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A Monthly Bulletin of Defence Research NEWSLETTER and Development Organisation ISSN: 0971-4391 www.drdo.gov.in AUGUST 2021 | VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 8 DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT-TESTS SURFACE-TO-AIR -NG

INNOVATION >> p5 PERSONNEL NEWS >> p14

EVENTS>> p9 www.drdo.gov.in OCTOBERVISITS 2020 >> p161 DRDO NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 8 CONTENTS ISSN: 0971-4391

COVER STORY 4 DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests Surface-To-Air Missile Akash-NG

INNOVATION 5 DRDO Indigenously Develops High Strength Beta Titanium Alloy on Industrial Scale DRDO’s Short Span Bridging System-10 m Inducted into DRDO Successfully Flight Tests New Generation P DRDO Successfully Test Fires Enhanced Range 122 mm Caliber Rocket DMRL Develops Advanced Materials for High Power Microwave Devices in Defence Applications

2 AUGUST 2021 DRDO NEWSLETTER

EVENTS 9

HRD ACTIVITIES 11 PERSONNEL NEWS 14 VISITS 16

41st Year of Publication

Editor-in-Chief: Dr Alka Suri Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/ Associate Editor-in-Chief: Sunil Dhar newsletter/ Managing Editor: Nishant Kumar

Editor: Dipti Arora Please mail your feedback at: Editorial Assistance: Biak Tangpua, Raj Kumar [email protected]

Printing: SK Gupta Contact at: 011-23902403; 23902472 Distribution: Tapesh Sinha Fax: 011-23819151

LOCAL CORRESPONDENTS Ahmadnagar: Col Atul Apte, Shri. RA Shaikh, Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE); Ambernath: Dr Susan Titus, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL); Chandipur: Shri PN Panda, (ITR); Shri Ratnakar S. Mohapatra, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE); Bengaluru: Shri Satpal Singh Tomar, 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); Smt Anuya Venkatesh, Defence Bioengineering & Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL); Shri Venkatesh Prabhu, Electronics & Development Establishment (LRDE); Dr Vishal Kesari, Microwave Tube Research & Development Centre (MTRDC); Chandigarh: Dr HS Gusain, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE); Dr Prince Sharma, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL); Chennai: Smt S Jayasudha, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE); Dehradun: Shri Abhai Mishra, Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL); Shri JP Singh, Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE); Delhi: Shri Ashutosh Bhatnagar, Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM); Dr Dipti Prasad, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS); Dr Nidhi Maheshwari, Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR); Shri Navin Soni, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS); Smt. Rabita Devi, Institute for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA); Ms Noopur Shrotriya, Scientific Analysis Group (SAG); Dr Rupesh Kumar Chaubey, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL); Gwalior: Dr Manorama Vimal, Defence R & D Establishment (DRDE); Haldwani: Dr Atul Grover, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER); : Shri Hemant Kumar, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL); Shri Pramod K Jha, Centre for Advanced Systems (CAS); Dr JK Rai, Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG); Ms Bidisha Lahiri, 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 Lalith Shankar, (RCI); Jagdalpur: Dr Gaurav Agnihotri, SF Complex (SFC); Jodhpur: Shri Ravindra Kumar, (DL); Kanpur: Shri AK Singh, Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE); Kochi: Smt Letha MM, Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL); Leh: Dr Dorjey Angchok, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR); Mussoorie: Dr Gopa B Choudhury, Institute of Technology Management (ITM); Mysuru: Dr M Palmurugan, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL); : Dr (Mrs) JA Kanetkar, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); Dr Vijay Pattar, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT); Shri SS Arole, Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE (E)]; Tezpur: Dr Jayshree Das, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL)

AUGUST 2021 3 COVER STORY DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT-TESTS SURFACE- TO-AIR MISSILE AKASH-NG efence Research & Hyderabad in collaboration with Once deployed, the Akash- Development Organisation other DRDO laboratories. The NG weapon system will prove D(DRDO) successfully flight- launch was witnessed by the to be a force-multiplier for the tested the New Generation Akash representatives of Indian Air air defence capability of the IAF. Missile (Akash-NG), a surface- Force (IAF). Production agencies-Bharat to-air missile from Integrated To capture flight data, ITR Electronics Limited (BEL) and Test Range (ITR) off the coast deployed a number of range stations (BDL) of on 21 July 2021. The like, electro-optical tracking also participated in the trials. flight trial was conducted from system, radar and telemetry. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath a land-based platform with all The flawless performance of the Singh congratulated DRDO, weapon system elements such as entire weapon system has been BDL, BEL, and multifunction radar, command, confirmed by complete flight data the industry for the successful control & communication system captured by these systems. During test. Secretary Department of and launcher participating in the test, the missile demonstrated Defence R&D and Chairman deployment configuration. high manoeuvrability required for DRDO applauded the efforts of The missile system has been neutralising fast and agile aerial the team and said the missile will developed by Defence Research & threats. strengthen the IAF. Development Laboratory (DRDL),

TT New generation surface-to-air missile TT High manoeuvrability to neutralise aerial threats TT Boost-to-air defence capabilities of Indian Air Force TT Raksha Mantri congratulates DRDO

4 AUGUST 2021 INNOVATION DRDO NEWSLETTER DRDO INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPS HIGH STRENGTH BETA TITANIUM ALLOY ON INDUSTRIAL SCALE efence Research and The DMRL has carried out raw by ADA at HAL, Bengaluru Development Organisation material selection, alloy melting, with DMRL’s involvement and D(DRDO) has indigenously thermo-mechanical processing, duly certified for airworthiness. developed a high strength ultrasonics-based Non-Destructive Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath metastable beta titanium alloy Evaluation (NDE), heat treatment, Singh congratulated DRDO and containing vanadium, iron and mechanical characterisation, the industry for the indigenous aluminium, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al on an and type certification in active development of high strength industrial scale for applications in collaboration with several agencies. metastable beta titanium aerospace structural forgings. The Aeronautical Development Agency alloy which will be useful for alloy has been developed by Defence (ADA) has identified over 15 aerospace structural forgings. Metallurgical Research Laboratory steel components that may be Secretary, Department of Defence (DMRL), a premier Hyderabad- replaced by Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr based laboratory of DRDO. forgings shortly with a potential G Satheesh Reddy applauded These alloys are already being of 40 per cent weight savings. The the dedicated efforts by the used by many developed nations landing gear drop link is the first teams involved in the indigenous in recent times as a beneficial component forged successfully development of the technology. substitute for the relatively heavier traditional Ni-Cr-Mo structural steels to achieve weight savings. The excellent forge ability of high strength-to-weight ratio Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy facilitates the manufacture of intricately configured components for aerospace applications with the potential for significant weight savings. Some of the components which may be forged from this alloy include slat/flap tracks, landing gear and drop link in landing gear –among several others. The high-strength beta titanium alloys are unique due to their higher strength, ductility, fatigue, and fracture toughness – making them increasingly attractive for aircraft structural applications. Furthermore, their relatively lower lifetime cost, owing to superior corrosion resistance in comparison to steel, is an effective trade-off to justify the use of this expensive material in too.

AUGUST 2021 5 INNOVATION DRDO’S SHORT SPAN BRIDGING SYSTEM-10 M INDUCTED INTO INDIAN ARMY he first production lot of 12 development of two prototypes of Span 5 m and 10 m, Short Span Short Span Bridging System 5 m SSBS on Tatra 6x6 chassis and Bridging System, 46 m Modular T(SSBS)-10 m, designed and another two prototypes of 10 m Bridge, 20 m BLT-T72 and Multi- developed by DRDO has been SSBS on Tatra 8x8 re-engineered Span 75 m Sarvatra Bridging inducted into the Indian Army by chassis. Both the systems have System, etc. have been developed. Chief of the Army Staff General MM undergone rigorous trials from Manually launched 34.5 m Naravane during a ceremony held Directorate General of Quality Mountain Foot Bridge was also at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Assurance (DGQA), MET and User developed by DRDO earlier. Cantt. on 2 July 2021. Secretary trials. After successful completion These bridges have been widely Department of Defence R&D and of all the trials, the systems were accepted by the Indian Army. Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh recommended for induction into Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Reddy was present on the occasion. the Services. The bridging system is Singh congratulated DRDO, the The SSBS-10 m plays a crucial compatible with Sarvatra Bridging Indian Army and the Industry on role in bridging the gaps up to System (75 m), where the last span the successful development and 9.5 m as a single span providing requires covering gaps less than induction of the system. a 4 m wide, fully decked roadway, 9.5 m. The deployed bridge is of He stated that this induction ensuring faster movement of the the load classification of MLC 70. will give a boost to the fast- troops. Research & Development The system will help in the quick growing Indian defence industrial Establishment (Engrs) Pune, a movement of troops and enhance ecosystem and help the industry to premier engineering laboratory of the mobilisation of resources. contribute towards ‘Atmanirbhar DRDO, has designed and developed The DRDO has vast experience Bharat’. Chairman DRDO Dr G the system in association with M/s in developing critical combat Satheesh Reddy congratulated the L&T Ltd. The 12 bridges are part of engineering systems like military teams involved in the successful 102 SSBS-10 m from M/s L&T Ltd, bridging systems. Several development and induction of this which is the production agency. mechanised mobility solutions bridging system into the Indian The system involved the for the Indian Army like Single Army.

6 AUGUST 2021 INNOVATION DRDO NEWSLETTER

DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT TESTS NEW GENERATION AGNI P BALLISTIC MISSILE

RDO successfully flight tested a new generation Dnuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni P from Dr APJ off the coast of Odisha, on 28 June 2021. Various telemetry and radar stations positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile. The missile followed textbook trajectory, meeting all the mission objectives with a high level of accuracy. Agni P is a new generation advanced variant of the Agni class of . It is a canisters missile with a range capability between 1,000 km and 2,000 km.

DRDO SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRES ENHANCED RANGE 122 MM CALIBER ROCKET

RDO successfully test-fired destroy targets up to 40 km. from M/s Economic Explosives enhanced range versions of All the flight articles were Limited, Nagpur. The enhanced Dindigenously developed 122 tracked by range instruments, rocket system would replace the mm Caliber Rocket from a Multi- including telemetry, radar and existing 122 mm Grad rockets. Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) electro-optical tracking systems Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath on June 25, 2021, at Integrated deployed by ITR and Proof and Singh congratulated DRDO and Test Range (ITR), Chandipur Experimental Establishment the industry on the successful off the coast of Odisha. Four (PXE). The rocket systems have launch of 122 mm Caliber Rocket. enhanced range versions of 122 been developed jointly by Pune- mm rockets were test-fired with based Armament Research and Secretary, Department of Defence full instrumentation and they met Development Establishment R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G the complete mission objectives. (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Satheesh Reddy commended the These rockets have been developed Research Laboratory (HEMRL) efforts of the teams involved in for army applications and can with manufacturing support successful trials.

AUGUST 2021 7 INNOVATION/MOU

DMRL DEVELOPS ADVANCED MATERIALS FOR HIGH POWER MICROWAVE DEVICES IN DEFENCE APPLICATIONS

efence Metallurgical supplies. Therefore, DMRL has hot pressing process followed Research Laboratory taken up focused research and by machining as necessary, D(DMRL), Hyderabad has indigenous development of duly optimizing the process recently developed advanced lossy ceramics, high conductive parameters. The materials ceramic materials for critical substrates and ferroelectric electronic components for cathodes essential for the acquired the required dielectrics applications in DRDO, together production of microwave devices to withstand ultra-high vacuum with a strong potential for use in by MTRDC, BEL and others. and temperature. The high other areas of technology verticals. DMRL actively collaborated with conductive AlN substrates There are only limited sources MTRDC to successfully fabricate were imparted high electrical world over for these materials several components such as insulation, dielectric strength and catering to the indigenous AlN-SiC sever buttons with high thermal conductivity. The development of Coupled Cavity required dielectrics for G band Travelling Wave Tube (CCTWT) CCTWT, AlN high conductive process also facilitated the making and microwave power modules substrates for electronic devices, of fully dense thicker substrates for applications in various Air MgO-SiC lossy sticks for G band (>2.5 mm) for other applications. and Surface Surveillance , microwave tubes, Ferroelectric The bonding of copper foil to the Electronic Warfare Systems PLZT cathodes for high power substrate was done, adopting both (EWS), missile seeker and energy Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) direct bonding as well as active weapon systems for defence with high dielectric permittivity applications. The uncertainty in and zero charges coefficient, metal brazing techniques (on one the availability of these strategic and so on – just to name a few. or both sides). PLZT ferroelectric materials has only increased during All the components were made cathodes were made through recent years, with the overseas and supplied by DMRL as per solid-state synthesis and sintering firms often delaying or denying the requirements through a with a high dielectric constant. DIPAS SIGNS MOU WITH JNU n MoU was signed bearers of both the institutions. interfaces that have translated between Dr Varshney highlighted the to customised deliverables for AUniversity (JNU) and unique core competence and improving combat efficiency Defence Institute of Physiology research capabilities existing of troops deployed in extreme and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) for at DIPAS in areas of extreme operational environments. collaboration in education and environment physiology, Prof Kumar said that the signing research. The MoU was signed by Dr soldier health and performance, of the MoU is an important Rajeev Varshney, Director, DIPAS nutrigenomics, medical milestone in fostering bilateral and Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, Vice- informatics, drug development, collaboration between both Chancellor, JNU in the presence biomedical instrumentation and the institutes and emphasised of scientists, faculty and office ergonomics, human-machine that the cooperation will focus

8 AUGUST 2021 EVENTS DRDO NEWSLETTER

on joint research activities, faculty and student exchange programmes and incubating technologies at Atal Incubation Centre, JNU. Both institutions will explore opportunities for interaction among faculty and students between schools/ centres of JNU and DIPAS. While JNU has strength in fundamental research in life sciences and biomedical fields, DIPAS is a pioneer in the area of applied research in military physiology, ergonomics and soldier health and assistive technologies in the country. The MoU will not only create new prospects for research but also contribute towards nurturing young scientific talents through enrolment in PhD exposure to both basic and applied solutions in extreme operational programmes and providing them aspects providing sustainable environments. INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY CELEBRATIONS DLRL, HYERABAD nternational Yoga Day (IYD) was celebrated in Defence IElectronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) on 21 June 2021 in a virtual mode with the theme “Be with Yoga, Be at Home”. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr Hasan Tafti, Senior Yoga Corporate faculty, Meditation Teacher, Yoga Fitness and well- being trainer with the Art of Living. Shri RV Haraprasad, OS, Associate Director DLRL welcomed all the participants and briefed them about the importance of yoga in day-to-day life, and its relevance and Mission. Smt Lakshmi, Sc ‘F’, yoga session and made people during the present pandemic Chairperson S&T introduced the feel at ease. Participants season. Shri SR Pankaj Kumar, Sc Speaker to all the participants. have thoroughly enjoyed ‘G’, Chairman, Works Committee Yoga Guru Hasan Tafti, talk theprogramme. The programme gave a brief introduction about on “Yoga & Meditation” was concluded with a vote of thanks DLRL charter of duties, Vision inspiring. He conducted a by Chairman, Works Committee.

AUGUST 2021 9 EVENTS

NPOL, KOCHI he United Nations theme for the International Day Tof Yoga this year is “Yoga for Well-being”. This theme of holistic well-being is most relevant at present when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unsettle the lives and livelihood of every individual. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) celebrated the day by spreading the message of yoga in promoting the physical and mental well-being of humanity. Posters were displayed prominently and employees were encouraged to practice yoga at home with the participation of family members. The employees were encouraged to participate in the along with their families on 21 to join the daily virtual yoga lYD-2021 celebrations through June 202l. They also participated training sessions offered by the digital, virtual and electronic in the yoga activities organised Morarji Desai National Institute platforms. Employees participated by the M/o AYUSH on MyGov of Yoga under M/o AYUSH. enthusiastically by doing the Platform (http://rvww.mygov.in). common yoga protocol at home Employees were also encouraged VAN MAHOTSAV CELEBRATION

DRDO HQ, DELHI o create awareness about environmental issues as well Tas to encourage participation in environment protection, DRDO HQ celebrated Van Mahotsav on 7 July 2021. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy inaugurated the programme and planted a sapling in the complex. Director General (HR), Director General (TM), Director General (R&M) and DCWE participated in the programme and planted saplings.

10 AUGUST 2021 HRD ACTIVITIES DRDO NEWSLETTER

DESIDOC, DELHI ESIDOC organised a tree plantation programme on D17 July 2021 at Metcalfe House, Delhi as a part of Van Mahotsav celebration. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Alka Suri, Director DESIDOC, followed by her words about the importance of the occasion and the need of planting trees for saving the environment. Approx. 100 saplings were planted by employees of DESIDOC. The occasion made the employees aware about their responsibility towards environment and the Mother Nature. Dr Rajeev Vij, Associate Director coordinated the event.

WEBINAR ON COMBAT APP FOR THE INDIAN ARMY efence Institute of Psychological Research D(DIPR), Delhi conducted a two-day webinar from 7 to 8 July 2021 on Combat Stress Management for the SATA Regiment of the Indian Army. Hands-on training on both the applications, named ComBAT and ComBAT Active, was given to a group of 150 armed forces personnel including officers, JCOs and Jawans at the regimental level. WEBINAR ON HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY GUARDS efence Institute of Stress Management for the elite force and Indian Army participated in this Psychological Research of National Security Guards (NSG), webinar. They were trained upon D(DIPR), Delhi organized a Hostage Negotiation Course No- the various techniques of Hostage one-day webinar on 5 July 2021 on 09. Officers and men from various negotiation as well as the ComBAT the topic of Hostage Negotiation and security forces including SSB, BSF apps developed by DIPR.

AUGUST 2021 11 HRD ACTIVITIES

COMBAT APP ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR INSTITUTE OF NATIONAL INTEGRATION

efence Institute of 16 June 2021. Recruit Religious Psychological Research teachers (RRTs) of Indian Army D(DIPR), Delhi conducted were trained by DIPR scientists an online training programme on various techniques, assessment on ComBAT App for the RRT- and activities of ComBAT App for 89 batch of Institute of National optimal stress management of Integration (INI), Pune on 15 and soldiers in their respective units.

ONLINE TARGETED TRAINING ON ALIGNING FOR SELF EXCELLENCE aval Physical & three-day online targeted training NPOL. The objective of the course Oceanographic Laboratory on ‘Aligning for Self Excellence’ for is to inculcate a transformational N(NPOL), Kochi organized a the benefit of all Division Heads of mindset that would enable them

12 AUGUST 2021 HRD ACTIVITIES DRDO NEWSLETTER to lead their respective divisions more effectively, in alignment with the organizational goals. The programme covered the key competencies necessary for the 21st century leader to deliver high performance. It also covered the broader areas of emotional intelligence, critical thinking and collaboration. Prof Krishna Kumar, Master Coach, intrad school of executive coaching (ISEC) and guest faculty, IIM Bangalore was the resource person for this targeted training programme.

TRAINING ON GIS TECHNOLOGY

he scientists of Institute for measurement using CAIRGIS functionalities of CAIR GIS was Systems Studies & Analyses technology. How to use the 2D imparted. T(ISSA) and Centre For Air and 3D visual functionalities and Director, CAIR handed over Borne System (CABS) underwent features of CAIR GIS technology the SDK for CAIR GIS along with training on CAIR GIS (Indigenous was imparted with examples. the user manual, programmers GIS developed by CAIR) from 5 to In addition to this hands-on manual and example programs for 7 April 2021. The training involves training on customization and use in their projects of CABS and usage, visualization, analysis and integration of various features and ISSA.

AUGUST 2021 13 PERSONNEL NEWS

APPOINTMENT Dr Murthy is the Chief and Technology Director, Dr Architect of Advanced Onboard Murthy significantly contributed DIRECTOR GENERAL, MSS Computer (OBC) technologies for in conceptualisation, planning, missile systems and other defence design, development of advanced Dr BHVS applications. His sustained real-time computer technologies Narayana contributions and technology for various missiles, fighter Murthy, leadership over the last three aircrafts and for other strategic Distinguished decades has been transformative applications. He architected the Scientist and for making India self-reliant in development and production of Director, advanced real-time embedded single chip mission computer, RCI has been computers, mission computing System-on-Chip, and Integrated appointed systems and other avionics Avionics Module (IAM) bringing in as DG, MSS, technologies. He led the design quantum jump in miniaturisation DRDO, and development of advanced of On-board avionics for futuristic Hyderabad. Dr Murthy is a avionics for “,” miniaturised smart weapon distinguished scientist and India’s first Anti Missile systems. His R&D contributions renowned for his R&D in the Test (A-SAT) and Long Range had a major impact on the indigenous design & development Missile Agni 5, elevating India indigenisation of critical aerospace of advanced avionics technologies into a league of select nations and missile technologies. For his and strengthening indigenous distinguished contributions, he for defence and aerospace defence capabilities. He played has been conferred with Honorary applications in India. As Director a vital role in the successful Fellowship of Computer Society and Programme Director, he development and demonstration of India, elected as Fellow of spearheaded Research Centre of avionics systems for BVRAAM the Indian National Academy Imarat (RCI), an avionics , QRSAM, Akash1S, Akash of Engineering (INAE) and laboratory of Dr APJ Abdul NG, HSTDV, NGARM, Long Indian Society of Systems for Kalam Missile Complex steering Range Guided Bombs, BrahMos, Science and Engineering. Other the design, development and ATGM , HELINA, MPATGM, prestigious awards conferred on delivery of avionics and wide SANT, BMD, ANSP, Agni series of Dr Murthy includes Rocket and range of missiles and guided missiles and other guided weapon Related Technologies Award weapon systems. He graduated in systems. As Project Director, he by the Astronautical Society of Electronics and Communication led the conceptualisation, design India, Agni Award for Excellence Engineering from REC, Warangal, and development of the Smart in Self-Reliance, DRDO Scientist completed his M.Tech from JNTU, Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) of the Year Award, Path Hyderabad and received Ph.D and laid foundation for Long Breaking Research/Outstanding in Computer Science from IIIT, Range Smart Guided systems with Technology Development Hyderabad. He joined DRDO in precision strike capabilities. As Award and DRDO Performance the year 1986. an On-board computer specialist Excellence Award.

DIRECTOR, R&DE(E) [R&DE(E)] on 1 June 2021. in drives and application. His Shri Kurulkar joined DRDO area of specialisation is Design Shri PM at CVRDE, Avadi, in 1988 after and Development of Missile Kurulkar, OS completing his Bachelor’s degree Launchers, Military Engineering has taken over in Electrical Engineering from Equipment, Advanced Robotics as Director of COEP Pune in 1985 in first class and Mobile Unmanned Systems Research & with Distinction. He further for Military Applications. Development completed his advanced courses As Project Leader and System Establishment in Power Electronics from IIT Manager for Akash Ground (Engineers) Kanpur with a specialisation Systems, he has been a key

14 AUGUST 2021 PERSONNEL NEWS DRDO NEWSLETTER member of the Akash team missile test. The critical subsystem Technology, and Linear Electric and has played a major role in of this mission was the design Motor Technology. He has plans to the design, development and and development of a ballistic develop dual-use, multi-purpose production of Akash Launchers missile Launcher from concept products and technologies with and mission-critical Ground to a deployable prototype. The enhanced civilian application of Systems. As a Project Director Launcher was developed in a very DRDO products and technologies. SF, Agni Project, he steered the short time of three months under He also wants to aggressively design and development of Road the able guidance and leadership pursue the export of successful & Rail versions of Launchers & of Shri Kurulkar, whose innovative DRDO developed products, Ground systems. Shri Kurulkar, execution and management equipment and technologies to techniques not only made the as a Team Leader and Lead friendly foreign countries. Designer, has played a major and system ready in advance but also Shri Kurulkar is a recipient pioneering role in the successful brought laurels to R & DE (Engrs), of the Science Day Award for design, development and delivery Pune. of several Military Engineering Shri Kurulkar has launched Best Publication in 2000, Systems and Equipment including a series of new technological the DRDO Agni Award for Missile Launchers for Programme initiatives in the emerging Excellence in Self-Reliance in AD, MRSAM, Subsonic technology areas like – High- 2002, the DRDO Award for Path- System, Prahar, Performance High Power Servo breaking Research/Outstanding QRSAM, XRSAM, Hyperbaric Drive Technology, Platform Technology development in 2008 Chamber and Mobile Power Supply Stabilsation Technology, AFPM for AKASH and the DRDO Award and High-Pressure Pneumatic based Alternator Technology, for Performance Excellence for Systems. On March 27, 2019, VSCF-based Power Source MRSAM in 2016 and the Award DRDO successfully conducted Technology, Electric Propulsion for Excellence of Technology by Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite Technology, Missile Canister DEMA in 2016.

National Geospatial Award for Excellence

Dr Narayan Studies and Analysis (ISSA), The Indigenous GIS technology Panigrahi DRDO, . Currently, has been developed to achieve born on 7 he is engaged in the design and self-reliance and guard the nation June 1966, development of Indigenous Geo- against technological denial obtained his Spatial solutions for armed forces regimes. BSc (Physics of the country. In recognition of his Hons) from Dr Narayan Panigrahi has outstanding contributions in the Khallikote pursued the scientific basis of GIS field of geospatial technology college, and Remote Sensing over the past as a researcher, academician Odisha (1987), two decades through research and professional of high caliber MSc (Computer Science) from and development of Indigenous specially in the area of geographic JK Institute of Applied Physics GIS technology. He heads the and Technology, University Geographic Information System information science and remote of Allahabad (1990), MTech Division in Center for Artificial sensing applications and (Computer Science and Data intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) promoting the technology inwide processing) from IIT, Kharagpur where he led a team of scientists spectrum of user community, the (1999) and PhD from Indian towards successful design, Indian society of remote sensing Institute of Technology, Bombay development and implementation confers the national geospatial started his professional career as of Indigenous Geographical award for excellence for the year a scientist in Institute for System Information System (INDIGIS). 2019 on Dr Narayan Panigrahi.

AUGUST 2021 15 VISITS

CAIR, BANGULURU RAdm Sai Venkat Raman, VSM, Commandant – Naval War College visited CAIR on 12 April 2021. There was a briefing by Dr U. K. Singh, OS & Director CAIR, followed by a discussion on CAIR developed technologies in the area of Secure Systems, Command & Control Systems and Intelligent Systems and Robotics. DIHAR, LEH Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO, visited Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) from 19 - 23 June 2021. During the stay, he visited various border locations like Siachen Base Camp, Zero RD and Chumathang, where he had ‘on ground’ interaction with soldiers and the local population. He also celebrated Yoga Day at a forward post along with troops on 21 June 2021 by carrying out Yoga exercises. He was accompanied by Dr. (Smt) Chandrika Kaushik, OS, Director, Dte of Interaction with Services for Business, DRDO and Director DIHAR, Dr OP Chaurasia during these interactions. On 23 June 2021, Chairman DRDO also interacted with the Honb’le Lt Governor of , Shri Radha K Mathur Chairman DRDO also reviewed Arora, ADG Rtg and Col M D S at Raj Bhawan. The Lt Governor the R&D projects being carried out Duggal, Director Rtg ‘A’. appreciated the role played and suggested novel endeavours Dr K Ramachandran, Director by DIHAR in combating the to be taken up by DIHAR in DIPR, briefed the General Officer Covid-19 pandemic specifically future in align with the emerging about the history and role of DIPR in monitoring the spread of requirements of the organization. and its importance in the selection this virus. Shri Mathur was also procedures of the Armed Forces appreciative of the Agro-animal DIPR, DELHI personnel for various roles. research carried out by DIHAR Maj. Gen. Rajiv Nanda, Offg There was discussion on the and applauded the role of DIHAR DG Recruiting visited Defence various techniques of selection in the overall development of local Institute of Psychological Research procedures and on further fine- economy of this landlocked region. (DIPR) on 24 June 2021. He was tuning of the procedures follow up During his stay at DIHAR, the accompanied by Brig Manish studies, etc.

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