kaveri Aero Engine Developed by DRDO

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is negotiating with M/s SNECMA, France for co-development and co-production of Kaveri Aero Engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-II.

Indian Air Force (lAF) has been consulted at every stage and is part of negotiation for the co-development of Kaveri engine. The draft engine technical specification has been examined and cleared by IAF and has further suggested that the engine design should have minimal impact on the LCA, Tejas airframe for future retro-fitment.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in written reply to Shri Nand Kumar Saiin Rajya Sabha on 23 Nov. 

5th SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT OF RUSTOM – 1

Indigenously designed and developed RUSTOM-1 made 5th successful Flight this morning while flying at an altitude of 2300 ft AGL (above ground level) & at a speed 100 Knots during 25 minute of cruise near Hosur. It may be noted that this Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE - UAV) is developed by DRDO with Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) Bangalore as the nodal laboratory. It had its maiden flight in 2010. Mr. PS Krishnan, Director, ADE said that the flight was successful as all the modifications done worked well and all the parameters were achieved by the UAV which was weighing 661Kg and the total performance was good. In specific the objective of testing modified lift off scheme, modified altitude and speed hold logics worked excellently well.

Indian Army has shown keen interest in this programme. This UAV has the potential military missions like Reconnaissance & Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Target Designation, Communications Relay, Battle Damage Assessment and Signal Intelligence.

This UAV can attain a maximum speed of 150 Knots, 22,000 ft of altitude and endurance of 12-15 Hours with an operating range of 250 Kms when fully developed. 

DRDO Hosts International Symposium on “Recent Trends in Neurosciences”

Over 400 neuro scientists from India and abroad will deliberate on latest advances in the field of neurosciences in an International Symposium on “Recent Trends in Neurosciences”. The event will be inaugurated by eminent DRDO scientist Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller Research & Development (Life Sciences & International Cooperation) at 1800 hrs on Sunday , the 30th October, 2011 at Bhagavantham Auditorium, Metcalfe House, Delhi – 110054. The three-day conference will continue on 31st October & 01st November, 2011 at Paintal Memorial Hall, Vallabhbhai Patel, Chest Research Institute, Delhi University, Delhi-07. Topics such as neurodegeration and neuroprotection; herbal and antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection; neurobiology of aging and memory; natural solutions to brain dysfunctions and many others will be discussed (please see copy of program) during the conference. The topics address key issues on improvement of “health care” and “human performance”.

Understanding the biochemical and biophysical properties of nerve cells have led to fundamental insights into an important aspect of cognition and memory. However, with every new discovery on the brain we realize how little we know about this pulsating mass of neurons, thus leaving an unending scope for future research. In this context, conference will surely provide a unique platform for the neuroscientists in India and abroad to deliberate, discuss and collaborate in areas of mutual research interests.

Neurophysiological changes under stressful environmental conditions have been one of the thrust areas of DIPAS, as the troops in India are exposed to variety of extreme environmental situations. The lab has been working to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in modulation of neurotransmitters under stressful environment with special reference to behavior and sleep deprivation. As countermeasures, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are being explored to improve the cognitive functioning of soldiers deputed at high altitudes and pilots on long haul flights. Improving sleep quality at high altitudes is another challenging area. Thus, the conference will also highlight the achievements and initiatives taken by DRDO in this area.

The conference will be attended by many eminent personalities in the field such as Dr. Devika Nag, Emeritus Professor Neurology, CSMMU, Lucknow; Dr. Subrata Sinha, Director, NBRC; Dr. Manas Mandal, Director, DIPR; Prof. Raj Mehra, AIIMS, Delhi; Dr. T.R. Raju, NIMHANS, Bangalore and over 25 foreign delegates from countries like Australia, Japan, The Netherlands, Singapore and USA. A unique feature of this conference will be a special interactive session for school students. In this session, students of 10+2 level from Delhi schools will come face to face with eminent neuroscientists and will get an exposure to the mysteries of brain and its functioning. The session is aimed to ignite the young minds creating interest in the field and encourage them to pursue career in neurobiology. Dr. (Mrs.) Shashi Bala Singh, Sc ‘G’ & Director, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS) is the Organizing Secretary of the event.

DRDO Awards Function

The DRDO chief Dr VK Saraswat has said that self-reliance in critical defence technologies cannot be achieved by the premier defence R&D organization alone. In a terse statement at an award ceremony here today, he called upon the three Services to overcome their temptation to induct the latest weaponry from abroad.

“The Services … must understand that while the temptation may be overwhelming, to field proven, state-of-art imported systems, they too have a role to play in the economic and industrial growth of the country. No foreign system can be customized to completely address our long term requirement,” said Dr Saraswat, addressing the DRDO Technology Day Awards function.

Dr Saraswat pointed out that the DRDO cannot force the Armed Forces to opt for the indigenously harnessed advanced weaponry.

“DRDO has long been held responsible for the level of self-reliance in defence systems, but it must be understood that the responsibility for self-reliance should be shared by all stakeholders of the Ministry of Defence and cannot be placed on DRDO alone, which neither has the power to impose its products on its customer nor the mandate or capacity to produce the developed systems all by themselves,” said Dr Saraswat. “At the same time Indian Industry has not yet reached the maturity level to take up this responsibility on itself,” he added.

Welcoming the Defence Ministry’s initiative to restructure the DRDO following the Rama Rao Committee proposals and the Offset Policy to spur private sector participation in the defence industry, Dr Saraswat allayed the pitfalls of wanton import of weapons and defence hardware.

“We … look to the recently instituted Offset Policy of MoD, which should be utilized to bring in high-end technology and quality manufacturing processes into the country and must guard against the pressures of high volume low end build-to-print modules,” he said.

Pointing out that the DRDO was always open to partner actively with the Armed Forces, Industry and the Academia, Dr Saraswat, however, sought more freedom for the DRDO to pursue its “primary aim of developing world class weapon systems”. “It is reiterated that DRDO must be given the freedom to choose a production agency based on their ability to absorb technology and carry out value addition after following a transparent procedure,” Dr Saraswat said, adding, “Commercial Pricing cannot always be the overriding factor”.

The DRDO chief said that the successful missile development programme and the development of the Light Combat Aircraft ‘LCA Tejas’ has given the country a strong base in the aerospace industry, so much so that most of the international aerospace majors have decided to set up R&D/production facilities in India in the last few years.

Dr Saraswat said the DRDO is also actively engaged in combating emerging internal security threats.

“In view of the emerging threat scenario in sub-conventional warfare, DRDO has proactively undertaken the task of familiarizing India’s paramilitary forces with the products and technologies available for their use and plan to launch new initiatives in surveillance, early detection and warning systems to tackle the growing menace,” he said.

Dr Saraswat said the DRDO expects to conduct a test flight of the indigenously developed ‘Agni-5’, the entirely solid fuel Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of 5,000 kms, by next year. “With this, DRDO would have given India a comprehensive indigenous strategic capability, available with only a few nations of the world,” he said.

Quoting a study by the reputed independent evaluation agency ‘National Council of Applied Economic Research’, Dr Saraswat, who is also the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, refuted criticism that the huge sums of money being pumped into the DRDO during the last five decades has not been productive.

“The total production value of the major systems inducted into the Services has reached a (whopping) figure of Rs. 68,000/- crores during the last decade, with the modest R&D investment of about Rs. 3,000/- crores per year,” Dr Saraswat said, adding, “self-reliance index will certainly be enhanced with new major systems like MBT, LCA, Radars and Electronic Warfare Systems being inducted into Services.”

Presenting a roadmap, Dr Saraswat said the DRDO’s goals would focus on Space and Cyber Security, Hypersonic Vehicles, Directed Energy Weapons and Smart Materials, Composites and MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems) -based Sensors. “A major R&D Programme on NBC (Nuclear-Biological-Chemical) Defence has been recently sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security,” he said.

Prime Minister Presents DRDO Awards - 2009

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh presented the DRDO awards – 2009 to several scientists, academicians and industrialists engaged in the field of Defence Research and Production in a ceremony held in New Delhi, today. Scientists of DRDO engaged in various missile programmes, LCA, Combat Vehicles, MBT Arjun and submarine projects dominated the Award Ceremony.

The DRDO awards are given to commemorate the National Technology Day, to DRDO Scientists and laboratories in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards developing a strong indigenous technology base. Grouped in eighteen categories, the DRDO awards include technology leadership award, scientist of the year award, AGNI award for excellence in self reliance, life time achievement award, DRDO award for performance excellence, Special award for strategic contribution, award for best innovation / futuristic development, and best popular science communication award. Silicon trophy and titanium trophy are given to laboratories for their outstanding contribution towards development of systems and materials respectively. Besides these awards, the Defence Technology Absorption Award and Academy Excellence Award are given to select industry and academia respectively, in recognition of their valuable contribution in development of DRDO technologies.

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, the Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Dr VK Saraswat and several senior Military and Civil officials were also present on the occasion.

Following is the full list of awardees:-

SILICON TROPHY 2009

COMBAT VEHICLES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ESTABLISHMENT, CHENNAI

The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai has made outstanding contributions in the design, development, manufacturing prototypes and performance evaluation of Tracked Combat Vehicles and Specialist Tracked Vehicles. The laboratory has successfully carried out the Transfer of technology for MBT Arjun. The first regiment of MBT Arjun was inducted into the Indian Army after successful completion of Accelerated Usage cum Reliability Trials (AUCRT). Third-party evaluation and the operational deployment trials, have established the role of MBT Arjun in the Indian Army as a potent weapon platform. The combat improved Ajeya, the Armoured Ambulance and the Bridge Layer Tank are other combat vehicles developed by CVRDE that have been inducted into the Army.

TITANIUM TROPHY 2009 – For the Best Science Laboratory

Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, a premier S&T laboratory of DRDO has been doing pioneering basic research and applied technology development in the field of structural as well as functional materials. Over the years, the laboratory has developed technologies for specialty steels and non-ferrous alloys, qualified for ship building and aerospace applications. The laboratory has also developed several strategically important materials and process technologies for diverse applications. Process for the manufacture of Titanium sponge on a large scale was perfected by DMRL and transfer of technology established to the industry.

LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2009

DR. SUDARSHAN KUMAR SALWAN

Dr. Sudarshan Kumar Salwan, Former Vice Chancellor, Punjab Technical University, while serving DRDO from 1989 to 2002 in different capacities made invaluable contribution in transforming Integrated Test Range into a world-class Test Range facility; bringing out Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System PINAKA as a potent weapon system that was inducted into the Armed Forces; formulating policies in strategic areas and giving a new dimension and thrust to the safety processes and procedures, both for the DRDO and the Armed Forces. Dr. Salwan played a vital role in development of warhead systems for missiles like AGNI, PRITHVI & NAG. He has been one of the main architects in development of Critical Weapon Systems and defence technology management for attaining the goal of self-reliance by the country.

TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP AWARD 2009

DR A SIVATHANU PILLAI

Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, Distinguished Scientist, Chief Controller Research & Development, DRDO Hqrs, and CEO & Managing Director, BrahMos has provided outstanding leadership for the design, development, production and marketing of the most advanced BRAHMOS-Supersonic Cruise Missile. After successful trials, BrahMos has been inducted by the Indian Navy and the Indian Army. BrahMos missile is a world leader in the cruise missile technology and has given India a decisive edge to win the war. Advanced versions of Brahmos, including the air launched BrahMos for Indian Air Force, are also being developed under his leadership. As chairman of the Board, he effectively managed the BATL, erstwhile KELTEC and resolved it from financial difficulties and turned around the company.

He also progressed handing over of MBTs to the Indian Army and production of Pinaka-Multi Barrel Rocket System. He has provided solution to USHUS submarine Sonar and acceptance by Navy for third and fourth submarine installations and other naval projects.

DR J NARAYANA DAS

Dr J Narayana Das, Outstanding Scientist & Chief Controller Research & Development, DRDO HQrs has played key leadership roles in transforming the base technology of Fuel Cells at NMRL to viable and comprehensive product technologies leading to realization of integrated

fuel cell-based power plants suitable for diverse defence as well as civilian applications.

DR. SK VASUDEVA

Dr. SK Vasudeva, Dirtector, System Planning & Implementation Centre (SPIC) and Chief Controller Research & Development, DRDO HQrs, Delhi has provided dynamic leadership and made invaluable contribution in building State-of-the-art special armament systems and operationalising advanced Strategic C4 I (Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence) System thereby strengthening the country’s strategic capabilities.

SHRI P VENUGOPALAN

Shri P Venugopalan, Outstanding Scientist and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad has made invaluable contributions in the design and development of liquid propulsion systems for Prithvi and Agni Missiles and development and productionisation of BrahMos cruise missile system jointly with Russia. He has provided excellent leadership in completing development of Nag missile and in user acceptance and productionisation of Akash missile system. He has resolved the problem of combustion instability in large thrust Variant liquid rocket engine with an innovative design.

AGNI AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SELF RELIANCE 2009

SH KN RAO & TEAM

Shri KN Rao, Sc ‘G’ and his team from Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun has successfully designed, developed and productionised a Limited Series of Command, Telemetry & Payload Data Links along with Tracking System for UAV Nishant. In recognition of their significant contributions, the Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance 2009 was conferred on Shri KN Rao and his team consisting of Sh Krishan Lal, Sc 'F', Sh PK Sharma, Sc 'G', Sh Javed Ansari, Sc 'C', Sh VS Lakhera, Sc 'C', Sh Vijay Kumar, Sc 'C', Sh Piyush Ranjan Jaiswal, Sc 'C', Ms Jaspreet Kaur, Sc 'C', Sh Suresh Kumar Patel, Sc 'C', Sh Sunil Kumar Gupta, Sc 'C', Sh Manish Kumar Gupta, Sc 'B', Sh Ram Singh, TO 'C', Sh SK Chawla, TO, Sh NK Bansal, Sc 'F', Sh Mahakar Singh, Sc 'F', Sh AK Tiwari, Sc 'E', Sh VK Singh, Sc 'E', Sh Nitin Gupta, Sc 'C', Sh DK Gangwar, Sc 'C', Sh RC Kargeti, Sc 'F', Sh Pinaki Sen, Sc 'F', Sh Umesh Bahuguna, Sc 'D', Sh Dharm Vir Singh, Sc 'C', Sh Dinesh Dwivedi, Sc 'C', Sh MP Singh, TO 'C', Sh RN Verma, TO 'C', Sh Deepak Awasthi, Sc 'D', Sh JS Hyanki, Sc 'C', Sh Kaushal Kumar Kanwaria, Sc 'C', Sh Rabi Chowdhury, Sc 'C', Sh Ashwani Anand, Sc 'C', Sh Rameshwar Prasad, TO 'D', Sh DK Dutta, Sc 'F', Sh SK Verma, Sc 'F', Sh VVS Panwar, TO 'C', Sh BP Dandriyal, TO 'C'

Sh SK Arora, TO 'B', Sh Kuldeep Singh Luthra, TO 'B', Sh Prakash Chand, Sc 'G', Sh BN Gangopadhyay, TO 'D', Sh Manghe Ram, TO 'B', Sh Susheel Kumar Verma, Sc 'F' and Sh Davinder Pal Singh, TO 'C'

SHRI KPS MURTHY & TEAM

Shri KPS Murthy, Sc ‘F’, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune and his team has successfully designed and developed Tandem Warhead System for third generation antitank missile Nag and a new twin-axis gimballed directional warhead capable of neutralizing incoming ballistic missile targets. His team consists of Sh S Rambabu, , Sc 'E', ARDE, Sh S Harikrishnan, Sc 'E', ARDE, Sh SS Mukwane, Sc 'D', ARDE, Sh SR Vadali, TO 'D', HEMRL, Sh SS Samudre, TO 'C', HEMRL, Sh KB Borse, TO 'B', ARDE, Sh PV Naik, TO 'B', ARDE, Sh Y Sreenivas Rao, Sc 'F', RCI, Sh S Ravikrishna, Sc 'E', RCI, Smt A Padmaja, Sc 'C', RCI, Sh PK Pradhan, Sc 'E', DRDL, Smt Bidisha Lahiri, Sc 'C', DRDL, Sh KD Dhote, Sc 'D', ARDE, Sh SL Dhir, Sc 'F', TBRL, Sh Anupam Anand, Sc 'D', TBRL, Sh Rahul Dixit, Sc 'D', RCI, Sh BV Ravi Kumar, Sc 'D', RCI, Sh Umakanth Masuram , Sc 'D', RCI, Sh Harish Kuqshal, Sc 'C', RCI, Sh Saravanan, Sc 'C', RCI and Sh Sai Kumar, Sc 'F', DRDL

SHRI A RAJU & TEAM

Shri A Raju, Sc ‘F’, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and his team has successfully designed & developed Reaction Control systems (RCS) for various missile programmes leading to technology transfer and productionisation. The delivered systems are flight tested successfully with a proven track record of reliability & repeatability, thus validating design, manufacturing, calibration, qualification, acceptance and integration methodologies. His team consists of Sh S Karunanidhi, Sc 'F', RCI, Sh M Raghavendra Rao, Sc 'E', DRDL, Sh P Srihari, Sc 'E', DRDL, Sh PL Bora, Sc 'E', DRDL, Sh P Satya Prasad, Sc 'D', DRDL, Sh B Penchal Rao, Sc 'D', DRDL, Sh Ambadas, Sc 'D', DRDL, Sh D Ramesh Babu, Sc 'D', DRDL, Sh RJK Chary, Sc 'D', RCI, Sh SN Jena, Sc 'C', DRDL, Sh L Devsingh, Sc 'C', DRDL, Sh AK Singh, Sc 'C', DRDL, Sh Y Narendra, Sc 'B', DRDL, Sh Deepak Kumar Gupta, Sc 'B', DRDL, Sh C Jaganmaohana Chary, Sc 'B', DRDL, Sh GG Thool, TO 'C', DRDL, Sh M Jayaramulu, TO 'C', DRDL, Sh D Prasad, TO 'C', DRDL, Sh S Nagakiran, TO 'C', DRDL, Sh P Subramanyam, TO 'C', DRDL, M Satyanarayana and TO ‘B’(Retd), DRDL

DR. SS NEGI & TEAM

Dr SS Negi, Sc ‘G’ and his team from Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun has significantly contributed in the field of Electro-Optic instrumentation for passive surveillance in tank warfare and bridge laying applications. His team consists of Sh Avval Singh, Sc 'F', Dr Ajay Kumar, Sc 'F', Sh Neeraj Bhargav, Sc 'E', Sh Sudhir Khare, Sc 'E' and Sh Anand Kumar Gupta, Sc 'D'

SHRI JC KAPOOR & TEAM

Sh JC Kapoor, Sc ‘G’ & Director and his team from Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi have developed an innovative technology on Water Mist based Fire Protection in Enclosures for wide applications in Naval vessels and other land based Defence systems & facilities that will help the DRDO to acquire self reliance in the next generation fire protection technology and in the area of fire safety and survivability engineering. His team consists of Smt Meenakshi Gupta, Sc 'F', Sh Suresh Lal, Sc 'D', Sh Sharad Dwivedi, Sc 'D', Sh Pranay Matkar, Sc 'C', Sh Amit Pasi, Sc 'C', Smt Shweta , Sc 'B', Sh Saurabh Mittal, STA 'B', Sh Sandeep Kumar Dubey, STA 'B', Sh Deepak Kumar, STA 'A', and Sh Saryu Rathi, TA 'A'.

DRDO AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE 2009

DR. UK REVANKAR & TEAM

Dr UK Revankar, Director and his team from Defence Avionics Research, Establishment (DARE), Bangaluru have successfully designed, developed and productionised state-of-the-art Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) System for Su-30 Mk-I aircraft. For the first time in the world a mask free 6 channel RWR system has been realized successfully. His team members consists of Dr K Maheswara Reddy. Sc 'G', Ms R Pitchammal, Sc 'E', Sh B Dakshinamurthy, Sc 'E', Ms DV Renuka, Sc 'E', Sh Sadananda Upadhya K, Sc 'D', Ms S Sarala, Sc 'D', Sh Sreenath Bhat, Sc 'D', Sh Hemant Paranjape, Sc 'D', Ms N Priya Suresh, Sc 'C', Sh M Vengadesh Kumar, Sc 'C', Sh W Ashiq Ashraf, Sc 'C', Ms R Usha, TO 'C', Sh B Venkatesh Joshi, TO 'B', Ms Vidhya Selvakumar, Sc ‘D’, Ms Jayakalpana J, Sc ‘C’, Sh Raju B Doddamani, Sc ‘C’

Sh Rajeev R, Sc ‘C’, Sh Channamadev, Sc ‘B’, Sh Prakash M, TO ‘C’, Ms Suma H, STA ‘C’, Ms Kokila S, STA ‘C’, Sh Poiyamani S, STA ,B’, and Wg Cdr VPS Babu

DR SK CHAUDHURI & TEAM

Dr. SK Chaudhuri, Outstanding Scientist, Research Centre Imarat (RCI),Hyderabad and his team have successfully developed indigenous capability to integrate and deploy vertically launched Prithvi class of missiles from ships thereby providing naval ships with a capability for engaging and striking shore based strategic targets from the sea. His team consists of Sh DS Reddy, Sc ‘G’, RCI, Sh G Satheesh Reddy, Sc ‘G’, RCI, Sh S Gopinath, Sc ‘G’, RCI, Sh M Ugender Reddy, Sc ‘F’, RCI, Sh DLS Rao, Sc ‘F’, RCI, Sh N Siva Ganesh, Sc ‘F’, RCI, Ms N Sujatha, Sc ‘D’, RCI, Sh C Sreekant, Sc ‘C’, RCI, Sh Manjit Kumar, Sc ‘D’, RCI, Sh RS Hastak, Sc ‘G’, RCI, Sh Adalat Ali, Sc ‘G’, RCI, Sh RK Patnaik, Sc ‘G’, RCI, Sh KVP Saradhi, Sc ‘F’, RCI, Sh N Sivasubramaniam, Sc ‘F’, RCI, Sh G Rama Kishore, Sc ‘F’, RCI, Sh S Ravi Krishna, Sc ‘E’, RCI, Sh Mahesh Rajpurohit, Sc ‘E’, RCI, Captain (IN) S Bahadur, RCI, Sh Sandip Sharma, Sc ‘D’, RCI, Sh NV Kadam, Sc ‘G’(Retd), DRDL, Sh N Prabhakar, Sc ‘G’, DRDL, Sh PSR Anjaneyulu, Sc ‘G’, DRDL, Sh KS Varaprasad, Sc ‘F’, DRDL, Smt D Vijaya Lakshmi, Sc ‘E’, DRDL, Sh Indradeo Kumar, Sc ‘C’, DRDL, Sh V Srinivas Rao, Sc ‘C’, DRDL, Sh SC Sati, Sc ‘F’, R&DE(E), Sh PJ Thakkar, Sc ‘G’, ASL, Sh SP Dash, Sc ‘H’, ITR, Sh R Appavu Raj, Sc ‘G’, ITR, Sh A Thyagraj, Sc ‘F’, ITR and Sh A Madhu Kumar, Sc ‘D’, RCI

SHRI N SIVASUBRAMANIAM & TEAM

Shri N Sivasubramaniam, Sc‘F and his team from Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad have played a significant role in successfully converting Prithvi and Dhanush missile systems to the strategic mode. His team consists of Sh Ajay Lohia S, Sc 'D', Sh Anand B , Sc 'C', Sh Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Sc 'C', Sh Asish Talwalkar, Sc 'C' and Sh Sreekanth C , Sc 'C'

NB : The award will be equally shared by Sh UK Revankar, Director, DARE and his team with teams of Dr SK Chaudhurai, Sc H, RCI & Sh N Sivasubramaniam, Sc ‘F’, RCI.

SHRI VS MAHALINGAM & TEAM

Shri VS Mahalingam, Outstanding Scientist & Director and his team from Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bangaluru contributed significantly towards design, development and fielding of state of the art battlefield information system "CIDSS", thus significantly enabling net centric capability leading to a force multiplier effect for the field forces. His team consists of Sh MV Rao, Sc 'G', Sh CH Swamulu, Sc 'F', Dr Rituraj Kumar, Sc 'F' Sh Narayan Panigrahi, Sc 'E', Sh Philip Abraham, Sc 'E', Smt Chitra Viswanathan, Sc 'E', Sh Vikram Kanoi, Sc 'D', Smt Mahima Verma, Sc 'D', Sh Vikas Sood, Sc 'D', Smt R Bharathi, Sc 'D' Sh Lakshmish Nayak, Sc 'D', Sh Moulavi Irfan Ahmad, Sc 'C', Smt Smita Shrivastava, Sc 'C', Smt Ambily P, Sc 'C', Sh Prashant Ganeriwal, Sc 'C' and Sh Narottam Mohanty, Sc 'B'

SHRI G BOOPATHY & TEAM

Sh G Boopathy, Sc 'G', and Director Defence Electronics Research, Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad and his team has contributed, significantly towards design and development of 26 subsystems, testing, integration & production of 324 posts, realization, integration & demonstration of four COMINT stations on SkyWAN, station integration, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for 17 stations and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) at 6 different locations. His team consists of Sh R Raghavendra Rao, Sc 'G', Sh Ashwani Kumar, Sc 'F', Sh PS Prasad, Sc 'F', Sh Anupam Sharma, Sc 'F', Sh K Murali, Sc 'E', Ms Soma Vashishta, Sc 'E', Ms N Sreelakshmi, Sc 'E', Sh Tapas Kumar Hazra, Sc 'E', Sh V Subramanyam, Sc 'D' and Ms VP Persia, Sc 'E', CAIR.

DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AWARD 2009

M/S DASS HITACHI LTD, GHAZIABAD

M/s Dass Hitachi Ltd, Ghaziabad has the unique distinction of having absorbed highly complex and multi-disciplinary CBRN technologies and has successfully productionised amongst others, integrated NBC Protection Systems, Integrated Field Shelters, NBC Filtration Systems and Ruggedised Scooping Devices. The Company has successfully bulk produced these technologies in a stipulated time frame for the Services, which has resulted in saving of foreign exchange to the extent of many crores. Dass Hitachi has also contributed significantly in developing a roadmap in providing a single point turnkey CBRN solution and has enabled the country to achieve a high degree of self reliance in this strategic and critical technology area.

M/S GODREJ & BOYCE MFG CO LTD, MUMBAI

M/s Godrej & Boyce Mfg CO Ltd, Mumbai was involved in the abinitio manufacture of metallic airframe of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The company has established the technologies for the programme due to their excellent skills, quality control, and extensive production documentation and manufactured 15 sets of hardware conforming to aerospace standards.

DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY SPIN-OFF AWARD 2009

NAVAL PHYSICAL & OCEANOGRAPHIC LABORATORY, KOCHI

Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi has developed an acoustic device “Sanjeevani” capable of saving lives of people trapped in the debris of collapsed buildings caused due to earthquakes by determining the breathing process. The device was realised as a variant by successfully converting the defence technology of sonar into a unique product having civil end use. In recognition of the significant impact of this simple device on the society, the award was conferred on Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi.

DEFENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ESTABLISHMENT, GWALIOR

Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has produced Wool Care Spray, an efficacious, safe and cost-effective formulation for protection of woollen textile, clothing and fur/ feather-lined clothes from damage by wool pests. It protects the woollen textile/clothing throughout their shelf life and does not produce any stain on the fabric/clothing used by the armed forces personnel.

ACADEMY EXCELLENCE AWARD 2009

PROF N BALAKRISHNAN

Prof N Balakrishnan, Associate Director, Indian Institute of Science, Bangaluru has immensely contributed in the area of information security by developing practical solutions for meeting defence and civilian requirements. He has brought out solutions in the area of traffic analysis, network access control, secure electronic transactions, speech processing, and multi-layer WAN security. These solutions were transferred in their prototype form to Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) for effective productionisation, testing, and successful fielding.

DR ML MUNJAL

Dr ML Munjal, Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangaluru, a protagonist of quieter technologies has made significant contributions in the analysis and design of stealth linings for submarines, and silencing systems for steam turbines as well as gas turbines. His contributions have led to better understanding and improved design practices for stealth ships and submarines.

SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 2009

DR PV LAKSHMANA RAO

Dr PV Lakshmana Rao, Sc 'F', Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has made outstanding contribution in the areas of molecular toxicology of toxin warfare agents, development and clinical evaluation of molecular diagnostic products for identification of viral agents of public health. He successfully created a state of the art Bioprocess Scale-up facility for the large scale production of recombinant proteins for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

SHRI A APPARAO

Shri A Apparao, Sc 'G', High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune has made outstanding contribution in establishing Fuelair Explosive and Thermobaric Explosive technologies as well as development of various explosive based systems including Explosive Reactive Armour Mk-I, Mine-breaching Systems and Flag-marker Systems.

SHRI SC SATI

Shri SC Sati, Sc 'F', Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) R&DE(E), Pune has made significant contributions towards development of Electro hydraulic Drive Control Systems for BrahMos Launcher, Hydro pneumatic Catapult Launcher system of UAV,

realisation of PAD & Target Launcher and production/technology transfer for PRITHVI Ground Systems and Water Cannon System.

DR RAJESH RAMPAL

Dr. Rajesh Rampal, Sc 'F', Defence Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur has made outstanding contributions towards indigenous development of critical technology of 2-D IR Imaging Thermal Targets for night firing trials of NAG Missiles and Tanks and in establishing state-of-the-art facilities for the thermal signatures acquisition and radiometric analysis.

SHRI N RAJESH PILLAI

Shri N Rajesh Pillai, Sc 'F' , Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi has successfully developed new methods viz “ Deviation Triangle “ for linear complexity analysis of stream ciphers for its evaluation and “Interpolation Attack “ for attacking the stream ciphers.

SHRI P RADHAKRISHNA

Shri P Radhakrishna, Sc 'F', Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bangaluru has made outstanding contributions in Radar Signal Processing and Radar System Engineering. He has been the driving force in establishing a family of 3-D Medium Range Surveillance Radars with fully DSP based Parallel and Programmable Signal Processing and Digital Receiver Technologies.

DR ASHOK KUMAR GOGIA

Dr Ashok Kumar Gogia, Sc 'G', Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad has made stellar contributions in development of indigenous materials technologies for production of aeronautical grade titanium and nickel base alloys of strategic importance. His work reflects a unique combination of basic research, applied research and industrial scale development/ production of strategic materials for defence systems with potential spin off benefits.

DR SHASHI BALA SINGH

Dr Shashi Bala Singh, Sc ‘F’ and Director, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh has substantially contributed towards improvement in the quality of life of the soldiers deployed at high altitudes. Her innovative approaches on agro-animal technologies have ensured food security even at frontier posts of the Indian Army and provided an impetus to the agronomy of the region resulting in close interaction between the troops and natives providing insulation from security threats to this region.

DR SANJAY EKNATH TALOLE

Dr. Sanjay Eknath Talole, Sc 'F'’, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune has made significant contributions in the area of Nonlinear Control and Robust Control based on Uncertainty Estimation. His work has given a new direction to the research in the

guidance and control of aerospace vehicles and is recognized by its application in national and international aerospace programmes.

SHRI KB VENKATARAMAN

Sh KB Venkataraman, Sc 'G' Defence Avionics Research Establishments (DARE), Bangaluru has made outstanding contribution in the design, development, evaluation, installation and delivery of Modern Airborne Radar Warning Receivers and Self-Protection Jammer EW systems.

SHRI SUDHIR KUMAR MISHRA

Shri Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Sc ‘G’, , Director Missiles and Head, Programme Office, DRDO HQrs, has made outstanding contributions in the field of Manufacturing Technology and Production Management, Project Management and Resources Planning, leading to the realisation of Missile systems for IGMDP. He has taken initiative in development and implementation of Integrated Resources Planning System that has led to the reduction in product development cycle time.

DR RAJENDRA PRASHAD TRIPATHI

Dr Rajendra Prashad Tripathi , Sc 'G' and Director, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi has pioneered basic and applied clinical research using novel MR Technologies. He facilitated innovations in Medical management of NBC/HA emergencies by effectively applying the concepts of nuclear medicine techniques, and development of drugs and biomedical devices.

DR S GOLLAKOTA

Dr S Gollakota, Outstanding Scientist, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad has made outstanding contributions in the design and development of Astra missile and its integration on Su-30 Mk-I aircraft. His astute leadership has established a number of multidisciplinary technologies related to weapon system development and integration with multiple platforms.

SHRI N SIVASUBRAMANIAM

Shri N Sivasubramaniam, Sc 'F', Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has made significant contributions in design, development, implementation and product improvement for Missile Launch Systems of Prithvi and its variants.

SHRI SANJAY BURMAN

Shri Sanjay Burman, Sc 'G', Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bangaluru, has made outstanding contribution in the development of technologies for high grade encryption, robust synchronization and user friendly key management that have been incorporated into communication and information security solutions for strategic and tactical security requirements.

DR DR JAHAGIRDAR

Dr DR Jahagirdar, Sc 'F', Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has made significant contributions in the development of antennae and arrays for missile-borne microwave systems. The contributions include development of unique trans-twist reflect-array for MMW seeker, planer monopulse slotted array antennae for seekers in Ku and Ka band, monopulse printed seeker antennae at X and Ku band and development of flight-worthy antennae for systems in Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, Astra, Agni-III, PJ-10 and K-15 projects.

SHRI R VENUGOPAL

Shri R Venugopal, Sc 'G' , Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai has successfully developed assemblies and subsystems of automotive system of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. His notable contributions are the development of uprated 1000 hp engine; improvement of medium fording capability of MBT Arjun; design, development and qualification of hydraulic filters for LCA TEJAS and design of 1500 hp engine and transmission system for future MBTs.

DR MANJIT SINGH

Dr. Manjit Singh, Sc 'G' , Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh has successfully developed technologies for dynamic shock loading of materials in Mbar pressure region for high pressure physics applications. He was instrumental in establishing

experimental test methodologies and numerical simulation techniques for the design, development and evaluation of different components and subsystems of implosion systems.

SMT G ROHINI DEVI

Smt G Rohini Devi, Sc ‘H’, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad has made outstanding contributions in design and development of Ultrahigh Temperature Carbon and Ceramic Composite products for strategic missile systems (Agni/BO5/AD), carbon-carbon brake discs for LCA, and establishment of state-of-the art R&D Centre for High Temperature Composites.

DR N SHAMA RAO

Dr N Shama Rao, Outstanding Scientist, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bangaluru, has carried out pioneering work in Advanced Fibre-Reinforced Composite Technology in realizing major aircraft structures like wing, elevons, landing gear doors, radome and fuselage for Tejas Aircraft programme. The spin-offs of this technology have been used for Saras aircraft of NAL and for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft

(AMCA) programme.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR STRATEGIC CONTRIBUTION 2009

SHRI VL NARASIMHAN & TEAM

Shri VL Narasimhan, Sc ‘G’ and his team under the leadership of Dr. A Subhananda Rao, Director, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune have created and operationalised a massive infrastructural facility for Composite Propellant Processing Plant at Nasik in a record time of four years. The facility will go a long way in achieving self reliance in the critical area of production of solid rocket motors for strategic missiles. His team consists of Dr A Subhananda Rao, DS, Sh Bikash Bhattacharya, Sc 'G', Sh VS Rasane, Sc 'F', Sh TVJ Rao, Sc 'F', Sh SC Bhattacharyya, Sc 'F', Sh C Gururaj Rao, Sc 'E', Sh KJ Thomas, Sc 'D', Sh Sushanta Das, Sc 'D', Sh Ashish Jauhari, Sc 'D', Sh RS Patil, Sc 'C', Sh CS Pant, Sc 'C', Sh Sandeep Kumar, Sc 'C', Sh Nitin Ahire, Sc 'C', Sh Chandan Kumar, Sc 'C', Sh VW Abhyankar, TO 'C', Sh ST Rangarajan, Sc 'G' (Retd), Sh Vikas Tyagi, Sc 'E' and Sh RS Gauba, Sc 'F'.

DR SATISH KUMAR & TEAM

Dr Satish Kumar, Sc ‘G’ & Director, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, and his team have made significant contributions in design & development of strategic warheads for multiple-launch platforms in all operating environments. His team consists of Sh Pravendra Kumar, Sc 'F', Sh Prateek Kishore, Sc 'F', Sh PK Khosla, Sc 'F', Sh MM Verma, Sc ;'F', Sh NC Jain, Sc 'F', Sh Arun Kumar Agarwal, Sc 'F', Sh J Santhosarajan, Sc 'E', Sh Ashok Rampal, Sc 'E', Sh Niladri Mukherjee, Sc ‘E’, Ms Nidhi Sood, Sc 'E', Sh Abhay Shankar, Sc 'E', Sh Dhirendra Gupta, Sc 'D', Sh Ashish Saini, Sc 'D', Sh Anil Kumar Srivastava, TO 'D', Munishwar, TO 'D', Sh Man Mohan Sandhu, Sc 'D', Sh Pawan Kumar, Sc 'C', Ms Shallu Gupta, Sc 'C', Sh Sucha Singh TO 'C', Sh S M Sharma, Sc 'C', Ms Simran Kaur, Sc 'C', Sh Amit Gupta, Sc 'C', Ms Pragati Angra, Sc 'C', Sh Ranjeet Kumar, Sc 'C', Sh Brajesh Kumar Soni, Sc 'C', Sh Sanjiv Gupta, Sc 'C', Sh Sumit, Sc 'C', Sh TN Mondal, Sc 'C', Sh HK Chakerwarti, Sc 'C', Ms Neha, Sc 'C', Ms Sunita Rawat, TO 'C', Sh Sumit Kathuria, Sc 'B', Sh Balwinder Kumar, Sc 'B', Sh Gaurav Agarwal, Sc 'B', Ms Manpreet Kaur, Sc 'B', Ms Samriti Gupta, Sc 'B', Sh Sanjay Walia, TO 'B', Sh Khem Chand, TO 'B' and Sh Balwant Raj Sharma, TO 'B'.

Note : The award will be shared equally with Shri VL Narasimhan, Sc ‘G’ and his team of HEMRL, Pune

BEST INNOVATION/FUTURISTIC DEVELOPMENT 2009

SHRI G KANNAN & TEAM

Shri G Kannan, Sc 'F' and his team from Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai have developed a unique and innovative ‘Drive by Wire Technology’ on a tracked vehicular platform with a conventional engine and transmission on a modular level. This technology can easily be adapted to the existing armoured vehicles to deploy these as unmanned tracked vehicles for mine clearance, NBC Recce and surveillance roles. His team consist of Sh N Seetharaman, Sc 'E', Sh R Alexander, Sc 'D', Sh N Babu, Sc 'C', Smt P Mohanalakshmi, Sc 'C', Sh K Anbazhagan, Sc 'C', Smt P Prabhavathy, TO 'A', Sh JE Cyril, TO 'A' and Sh Rajesh Kannan, STA 'B'.

SHRI SANDEEP SHARMA & TEAM

Shri Sandeep Sharma, Sc ‘D’ and his team from System Planning and Implementation Centre (SPIC), Delhi have developed an innovative Strategic Command and Control (SC & C) System for the special weapon system having inbuilt security features including an encrypted software. His team consists of Sh VS Chauhan, Sc ‘C’, Sh Kapil Vermani, Sc ‘B’, Sh Dheeraj, STA ‘B’, Sh Vikas, STA ‘B’, Sh Kanishk, STA ‘B’ and Sh Anirudh Kanwar, STA ‘B’.

BEST POPULAR SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AWARD 2009

DR AL MOORTHY & TEAM

Dr AL Moorthy, Director and his team from Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Delhi have successfully disseminated DRDO’s achievements to Academia, R&D Institutions, Engineering Colleges, Military Establishments and General Public through R&D Publications using high quality editing, designing and printing techniques as well as through internet website publishing. His team consist of Sh Ashok Kumar, Sc 'F', Smt Shashi Tyagi, Sc 'F', Sh B Nityanand, Sc 'D', Sh A Saravanan, Sc 'D', Sh Sudhanshu Bhusan, Sc 'C' and Sh Manoj Kumar, TO ‘C’.

Agni-2 launch by strategic command

The pencil like Long range Nuclear capable Ballistic AGNI-II Missile has been successfully launched by the Strategic Forces Command at 09:18 am on 17 May 2010 (Monday) from the Wheelers Island, in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha. The Missile is launched by Strategic Forces Command thereby crediting with the launching of long range A1, A2 and A3 Missiles within a time span of five months. Two down range ships from Indian Navy located near the target have tracked and witnessed the Missile reaching the target. The AGNI-II Missile has been tested for the full range and met all the mission objectives.

The two stage solid propellant based AGNI-II Missile has 2000 kms range with a pay load capability of one ton. The missile is equipped with a state of the art Navigation system with modern techniques for taking the Missile towards designated target very accurately. Number of Radars and electro-optical tracking systems, located along the coast of Odisha have monitored the path of the Missile and evaluated all the parameters in realtime. Strategic Forces Command has carried out the total launch operations guided by the DRDO scientists.

Avinash Chander, Programme Director has monitored the overall pre-launch operations. Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri Dr. V.K. Saraswat has reviewed the total operations and witnessed the launch along with other senior officials from DRDO and top brass from Strategic Forces Command.

DRDO Directors Conference 2010

The 34^th 3-day DRDO Directors’ Conference was inaugurated today at the Kothari Auditorium in DRDO Bhawan by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Sh. AK Antony. The Guest of Honour was Hon’ble RRM Sh. MM Pallam Raju who also released a book, “DRDO Emerging as Technology Generator – A Recent Appraisal”. The inaugural function was also attended by the Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Sh. Satpal Maharaj, COAS and Chairman, COSC General Deepak Kapoor and Defence Secretary Sh. Prakeep Kumar.

Hon’ble RM Sh. AK Antony said that Director’s Conference was an occasion for assessing the strength & weakness of DRDO and also chalking out future Roadmap. He lauded DRDO for its key role in development of many systems like INS Arihant, interceptor missiles, LCA, Akash MRSAM, MBT-Arjun, Divya Drishti etc. He said that private sector needs to be motivated to invest in Defence sector synergetically with public sector. DRDO will also need to be globally competitive, forward looking and receptive. He stressed that the govt. will continue to give full support for DRDO in terms of functional autonomy and resources.

Sh. MM Pallam Raju in his address message mentioned that DRDO has grown from a mere inspection agency in sixtees to technology giant spearheading flagship programs like IGMDP, LCA, MBT, AEW&C & EW Systems to fulfill the tactical and strategic needs of the country. He told that DRDO has two responsibilities namely Design and Integrate and Develop and nurture critical technologies. He further informed that DRDO has delivered many important systems to the Armed Forces for strengthening the strategic defence of the nation. He added that need of the hour is to transform India from a position of major importer of defence hardware to being world leader in state of art defence system & technologies. The DPP will significantly enhance the role of private industry in defence.

Sh. Satpal Maharaj appreciated the DRDO labs for carrying out excellent scientific work for the development of new technologies & systems. Hon’ble MP recalled his recent visits to some Delhi based DRDO labs and also DRDO pavilion at DefExpo 2010 and conveyed that he was highly impressed to know that DRDO has developed many technologies not only for the Armed Forces but also for the society. Hon’ble MP assured the support of parliamentarians for all DRDO’s endeavors.

Sh. Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary in his address conveyed that it is an important occasion for DRDO to take stock of accomplishments & future requirements to move forward in setting new goals for 2010 & years ahead. Sh. Kumar appreciated the role of DRDO for its significant contributions in major programmes. He also expressed his satisfaction for DRDO efforts in the area of futuristic technologies & systems such as sensor technology laser gyroscope, hypersonic propulsion, MEMS & nano-technology stealth technology and high energy laser for directed energy system and active armour.

General Deepak Kapoor in his keynote address spoke of 2 recent trends namely Internationalisation of R&D and globalisation of Innovation. There is a need for investments in R&D for encouraging technological innovations and adapting/absorbing technology for self-reliance. He also commented that the theme of the Directors’ conference namely “Collaboration in Global R&D Environment”, was very apt. He also cautioned that though collaboration allows access to greater resources and expertise, the aspect of Information Security has to be taken care of. He said that there is a need to increase the country’s R&D investment which is today only 0.9 % of our GDP. He also mentioned that world over private sector has proved to be reliable partner in the area of defence production. Hence, the private sector R&D of our country should be now leveraged for defence applications through the changes brought about in Defence Procurement Procedures.

Dr. VK Saraswat, SA to RM in his theme address thanked the Government for the extended support to DRDO. Dr. Saraswat talked about marked increase in the participation of private sector and also spoke on DRDO’s initiative to commercialize defence technology for civil sector through FICCI. He stressed that in today’s scenario of technology denial, global R&D collaboration is an effective way to bridge technology gaps and meeting timeframes.

DRDO iin the 6th DEFEXPO India

DRDO is participating in a big way in the 6th DEFEXPO India 2010 being held during 15-18 February, 2010 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. A DRDO pavilion is having comprises of Indoor Space Area of 1199 sq m (54.5 m x 22 m) and Outdoor Space Area of 1000 sq m (125 m x 8 m). There are 11 Outdoor Exhibits and nearly 220 Indoor Exhibits in this year DEFEXPO. The Outdoor Exhibit includes PINAKA Launcher, UAV-Nishant without launcher, DAKSH-ROVs and NETRA UAV, MBT ARJUN, Rohini Radar, Data Center Vehicle, NBC Water Purification System on ALS, Shourya, PAD with launcher, AKASH launcher, Group Control Center. The design concept of the DRDO pavilion has been based on the symbolism of the Triskelion Spiral which is an ancient solar symbol that represents the unity of the three elements (Land, Air and Water) in one super entity (the Sun). DRDO which is a self-reliant and self-sustaining organisation, connects not only the three corresponding services i.e. Army, Air Force and Navy but also brings together the academia, the industry and the user services.

The theme of DRDO pavilion of the DefExpo India 2010 is “For Military and Paramilitary”. In this context, a special stall on Low-Intensity Conflict Technologies has also been set up, apart from the regular stalls on the clusters’ activities which are Electronic & Computer Sciences, Naval Systems/Aero, Missiles, Armaments, Life Sciences & NBC, Combat Vehicles & Engineering.

This time, the DRDO is also the official sponsor of DefExpo India 2010.

DRDO Signs 6 MoUs with Industry Leaders for Technology Transfer

The DRDO-FICCI Accelerated Technology Assessment and Commercialization (ATAC) Programme reached a new landmark today with the signing of 6 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DRDO and leading industry players. The MoUs will enable transfer of DRDO developed technologies to the partner industries and, in turn, make them globally competitive. The ATAC, a joint initiative of DRDO and FICCI, is aimed at helping industries to absorb high-quality DRDO technologies and apply them commercially to produce quality and reliable industrial products at an affordable cost to the consumer.

The industries that signed the MoUs today with DRDO are: Jyothy Laboratories Ltd. and Alkali Metals Ltd., for Multi-insect repellant based on DEPA; Jyothy Laboratories for woolcare; Vantage Security for explosive detection kit; Deltapure Water India Ltd. and Ariva Group for RO based Water Purification System; MGM Associates for High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) Chamber and GSC Glass Ltd. for electrochromic window.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Mr. MM Pallam Raju, Minsister of State for Defence, Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, DG, DRDO and Secretary, Defence R&D; Dr. Prahlada, Chief Controller, R&D (Services Interaction), DRDO; and Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI.


DRDO labs have been undertaking a large number of projects in wide-ranging areas of science & technology related to the Indian Armed Forces. Though the end products are for military use, many of the technologies that are developed to realize these systems can have civilian applications. These technologies and products may have large commercial potential and wide application in India and abroad.

On the other hand, many industries are keen on new scientific inputs and processes for expanding their business. To unearth the hidden potential in the commercial market, DRDO through FICCI, launched the ATAC programme. This commercialization process is aimed at filling the technology gap in Indian industries.

A proposal for providing incentives to scientists who are behind these innovations is also on the anvil and DRDO hopes to introduce it soon.

FICCI has been successfully running the technology commercialization programme since 2007 under the banner of India Innovation Growth Programme.

FICCI has established a Centre for Technology Commercialisation to provide an organized structure to link the mind to the market. The Centre will be supported by the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. All activities of technology assessment and commercialization at FICCI would be undertaken as part of this Centre. Says Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI, “We would be supporting all public and private funded research organizations under this. We will continue to provide commercialization support to DRDO, DST and look forward to supporting organizations like CSIR as well.”

DRDO participation in Republic Day Parade 2010

As every year, this year also DRDO will be parading some of their products on the Republic Day. While some of the products already inducted by Indian Army will be forming part of Army’s contingent, other products will be shown under DRDO banner.

The equipments that are being displayed by DRDO in the Republic Day parade for the first time are :

1. Light Combat Aircraft - Tejas
2. Shaurya Missile
3. Rohini Radar

DRDO’s star product namely Agni III missile will be displayed again for the public.

The brief description of each of the equipment is hereby attached.

• INDIAN LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT – TEJAS

Indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft – TEJAS is the most compact, light weight, supersonic, multi-role, combat aircraft, best in its class in the world. TEJAS has been built incorporating key technologies like Carbon Composites for primary structures, agility through Unstable Aerodynamic Configuration, Quadruplex Digital Flight Control System, Glass Cockpit and Digital Avionics. As on date, more than 1200 sorties have been successfully flown by IAF pilots on seven prototypes of TEJAS. Trainer variant of TEJAS has successfully taken to skies. Naval variant of TEJAS is being developed for Carrier borne operations and the prototype is in the final stages of fabrication.

• AGNI – III MISSILE

Agni – III is an indigenously developed Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. With a range of 3500 km, Agni – III provides vital deterrence capability for Indian Defence. The Missile with two stage solid propellant Rocket Motor is transported and launched from rail network anywhere in the country. The Missile is inertially guided with high accuracy and is designed to carry nuclear payload.

• SHAURYA MISSILE

SHAURYA is a canisterized surface to surface strategic missile developed by DRDO for use by the Armed Forces. Mounted on a 8 x 8 Tatra vehicle this missile has a range of 700 Kms with a 500 kg warhead and can be launched from fixed as well as mobile Launchers. Boosted by a solid propellant rocket motor, the missile travels at hypersonic speeds. Productionisation activity has already commenced and soon this missile will give a real edge to the services in their battle readiness.

• ROHINI RADAR

ROHINI is a ground based 3D Medium Range Surveillance Radar for air space surveillance having 180 km range and high altitude coverage. It is capable of detection and tracking hundreds of air targets, even under hostile EW environment. The radar has advanced technologies like multibeam antenna, digital receiver, programmable signal processor providing high resolution, accuracy, response and information availability and 24 x 7 airspace awareness to the Commanders during peace and war time. The radar has been inducted in the service and mode of realization of the radar has been quoted as shining example of DRDO Industry Synergy, the new age objective of DRDO.

DRDO developed systems being showcased by Army are the following :

1. Main Battle Tank Arjun
2. Samyukta Integrated EW System
3. Armoured Engineering Recce Vehicle
4. Multispan Mobile Bridging System – Sarvatra
5. Armoured Ambulance

International Symposium & Exhibition on Fuel Cell Technologies: FUCETECH 2009

Fuel cell technology has gained importance world over due to its high conversion efficiency from chemical to electrical energy and silent operation. This technology is considered helpful not only cater to the energy needs of mankind but also found to be capable of minimising global warming and climate change. An International symposium ‘FUCETECH 2009’ was inaugurated by Premier Space Scientist Dr K Kasturirangan, Member Planning Commission on 11th November, 2009 at Nehru Centre, Mumbai. Researchers and entrepreneurs of various countries will be sharing the platform to discuss the recent developments of fuel cell technology. The exciting symposium will be attended by 250 participants. The event also included an exhibition on materials and products of fuel cell technologies.


The International Symposium & Exhibition on Fuel Cell Technologies was inaugurated on 11th November 2009 at Nehru Centre, Mumbai, by Dr K. Kasturirangan, Member Planning Commission by lighting the traditional lamp after a brief welcome address by Dr J. Narayanadas, Director, NMRL and CC R&D (NS & HR). Dr Kasturirangan emphasised the importance of Hydrogen based power generation and encouraged to explore all alternate routes for cheap hydrogen generation. He stated that in the upcoming 12th Five year Plan significant fund allocation for Hydrogen based power generation research with focus on cost reduction of fuel cell components and associated R&D activities is envisaged.

The function was presided over by Dr V.K. Saraswat, Scientific advisor to Raksha Mantri (SA to RM), Secretary Dept. of Defence (R&D) and DG DRDO, Ministry of Defence. He stated that DRDO’s program on fuel cell is aimed at comprehensive development of indigenous technologies for major defence oriented projects. In his address SA to RM underlines the requirement of formation of a Fuel Cell society that will undertake focussed research on fuel cell development involving multiple agencies like academia, laboratories and industries.

Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), a hi-tech naval cluster laboratory of Defence R&D organization (DRDO),committed to develop materials and technologies of Navy’s interest has evolved as a nodal centre of the country involved in development of fuel cell based energy alternates. During last 10-12 years NMRL has optimised relevant component development and integration technologies for phosphoric acid fuel cell, hydrogen generation (methanol reformer & sodium boro-hydride cracking), power conditioners and associated electronics. Besides, NMRL has also evolved a strong laboratory-industry partnership base across the country in past 3-4 years. The pioneering efforts made by the lab will help India achieve clean power technologies. The technology is gaining importance due to the low impact on environment.

The International symposium extends the opportunity to assess global trends in fuel cell based electricity generation technologies for safe and effective exploration by Indian industries and masses.

The prominent dignitaries who graced the occasion include Prof. P. Ramachandra Rao (Chairman, Naval Research Board: NRB), Dr R. Krishnan (Former CC R&D DRDO), Vice Admiral D.S.P. Varma, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, DG Special Projects, DRDO and Vice Admiral Ganesh Mahadevan, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materials (IHQ, MOD). Vice Admiral Mahadevan emphasised the potential of silent power for Navy application and confirmed total support on fuel cell R&D for marine application. A specific application for which the Vice Admiral pledged support to DRDO was the Fuel cell based ‘Air independent Propulsion’ for submarines. Two hundred fifty participants including about 20 foreign delegates will be participating in the Symposium and deliberating on issues related to fuel cell based electricity generation in keeping with concerns of global warming and climate change. A total of 170 scientific papers will be presented in 9 plenary lectures and 16 parallel sessions including poster sessions. It was interesting to note that many of the delegates were young scientists.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Convenor Dr T.K. Chongdar. On this occasion an exhibition of various products and components was inaugurated by Prof. P. Ramachandra Rao. The poster session was declared open by Dr R. Krishnan.