the audience.

Hon’ble Minister of Communication and Information Technology Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Hon’ble Minister of Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan were also present on the occasion.

Missile Complex rechristened as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex

Shri Manohar Parrikar, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri renamed Missile Complex as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex at Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad on 15 October 2015. Shri Manohar Parrikar felt the best tribute to Dr Kalam is timely development of missile projects and spread of science culture and technology benefits to all sections of society.


Dr Christopher inaugurates World's Highest Terrestrial R&D Centre

Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO, inaugurated Extreme Altitude Research Centre at Changla at 17, 600 ft above mean sea level. The centre, 75 km ahead of Leh towards Pangong Lake, is poised to be the world's highest terrestrial R&D centre under cold desert of Ladakh where the temperature goes as low as -40 oC during winters (December-April), coupled with extreme weather conditions like reduced atmospheric pressure and humidity, high wind velocity, and ultraviolet radiation.

Dr Christopher highlighted the utility for R&D in the frontal areas of food and agriculture and bio-medical sciences for well-being of the soldiers deployed in high altitude cold desert. He informed that a large number of life sciences

activities are proposed to be undertaken at this centre including human physiological work, long-term conservation of plant genetic resources, designing testing, validation and demonstration of mobile and portable greenhouses, soilless micro-farming technologies

for fresh food in remote landlocked posts, conservation and propagation of endangered extreme altitude medicinal plants, shelf-life and acceptability studies for minimally processed fresh food, testing and validation of bio-medical equipment, bio-digestion of human waste, etc.

INS Astradharini commissioned in Indian NavyIndigenously built torpedo launch and recovery

vessel ‘INS Astradharini’, was commissioned by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command at a ceremony held at the Naval Base, Visakhapatnam. Dr V Bhujanga Rao, DS and DG (NS&M), DRDO, Shri CD Malleswar, OS and Director Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, Shri Sahay Raj, CMD, M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt. Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat, and various other dignitaries were also present during the commissioning ceremony. The induction of INS Ashtradharini adds thrust to the Nation’s ongoing endeavours at indigenisation and achieving the nation’s goal of self-reliance in underwater weapons development.

November 2015


Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Delhi, organised a Book Exhibition at Knowledge Centre, DRDO Bhawan, during 10-11 September 2015. Dr CP Ramanarayanan, DS and CC R&D (HR), inaugurated the exhibition. Dr S Christopher, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO, senior scientists, services officers, and other DRDO staff visited the exhibition. Shri Gopal Bhushan, Director, DESIDOC, welcomed Dr Christopher and apprised him about the exhibition.

More than 800 books on different subjects, viz., aeronautics, electronics, armaments, life

Book Exhibition by DESIDOC

sciences, materials science, naval science and management were put on display to update DRDO

Scientists on the latest editions of books available on their subject.

Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, organised a Partners’ Meet on 8 September 2015. More than 50 representatives from reputed Indian private and public sector industries/organisations participated and expressed keen desire in manufacturing and module level assembly of 80 kN thrust class engine.

Shri MZ Siddique, OS and Director, GTRE, stressed upon the association of Indian industries for this challenging task. Shri P Jaypal, Chief Executive, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and Shri K Doreswamy, Deputy Director

General (South Zone), DGAQA, also shared their experiences on aero-engine certification and qualification methodologies.

Industry Partners' Meet

GTRE scientists gave technical appraisal of the critical engine components manufacturing and sub-system development requirements.

November 2015

Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO, inaugurated the largest Vertical Planetary Mixer (VPM) of 3000 litre capacity in Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), Nasik, on 26 October 2015. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Christopher congratulated the team ACEM for the achievement in self-reliance and urged to gear up for future challenges.

Raksha Mantri dedicates Seakeeping and Manoeuvering Basin to the Nation

December 2015

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Manohar Parrikar dedicated the Seakeeping and Manoeuvering Basin (SMB) to the nation during a function held at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of Naval Staff and Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO were present on the occasion. Shri Parrikar also handed over the Advanced Torpedo Defence System 'Maareech' to the Indian Navy.

SMB facility is set-up as a joint effort of DRDO and Indian Navy, which put India among the few nations in the world having the capability to undertake comprehensive hydrodynamic

model testing of naval platforms and weapon systems. SMB would help to design and build state-of-the-art naval combatants such as submarines, ships, torpedoes, etc.

Maareech, a joint project of Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi and NSTL,

Dr Christopher inaugurates Vertical Planetary Mixer at ACEM

Visakhapatnam, is a state-of-the-art indigenous system for torpedo detection and countermeasures. The system offers a complete solution to detect and locate the incoming torpedo and apply countermeasures to protect naval platform against torpedo attack.

Published by DESIDOC, Metcalfe House, Delhi-110 054

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