A Monthly Bulletin of Defence Research nEWSLETTER and Development Organisation ISSN: 0971-4391 www.drdo.gov.in september 2020 | volume 40 | issue 09

AnTi-tank Guided Missile Dhruvastra tested successfully

Innovation >> p05 hrd activity >> p12 infra development >> p07 Drdo series >> p13 Events >> p09 Visits >> p15 DRDO Newsletter

september 2020 Volume 40 | Issue 09 Contents ISSN: 0971-4391

Cover story 04 Anti-tank Guided Missile Dhruvastra tested Successfully

Innovation 05

infra development 07

COVID-19 Testing Facility established at DIHAR Leh

DRDO’s 500 Bed COVID Hospital inaugurated in Patna

2 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in DRDO newsletter

Events 09 hrd activity 12 DRDO Series 13 Visits 15

40th Year of Publication

Editor-in-Chief: Dr Alka Suri Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/ Associate Editor-in-Chief: B Nityanand newsletter/ Managing Editor: Manoj Kumar

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

Printing: SK Gupta Contact at: 011-23902403; 23902474 Distribution: Tapesh Sinha, RP Singh Fax: 011-23819151

Local Correspondents Ambernath: Dr Susan Titus, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL); Chandipur: Shri PN Panda, Integrated Test Range (ITR); Bengaluru: Shri Subbukutti S, 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 & Radar 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); Shri Anurag Pathak, Institute for Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA); Dr Indu Gupta, Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC); Ms Noopur Shrotriya, Scientific Analysis Group (SAG); Dr Rupesh Kumar Chaubey, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL); Gwalior: Shri RK Srivastava, Defence R&D Establishment (DRDE); Haldwani: Dr Atul Grover, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER); Hyderabad: Shri Hemant Kumar, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL); 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, Research Centre Imarat (RCI); Jagdalpur: Dr Gaurav Agnihotri, SF Complex (SFC); Jodhpur: Shri Ravindra Kumar, Defence Laboratory (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); Pune: Dr (Mrs) JA Kanetkar, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); Dr Vijay Pattar, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT); Shri AM Devale, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL); Shri SS Arole, Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE (E)]; Tezpur: Dr Jayshree Das, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL)

www.drdo.gov.in September 2020 3 Cover story

AnTi-tank Guided Missile Dhruvastra tested successfully Dhruvastra is designed to destroy tanks, armoured vehicles and bunkers.

nti-tank Guided Missile Dhruvastra is equipped with Imaging conditions including summer desert Dhruvastra developed by Infra Red (IIR) seeker and operates conditions. ADRDO was successfully in “lock on before launch” mode. The Extreme precautionary measures flight tested on 15 and 16 July 2020 fire and forget missile is capable of such as social distancing, sanitization from Integrated Test Range (ITR), engaging targets up to 4 km range. of all facilities, use of masks and Chandipur in Odisha. The trials of The missile can engage targets sanitizers, shield and Personal the missile were carried out with both in direct hit mode as well as Protective Suits were taken during a static launcher under simulated top attack mode. The all weather the testing. conditions. capability of the missile has been The helicopter launched tested under severe weather

Anti-tank Guided Missile Dhruvastra

4 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Innovation DRDO newsletter

Navy Inducts Indigenously Developed Torpedo Decoy System

nti-Submarine Warfare capability of the Indian ANavy received a major boost Winch System with the conclusion of a contract for Advanced Torpedo Decoy System On-board Tow Cable (ATDS) ‘Maareech’ capable of launch Electronics Towed Array with from all frontline warships of Indian Integrated Towed Decoy Navy. The decoy system has been designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Naval Systems and Materials (NS&M) cluster lab Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi. Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), the other naval laboratory in the NS&M cluster, has developed the expendable decoy counter measure Maareech ATDS—Schematic system, which is integrated with the Maareech system. Maareech ATDS is capable of providing reliable defence mechanism against a possible torpedo attack by vintage as well as modern torpedoes. The system has both torpedo detection and countermeasure capability. Its functions include automatic detection, tracking and sounding alert of incoming torpedoes, and decoying of acoustic homing torpedoes. Bharat Electronics Limited, a Defence PSU, would undertake the production of this decoy system. The Maareech ATDS (L to R): Fire Control System, Decoy and Expendable Decoy prototype of the system installed detection and decoying capabilities testimony to the joint resolve of the onboard a nominated naval platform superior to that of global systems. Indian Navy and DRDO towards had successfully completed all user Also, being totally indigenous, indigenous development of Defence evaluation trials and demonstrated continuous support of DRDO and technology, but is also a major fillip the capabilities of the system as per Indian industry is available for up to the Government’s ‘Make in India’ the stringent Naval Staff Qualification gradation of capabilities based on new initiative and the country’s resolve Requirements. Maareech features are requirements arising out of tactical to become ‘Atmanirbhar’ in niche at par with the global torpedo defence missions. technology. systems; Maareech system possesses This induction not only stands

www.drdo.gov.in September 2020 5 Innovation

LASTEC systems deployed at red fort for independence day security The short-range Optical Target Locator, and Tripod Mounted Laser Dazzler developed by DRDO’s Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC), Delhi, were deployed at Red Fort during Independence Day Celebration on 15 August 2020 for Prime Minister’s security and area sanitisation during his speech from the rampart of the Red Fort. The devices were deployed to counter possible electro-optical threats from frontal build-up area. Optical Target Locater 600 is used for detection of any passive or active surveillance devices like binoculars, day sights, night vision devices, CCD cameras, etc. This gives a tactical advantage to the user in deciding Prime Minister hoisting the tricolor. Inset: OTL 600 defensive or offensive action. system for crowd control applications. has been realised using indigenously Technology has been transferred to Bright radiation from the system developed laser projection system, the industry. causes credible glare in eyes leading to which comprises high speed x-y Tripod Mounted Laser Dazzler is immediate but temporary functional mirror-based scanning mechanism. a non-lethal anti-personnel weapon capability degradation. The system

DRDO launches Dare to Dream 2.0 contest for innovators & start-ups RDO launched its of self-reliance. The scheme is being for individual category, will be innovation contest launched to promote individuals and given to the winners. D‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ on start-ups for innovation in defence Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath the 5th death anniversary of and aerospace technologies in the Singh announced the contest and former President of India and country. praised DRDO for promoting Secretary DDR&D, SA to RM The winners will be decided ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ call given and DG DRDO, Dr APJ Abdul after due evaluation by an expert by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Kalam. Dr Kalam, also known committee. Award money, up to Modi. as missile man, had the vision ₹ 10 lakh for start-up and ₹ five lakh

6 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in infra development DRDO newsletter

COVID-19 Testing Facility established at DIHAR Leh RDO established a Covid-19 testing and will be of great help researcher, health professionals and testing facility at its Leh- to address future bio-threats and the environment. Dbased laboratory Defence carrying out R&D activities pertinent Dr OP Chaurasia, Director Institute of High Altitude Research to agro-animals diseases. DIHAR, Brig JB Singh Commandant, (DIHAR) to enhance the rate of In his address, LG Shri RK Mathur Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, NRISR, testing to identify the Corona cases lauded the efforts of DRDO in fighting Leh, Dr Mutup Dorjey, CMO, along in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Covid 19 and thanked Dr G Satheesh with his team of doctors from SNM The testing facility will also help in Reddy, Secretary, Department of Hospital, Leh and other senior army keeping close watch of the infected Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO officials and DRDO scientists were persons. The facility meets the for making this facility available at present on the occasion. safety standards and guidelines of DIHAR. He expressed hope that the DIHAR is one of the life sciences Indian Council of Medical Research facility will help in the treatment of laboratories of DRDO working on (ICMR). The centre was inaugurated infected persons. cold arid agro-animal technologies. by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, The Lieutenant Governor also The laboratory is screening and Shri RK Mathur on 22 July 2020. inspected the testing facility. He identifying the medicinal and The testing facility at DIHAR is was briefed about the bio-safety aromatic plants to exploit them for capable of screening 50 samples per aspect of the testing facility and use for defence purposes and also day. The facility can also be utilized precautionary measures to minimize on greenhouse technologies for high for training manpower for Covid cross-contamination and safety of altitude and cold desert areas.

Inauguration of Covid Testing Lab at DIHAR Leh

www.drdo.gov.in September 2020 7 infra development

DRDO’s 500 Bed COVID Hospital inaugurated in Patna 500 bed Covid Hospital with already existing seven storied ESIC ambulance service, Computerized 125 ICU beds, set up by DRDO hospital with power, air conditioning, Hospital Management System, Ain Patna was inaugurated on water supply, fire fighting and power Professional Manning & Maintenance 24 August 2020 by Shri Nityanand backup, Oxygen piping to each bed, Staff for specialised services like Rai, Hon’ble Union Minister of lifts and morgue. electrical system, air conditioning State for Home Affairs. The hospital DRDO has provided system, DG sets, etc. located in the newly constructed infrastructure for the hospital such Doctors, nurses, and other ESIC Hospital at Bihta, has been built as the Administrative Block including supporting medical staff, etc., for on the lines of the 1000 Bed Sardar doctor’s room, triage area, visitors the hospital have been arranged Vallabhbhai Patel Hospital at Delhi area and reception, ICU beds with by the Directorate General Armed Cantonment built by DRDO. ventilators, 125 monitors, 375 normal Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). Prime Minister’s Citizen beds, 10 kl Cryogenic Liquid Medical Bihar Government will provide free Assistance and Relief in Emergency Oxygen Vessel, Oxygen supply to every of cost facilities such as 2 lakh lt of Situations (PM CARES) Trust has bed, PPE kits and sanitizers, CCTV water per day, 6 MVA electric supply allocated funds for the hospital. Surveillance System, housekeeping and security arrangements for the Another such hospital will be set up services including consumable items, hospital. in Muzaffarpur. The infrastructure pharmacy, medical pathology lab, facilities for the hospital include the catering services, laundry services,

Shri Nityanand Rai, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home Affairs inaugurating DRDO’s 500-bed Covid Hospital in Bihta, Bihar

8 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Events DRDO newsletter

DRDO identifies 108 Systems & Sub- systems for industry to design, develop & manufacture towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat

esponding to the clarion requirements of these systems by partner. call given by Hon’ble Prime R&D establishments, Armed Forces, The present industry base for RMinister for “Atmanirbhar and other Security Agencies can be DRDO consists of 1800 MSMEs along Bharat”, DRDO has taken several met through development contracts with DPSUs, Ordnance Factories initiatives to strengthen the or production orders on suitable and large scale industries. DRDO indigenous defence ecosystem. Indian industry. This will allow DRDO has already taken major initiatives DRDO apprised Raksha Mantri Shri to focus on design & development of through various policies to involve Rajnath Singh on 25 August 2020 critical and advanced technologies Indian industry as Development-cum about 108 systems and sub-systems -Production Partners (DcPP), offering and systems. for the development by the Indian its technology to industry at nominal DRDO has been partnering with Industry only. This initiative will pave cost and providing free access to its industry for realization of its systems. the way for Indian Defence industry patents. Organisation’s collaboration with to develop many technologies towards This initiative will support the fast building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Indian industry has matured to a growing Indian defence industrial DRDO will provide support to stage where the industries can develop ecosystem and will help the industry industries for design, development systems on their own. Indian industry to contribute towards Atmanirbhar and testing of these systems has progressed from a ‘build to print’ Bharat in a big way. on requirement basis. All the partner to ‘build to specification’

Independence day celebrations

lectronics and Radar Development Establishment E(LRDE), Bengaluru, celebrated 74th Independence Day with great enthusiasm. Shri P Radhakrishna, OS & Director, LRDE hoisted the Flag and addressed the gathering.

Shri P Radhakrishna, OS & Director, LRDE addressing the employees on F the occasion of Independence Day

www.drdo.gov.in September 2020 9 Events

aval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), NAmbernath, celebrated 15th August with a nationalistic spirit. The celebrations commenced with hoisting of National Flag by Dr M Patri, Director, NMRL. Dr Patri deliberated about the progress made and technologies developed by the NMRL. He motivated young scientists to undertake new and challenging projects that would enhance the strength and capabilities of the country. He also emphasised on developing niche technologies relevant to Indian Navy. Flag hoisting on Independence Day at NMRL

Desidoc celebrates Librarian’s day ugust 12th is celebrated every year in India as ANational Librarian’s Day in remembrance of Dr SR Ranganathan (1892-1972), known as the father of the Library Science in India. Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC) paid her homage to the father of the library science by organising a webinar on Research Data Management. Dr ARD Prasad, former Professor at Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), Bengaluru delivered a lecture on “Open Data and Research Data Management.” Shri R Appavuraj, Chairman, Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM), Delhi, was the special invitee. Dr Rajeev Vij, Sc ‘G’, DESIDOC, Dr Alka Suri, Director, DESIDOC, delivering inaugural address on webinar briefed about the contributions of Dr Ranganathan and introduced is important for the organisational open and closed data, stakeholders the speaker. In his inaugural growth. of big data, importance of research address Dr Alka Suri, Director, Dr Prasad in his informative data management (RDM) and role of DESIDOC, apprised about the topic presentation spoke extensively libraries in RDM. He concluded his and elucidated data as a valuable on information/digital divide, presentation with DRTC/ISI activities resource and how data management reuseability of data, diversity of data, on big data and open data.

10 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Events DRDO newsletter

VAN mahotsav ESIDOC celebrated Van the programme and spoke about the provided a golden opportunity to the Mahotsav on 17 August importance of tree plantation. A large employees to connect with Mother D2020 at Metcalfe House. A number of employees enthusiastically Nature and to demonstrate their Tree Plantation Programme was took part in the programme and commitment to social responsibility. organised on the occasion. Dr Alka more than 113 saplings were planted Dr Rajeev Vij, Associate Director, Suri, Director DESIDOC, inaugurated in DESIDOC premises. The event coordinated the event.

DESIDOCians planting saplings DIAT wins first prize in Smart India Hackathon-2020

efence Institute of Advanced competition for software edition ₹ 1 lakh for solving problem statement Technology (DIAT), Pune, organized jointly by the Ministry MS331 posed by the Madhya Pradesh Dan autonomous organization of Human Resource Development Government in the category of under the Department of Defence (MHRD) and All India Council for software. The team provided the Research & Development, DRDO, won Technical Education (AICTE) held solution titled “Drishti” for the face, 1st prize in Smart India Hackathon during 1-3 August 2020 at Noida expression and gesture recognition (SIH)-2020, where Prime Minister, Institute of Engineering & Technology using Artificial Intelligence. Shri Narendra Modi interacted with (NIET), Uttar Pradesh. Secretary, Department of Defence the participants in a live event. The DIAT student team R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Dr G. The SIH-2020, the 36-hour “Age of Ultron” comprising six Satheesh Reddy congratulated the non-stop digital product building members under the guidance of team DIAT on winning the award for competition was a national level Dr Sunita Dhavale, won the 1st Prize of a consecutive second time.

www.drdo.gov.in September 2020 11 hrd activity

ONLINE COURSE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

four days online course Management, Project Management Key success factors in Technology on ‘Project Management and Organisational Behaviour. Transfer, An Overview to public ACompetencies’ was The course was inaugurated jointly Procurement, Public Procurement: conducted by Institute of Technology by Shri Sanjay Tandon, OS & Director, Demand Initiation to Conclusion, Management (ITM), Mussoorie, ITM and Shri Ravindra Kumar, OS Group Dynamics & Team Building, from 07 to 10 July 2020 for Defence & Director, DL, Jodhpur. Smt Anita Conflict Management and Time and Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur. Twenty- Mohindra, Sc ‘F’, was the Course Stress Management were delivered. seven officers participated in the Director. The course concluded with a course. Lectures by ITM faculty were Sessions on various topics, viz., Role valedictory address by Shri Sanjay delivered via online mode. & Scope of Technology Management Tandon and vote of thanks by The objective of the programme in DRDO & Understanding of Smt Anita Mohindra. Shri Ravindra was to prepare scientists to Technology Life Cycle, An Overview Kumar appreciated ITM for contribute more effectively in of Project Management & Life Cycle conducting courses through online time bound R&D projects and also Management, Project Planning mode. acquaint them with fundamentals of through Network, Technology Gap Technology Management, Materials Analysis & Technology Planning and

Shri Sanjay Tandon, Director, ITM delivering the online lecture

12 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in DRDO SERIES

DRDO Harnessing Science for Peace & Security Chapter 4: marching forward The article is 54rd in the Series of extracts of the monograph, “Defence Research & Development Organisation: 1958-1982”, by Shri RP Shenoy, former Director of Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE).

NAVAL SYSTEMS and accepted by the Navy, related of the transducers. NPOL built up a LABORATORIES to the development of Diver-held high degree of competence so that Sonar for use by the divers to locate the Laboratory could tailor the size, Naval Physical & submerged bodies in the ocean shape and other design features to the Oceanographic bottom, passive listening and harbour specific needs of each application in Laboratory sonars used for detecting torpedoes the frequency range of operation. The and submarines, echo injector for need for building specific expertise in In the 1970s, oceanographic training sonar operators, equipment this area arose because the transducer studies and instrument development for meeting the user’s requirements consists not only of PZT discs but also continued for improving the for demagnetising mine sweepers, of a large variety of passive materials, predictions of oceanic variability. and an instrumentation unit to such as plastics, elastomers, metals, Towards this end, the second provide independent strolling and alloys, fibres and even composites for version of the current meter was range display for naval radar. In absorption, reflection or windowing completed and the development of addition, a feasibility project was to meet the different performance the expandable bathythermograph taken up in 1974 for developing a requirements. In the design of for sensing and recording the vertical medium- range sonar for Petya class underwater transducers, some of the temperature profiles and that of ships, where critical support systems important parameters that had to be the sonic ray plotter was initiated. like signal processing, display and taken into account were, resonance On successful completion of these signal conditions were developed and frequency, operating frequency range, activities, the know-how for the interfaced. power handling capacity, source Expandable Bathythermograph Besides the oceanographic studies, level, impedance, receiving acoustic (XBT) was transferred to M/s ECIL, the activities of the Laboratory were sensitivity, acoustic phase, directivity Hyderabad for manufacture to meet directed towards the development pattern and acceleration sensitivity. the annual needs of institutions of electro-acoustic transducers and In addition, other factors, such as including defence and others sonar systems. The transducting hydrostatic pressure, mechanical like Central Marine & Fisheries material converting electrical energy stress, vibration isolation and so on Research Institute (CMFRI), India into acoustic energy and vice versa would have to be taken into account Meteorological Department (IMD), was lead zirconate titanate (PZT). for decisions on the basic transducer National Institute of Oceanography The development of the indigenous element configuration, packaging (NIO), Oil & Natural Gas Commission transducer was completed for and encapsulation. Transducer (ONGC). These XBTs were also operation in the frequency band encapsulation was critical from the extensively used during Monsoon, starting from a few Hertz to a few long-term reliability point of view Monex-79 and other expeditions. hundred kilo Hertz with varying because of its role in ensuring electrical Technical know-how for manufacture capabilities for power handling, insulation, in acoustic impedance of an earlier instrument, namely the receiving sensitivities and for the matching with and in protection from sonobuoy, was transferred to M/s areas of insonification. Transducers the water medium. The Laboratory HAL, Hyderabad to meet the needs of sizes varying from disc of a few also had to build competence in of Navy and for other applications, centimetres to a cylindrical array of 1 underwater seals, connectors, cables such as remote sensing, avalanche m radius and 1 m height, and operating as well as in junction boxes to be prediction, and so on. from a few Hz to KHz, and MHz, used in various underwater systems. Some of the other activities, were fabricated. A pilot plant was Thus, a high degree of expertise which were successfully completed set up for the quantity manufacture

www.drdo.gov.in 13 DRDO SERIES was established in the design and interface the electronics subsystems and design optimization for ease and fabrication of piezoelectric transducer with a transducer of an operational speed of navigation and manoeuvre, elements and arrays as a step towards sonar and adopt concurrent require hydrodynamic test facilities the design of sonar systems to meet engineering practices to produce, and model studies to be carried the desired specification for specific assemble and integrate the hardware out. NSTL carried out studies on applications. at the premises of the production various hydrodynamic test facilities To prove the transducer element agency. The hardware was assembled and proposed creation of a test as well as the array after fabrication and tested at the production agency facility for evaluating performance and assembly, test facilities for with the involvement of the Laboratory of indigenously developed major measurements were set up. An in- scientists. The system development systems. house Open Water Acoustic Tank with was completed and installed on INS The initial activities of the automatic positioning system and Himgiri in a remarkably short period Laboratory in the field of underwater associated measuring instruments of about 4 year, that is 1981, and sea weapons were the modifications and with capability to simulate trials were begun. carried out to an existing underwater water pressures to 1500 ft. was homing weapon to update its Naval Science & Techno- fabricated for testing the underwater technology. The development was a logical Laboratory devices. Different types of calibration success and the know- how for the techniques were evolved to calibrate The main objectives of NSTL are modifications was passed on to the the sonar system transducers. For development of underwater weapons/ production agency. It led further to calibration of transducers at very mines, underwater test ranges, noise the development of a portable anti- low frequencies and for underwater and vibration studies, underwater submarine target, which manoeuvred propagation and reverberation like a submarine at great depths and studies, a test barge operating in the explosion studies, marine navigational responded to sonar transmission of Idukki reservoir (about 100 km from aids, and scientific support to Eastern various kinds. The deep mobile target Cochin) was set up. Naval Command. was able to operate at low speeds with In one sense, these activities were A warship is a complex system engines operating on compressed air a prelude to the undertaking of a which is called upon to provide or batteries. Another effort resulted sophisticated modern sonar system multi-mission capability with a good in the successful transponder system development for frigates, APSOH degree of survivability in the marine which could be used as a sonar target (Advanced Panoramic Sonar Hull environment against man-made by ships’ operators as well as in mounted), for the Navy in 1980s. The threats and nature’s upheavals. The system features and capability were ship’s survivability is enhanced if the torpedo firing. contemporary to the best of this class hit probability of anti-ship weapons Several types of transponder available in the developed world at that and torpedoes are brought down. The systems were successfully developed time. The system that was proposed ship’s characteristic emanations in for evaluation of underwater weapons and subsequently developed, was the infrared, acoustic and magnetic and for training of operators and based on the LSI/VLSI hardware, domains signature being an important were produced in numbers. A project multi- microprocessors for control, factor for its survival. NSTL undertook to design and to meet the user’s digital techniques for transmission, to study noise and vibration in ships, requirements for demagnetising waveform generation and memory machinery and submarines, and mine sweepers periodically was also backed raster scan display, which magnetic signatures of ships with a successfully completed. The work on were state-of-the art at that point of view to create a databank. Facilities the development of weapon launchers time. The project was monitored by for analysis of noise and vibration, to meet the indigenous shipbuilding a Steering Committee with the VCNS data were also built up so that a programme was underway and was as the chairman and right from the methodology for mitigation of noise being progressed to the satisfaction of beginning the production agency, and vibration could be evolved so the Users. Bharat Electronics Ltd was closely as to be of help in new naval craft associated with NPOL. The plan of design. In addition to underwater action was to modularise the system, noise mitigation, shock survivability To be continued...

14 www.drdo.gov.in Visits DRDO newsletter

Visitors to drdo labs/estts hri Pijush Hazarika, Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare, SGovt of Assam, along with Shri Pallab Lochan Das, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Shri Anurag Goyal, IAS, Health Commissioner and Shri MP Singh, IAS, DC, Sonitpur, Assam visited Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur, and reviewed ongoing progress and issues of COVID-19 testing. DRL has tested over 5000 COVID-19 samples in the first 21 days since inception of the test facility on 8 June 2020. The minister lauded the efforts made by DRL in strengthening the preparedness to combat COVID-19 pandemic. TT Maj Gen SC Mohanty, AVSM, Shri Pijush Hazarika, Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Assam being briefed about DRL activities Chief of Staff, HQ 4 Corps, visited DRL on 3 July 2020. Dr SK Dwivedi, Director, DRL, gave a comprehensive overview of the on- going research programme of the laboratory including the Programme Arunodaya. Contributions of DRL in managing Covid-19 were also briefed to the visitor. Gen Mohanty also visited Chitramandap, the DRL Exhibition Hall and took keen interest in exhibits of various innovative products & technologies developed by DRL. The Chief of Staff appreciated the efforts made by DRL for improving and promoting the wellbeing of the troops in the border Maj Gen SC Mohanty, CoS, HQ 4 Corps at DRL Centre for COVID-19 Testing and forward areas of North East India.

Patent granted efence Materials Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, has been granted patent (Patent No. 335169) for “High Strength Steel for Naval Applications.” Dr K Muraleedharan, Dr R Balamuralikrishnan, DDr S Nagarjuna, Shri Nirmalya Rarhi, Dr R Veerababu, Shri B Gopalakrishna and Shri HK Nandi are the inventors.

www.drdo.gov.in September 2020 15 16 September 2020 www.drdo.gov.in