A Monthly Bulletin of Defence Research nEWSLETTER and Development Organisation ISSN: 0971-4391 www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 | volume 40 | issue 05 rm commissions country’s First Mobile Testing Lab

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may 2020 Volume 40 | Issue 05 Contents ISSN: 0971-4391 Cover story 04

RM Commissions Mobile Virology Research and Diagnostics Lab for COVID-19 Detection

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DIBER transfers Technologies of Herbal Formulations/Products

Cover: Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commissioning country’s first Mobile Virology Research and Diagnostics Laboratory through video conferencing (top) and inside view of the mobile lab.

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

Events 11

drdo series 17 visits 20

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 Please mail your feedback at: Editor: Dipti Arora [email protected] Editorial Assistance: Biak Tangpua, Raj Kumar Multimedia: RK Bhatnagar Contact: 011-23902403; 23902474 Printing: SK Gupta Fax: 011-23819151 Distribution: Tapesh Sinha, RP Singh

Local Correspondents Ambernath: Dr Susan Titus, Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL); 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); Chandipur: Shri PN Panda, Integrated Test Range (ITR); 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 may 2020 3 Cover story

DRDO combats COVID-19: RM commissions country’s First Mobile Testing Lab for COVID-19 detection aksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh R&D activities was developed by Convalescent plasma derived therapy, unveiled via video conference Research Centre Imarat (RCI), the comprehensive immune profiling of Ra Mobile Virology Research Hyderabad-based laboratory of DRDO COVID-19 patients towards vaccine and Diagnostics Laboratory (MVRDL) in consultation with ESIC Hospital, development early clinical trials specific developed by DRDO in association with Hyderabad. to Indian population. The lab screens ESIC Hospital, Hyderabad and Private The Mobile Viral Research Lab is 1000-2000 samples per day and can be industry. the combination of a BSL 3 lab and stationed, as per requirement, anywhere Speaking on this occasion, Raksha a BSL 2 lab. The labs are built as per in the country. Mantri said the government under WHO and ICMR Bio Safety Standards DRDO acknowledged the the leadership of Prime Minister Shri to meet international guidelines. The contributions of M/s iCOMM for Narendra Modi has taken several timely system has built in electrical controls, provision of containers, M/s iClean decisions because of which the spread LAN, telephone cabling, and CCTV. for design and build of the BSL 2 and of COVID-19 in the country is far less The Mobile Lab will be helpful to carry BSL 3 labs in a time bound manner, and compared to many other countries. out diagnosis of COVID-19 and also M/s Hi Tech Hydraulics for providing Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the virus culturing for drug screening, the base frame. setting up of this Bio Safety Level 2 and Level 3 lab in a record time of 15 days, which usually takes about six months time. He said this testing facility can process more than 1,000 samples in a day and would enhance country’s capabilities in fighting COVID-19. RM also appreciated Armed Forces for contributing in many ways like setting up of quarantine centres, providing healthcare facilities, evacuating Indian nationals from other countries to fight COVID-19. The function was also attended by Shri G Kishan Reddy Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shri KT Rama Rao Hon’ble Minister for IT Industries, Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Govt of Telangana, Shri Ch Malla Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Labour, Govt of Telangana and Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary DDR&D & Chairman DRDO. The first of such Mobile Viral Research Lab that will speed up COVID-19 screening and related Inside view of the MVRDL

4 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Cover story DRDO newsletter

DRDO combats COVID-19: Provides mitigation equipment he first case of corona virus of kiosk cabin protects the health care M/s Vega Aviation Products Pvt. (COVID-19) pandemic was worker from the aerosols/droplet Ltd., Belgaum, Karnataka is the Tconfirmed in India on 30 January transmission while taking the sample. industrial partner for manufacturing 2020. As the Government of India This reduces the requirements of PPE the kiosk. started taking all necessary steps to change by health care workers. ensure that people are prepared well After the patient leaves the Kiosk, BIO Suit to face the challenge and threat posed four nozzle sprayers mounted in Scientists at various DRDO by the growing pandemic, DRDO the kiosk cabin disinfect the empty laboratories have applied their technical emerged as a critical force-multiplier in chamber by spraying disinfectant know-how and expertise in textile, combating the virus. It used its years of mist for a period of 70 seconds. It is coating and nanotechnology to develop experience and available technology to further flushed with water & UV light the Personal Protective Equipment develop essential items for mitigation disinfection. The system is ready for (PPE) having specific type of fabric of the wrath of the deadly virus. Since next use in less than two minutes. Voice with coating to keep the medical, then the organization has come up with command can be given through two- paramedical and other personnel combat products for both government way communication system integrated engaged in combating COVID-19 safe and non-government sectors. Eight with the COVSACK. It is possible to from the deadly virus. Defence Research DRDO laboratories are engaged in configure COVSACK to be used either and Development Establishment meeting the shortfall of ventilators, from inside or outside as required by (DRDE), Gwalior has developed Bio emergency care facilities and basic the medical professionals. Suits, which has been produced by three personal protection equipment like The COVSACK costs nearly Rs one industry partners namely M/s Shiva masks, clothing and gloves. As a result lakh and the identified industry based Texyarn, Coimbatore, M/s Arvind Mills, of focused approach, DRDO is ready at Belgaum, Karnataka can provide 10 Ahmedabad and M/s Aeronav, Noida with the following items and transferred units per day. The DRDO has designed and is being supplied to MOH&FW, the technology to the industry for mass and developed two units and handed GOI. production for its fight against corona over these to ESIC Hospital, Hyderabad Institute of Nuclear Medicine and virus. after successful testing. Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi has Covid-19 Sample Collection Kiosk

COVID Sample Collection Kiosk (COVSACK) unit has been developed by Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory in consultation with the doctors of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Hyderabad. The COVSACK is a kiosk for use by healthcare workers for taking COVID-19 samples from suspected infected patients. Patient under test walks into the Kiosk and a nasal or oral swab is taken by health care professional from outside through the built in gloves. The Kiosk is automatically disinfected without the need for human involvement, making the process free of infection spread. The shielding screen COVID Sample Collection Kiosk Bio Suit

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 5 cover story developed a suit for protection against Enclosure for Intubation liquid radionuclide. The suit has been Procedure — Aerosol tested effectively and being produced Containment Box through industry partner. Aerial Delivery Research and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Development Establishment (ADRDE), Hyderabad and Terminal Ballistic Agra and INMAS, have also developed Research Laboratory (TBRL), Bio Suits for protection of medical Chandigarh have come up with professionals and paramedics handling Enclosure for Intubation Procedure— COVID-19 patients. The suits are being Aerosol Containment Box to safeguard prepared with the help of the industry health care workers. The enclosure after subjected to rigorous testing for prevents spread of viral contamination textile parameters as well as protection of COVID-19 to reach the gown, gloves, against synthetic blood. Efforts are face mask, eye shield, shoes of the front being made to ramp up production to line workers. The transparent acrylic/ 15-20 thousand PPEs per day. Poly Methyl Meth Acrylate (PMMA) DRDO has prepared a special box covers the patient’s head up to the sealant as an alternative to seam chest and acts as a safety barrier against sealing tape based on the sealant used droplets from patients while under in submarine applications. Presently, treatment. Bio Suits prepared using this glue for seam sealing by an industry partner Ventilator has cleared test at Southern India has already been tested in two hospitals Textile Research Association (SITRA) and working satisfactorily. Coimbatore. This can be a game changer for the textile industry. The DRDO can Face masks mass produce this glue through industry Defence Research and Development to support the seam sealing activity by Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has suit manufacturers. developed five layered N-99 masks using Aerosol Containment Box Ventilators a nano web filter layer. Manufacturing of the masks is in progress with an aim The design of the enclosures Society for Biomedical Technology to produce 2 lakh N-99 masks per week has been validated and accepted by (SBMT), a DRDO funded and managed through the industry a team of doctors at ESI Medical initiative) & Defence Bioengineering College, Hyderabad and at PGIMER, and Electromedical Laboratory Chandigarh, respectively. (DEBEL), Bengaluru, have developed a ventilator by using existing technologies Sanitiser formulation like breath regulators, pressure/flow To address the need for personal sensors, etc. DEBEL has undertaken and surface decontamination, DRDE, the initiative to develop the critical Gwalior and CFEES, Delhi have components of the ventilators which prepared hand sanitizer compliant to are not available in the country. These WHO guidelines for local production. will be produced with the help of local More than 1.50,000 bottles of industry. Defence PSU, M/s BEL sanitizer based on Isopropyl Alcohol/ has joined the efforts for large scale Ethanol has been produced in-house production of ventilators. Production and supplied to: Indian Armed forces, N-99 mask can reach a capacity of 10,000 Armed Forces Medical Corps, Defence ventilators per month. Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Security Corps (approx. 5,500 bottles; DRDO has also developed Multi Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi has also Ministry of Defence (1,500 bottles); Patient Ventilation (MPV) Kit, which designed a 3-ply surgical mask. Around Parliament -(300 bottles); Delhi Police helps convert single ventilator for 40,000 3-ply surgical masks have been (2500 bottles) and other Security providing treatment to multiple supplied to Delhi Police and other Establishments and High Offices (500 patients in the emergency. The MPV kit agencies. bottles).

6 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Cover story DRDO newsletter

Ethyl alcohol base formulation and Portable Backpack Area process has been shared with industries Sanitization Equipment and production in bulk has been initiated. Raw material sourcing can A portable sanitization equipment help increase the production. Cost of a has been developed with the help litre of the sanitiser is around Rs 120 of industry partner for spraying including GST. decontamination solution consisting DRDO Laboratories across the of 1% Hypochlorite (HYPO) solution country are producing a large amount for sanitization of suspected area. The of hand sanitizers based on DRDE, portable system can be mounted as a guidelines and distributing to local backpack. This system incorporates low administration for fight against the pressure twin fluid (air & disinfectant pandemic. liquid) technology to generate very fine mist and is capable of disinfecting an area up to 300 square meter. The application areas can include hospital Large Area Sanitization Equipment reception, doctor chambers, office spaces dealing with general public, Automatic Mist Based corridors, pathways, metro and railway Sanitizer Dispensing Unit stations, bus stations, etc. CFEES along with HPO 1, using its expertise in mist technology for fire suppression, has developed automatic mist based sanitiser dispensing unit. It is a contact less sanitiser dispenser which sprays alcohol based hand rub sanitiser solution for sanitisation of hands while entering the buildings/ office complexes, etc. It is based on water mist aerator technology, which was developed for water conservation. The unit operates without contact and is activated through an ultrasonic Backpack Area Sanitization Equipment sensor. A single fluid nozzle with low Trolley Mounted Large Area flow rate is used to generate aerated Sanitization Equipment mist to dispense the hand rub sanitiser. This sanitises the hands with minimum The higher capacity Trolley Mounted wastage. Using atomiser, only 5-6 ml Large Area Sanitization Equipment sanitiser is released for 12 seconds in one incorporates low pressure single fluid operation and it gives the full cone spray (disinfectant liquid) technology for over both palms so that disinfection Hand Rub generating very fine mist. The system operation of hands is complete. is capable of disinfecting an area up Sanitization to 3000 square meter It has a tank Equipment capacity of 50 litres and has a lancing (throw) distance of 12-15 meter. DRDO is ready with technologies This is useful for disinfecting for sanitizing areas of different sizes. hospitals, malls, airports, metro The Centre for Fire, Explosives & stations, isolation areas, quarantine Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi centres and high risk residential areas. has developed two configurations Systems have being provided to of sanitizing equipment spin-offs Delhi Police for immediate use. These from technologies developed for fire can be made available to other agencies Automatic Mist Based Sanitizer suppression applications. with the help of industry partners. Dispensing Unit

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It is a very compact unit and bulk cover of office files, etc. COVID-19 virus fill option makes it economical and will be deactivated by using UVC lamps long lasting product. It is easy to install in one minute placed equidistantly in a system as wall-mountable or on a box with UV dose of 100 mJ/cm2. The platform. As an indication of operation UV lamps used in the sanitisation box an LED illuminates the spray. The unit also emits 185 nm that produces ozone was manufactured with the help of M/s and is able to take care of the unexposed Riot Labz Pvt Ltd, Noida, and one unit area on the surfaces of the objects has been installed at DRDO Bhawan. placed in the box. The unit can be used for sanitisation The hand-held device having of hands at entry and exit to hospitals, eight watt UV-C lamp disinfects malls, office buildings, residential office and household objects like buildings, airports, metro stations, food packets, furniture, etc., with railway stations, bus stations and an exposure of 45 second at a critical installations. The product is also 100 mJ/cm2 irradiation placed at a expected to be very useful for entry/ exit distance of less than two inches. This of isolation and quarantine centres. measure can reduce the transmission of Corona virus in office and public places. UV Sanitization Box and Personnel Sanitization Enclosure Hand-held UV Device pump. The enclosure can be operated Defence Institute of Physiology & continuously for 24 hours as it has been Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and INMAS, designed for redundancy. See-through have designed & developed ultraviolet glass windows on side walls of the C light-based sanitisation box and canopy help in monitoring the function. hand-held UV-C (ultraviolet light with Two lights provided inside the enclosure Hand-held UV Device wavelength 254 nanometres) device. keeps proper illumination during night The UV-C consists of a shorter, more Personnel Sanitization time. energetic wavelength of light. It is Enclosure particularly good at destroying genetic Personnel Sanitization The entry point walk through material in COVID-19. The radiation Station enclosure for personnel decontamination warps the structure RNA which prevents has been designed by Vehicle Research VRDE has conceptualised this low the viral particles from making more and Development Establishment pressure mist system for individual copies of themselves. The UV-C kills (VRDE) and developed by M/s DH Ltd., sanitization installed in a MS container microbes quickly. Sanitisation of the Ghaziabad. The portable hands-free based cabin. This can be easily mounted items by employing UV-C light avoids operation enclosure comprises a wash on a vehicle, transported and re- the harmful effects of the chemicals basin, tissue dispenser, dryer, hand fabricated within two hours. used for the disinfection. This is sanitiser and soap at entry point and environment friendly and is a contact can be made operational in 3 hours. free effective sanitisation method. A foot operated, Start Pedal and The UV-C box is designed for Stop Pedal have been provided at entry disinfecting personal belongings like and exit points, respectively. An electric mobile phone, tablets, purse, currency, pump creates disinfectant mist of Hypo Sodium Chloride inside the canopy. Mist spray stops automatically after 25 seconds so that person knows when to exit the enclosure. Once the person

is inside the enclosure he/she needs Personnel Sanitization Station to keep his/her eyes closed during the Salient Features period of mist spraying. Two roof mounted separate tanks TT Can be operated continuously for containing water and Hypo Sodium 24 hours Chloride feed wash basin and spray TT Roof mounted water tank and side UV Sanitization Box nozzles, respectively through the wall mounted control box & pump

8 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Cover story DRDO newsletter

TT Glass window on either side of Quarantine Facility minimize contamination from direct container for monitoring splash and sneezing. To fight pandemic COVID-19, VRDE The designs use various types of TT Hands free, sanitizer dispenser at has reorganised one of its buildings to visors/sheets. While RCI & TBRL entrance be utilized as 50-bed quarantine facility designs use commonly available A4 for Ahmednagar District. Low Cost Vehicle Sanitization size OHP sheet for face protection, the Enclosure Salient Features two designs made by HPO-1 (self and jointly developed with WIPRO-3D) System is lightweight, portable TT Two independent toilets and four uses ear to ear length FDA approved canopy and can be made operational toilet-bathroom combo for patients 21CFREC10/2011 compliance coated in three hours to sanitize vehicles at TT Eight independent beds for nursing polyesters films and PVC/PC for better entry points of premises. An electrically staff on 1st/2nd floor with independ- optical visibility. The harness, the operated positive displacement pump ent toilet bathrooms holding frame is initially prototyped creates disinfectant mist inside the tent TT Independent entry/exist to this fa- using Fused Deposition Modelling canopy through which the vehicles are cility from separate gate. No civilian (additive manufacturing). Polylactic passed. A 500 litre separate tank stores contact acid filament has been used for 3D disinfectant, which is sufficient for printing of the frame. The thermoplastic disinfection of 200 vehicles. TT Patient bus/ambulance can be di- is derived from renewable resources rectly brought to facility such as corn starch or sugarcane and is TT Inspection room at entry gate point biodegradable. of facility The face mask is being mass TT Isolated building. No residential/ produced using injection moulding technical building within 1.5 km technique at Delhi, Chandigarh, vicinity Hyderabad and Bengaluru. A total capacity of approximately 2 lakh units TT Standby generator set along with of face shields per day has been created routine electric supply within short span of time to meet urgent TT 2000 litres capacity overhead water requirements. Approximately, 30, 000 tank and 4000 litres ground water units of face shields have already been Low Cost Vehicle Sanitization Enclosure tanks. distributed to AIIMS, RML, Safdarjang TT Centralized CCTV with control room Hospital, Delhi Police, Punjab Police, Salient Features on 1st floor to monitor patients PGIMER, Chandigarh & ESIC and TT Indigenous locally available material TT Centralized fire alarm systems DRDO Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. utilized The industries thus developed by DRDO have till date catered approximately TT Requires less ground preparation more than 70,000 face shield TT Can be operated intermittently for requirements pan India. four hours with a break of 10 min- utes before subsequent operation. TT Noise free operation. TT The system can be utilized at any location including entry location for Sanitization of vehicles. Quarantine Facility System is being deployed in local Protective Face Shield hospitals in Ahmednagar where Research Centre Imarat (RCI) quarantine facility has been established Hyderabad, TBRL, Chandigarh and and at few Army Units where there is a HPO-1, DRDO HQ, New Delhi has large ingress and egress of personnel. developed face protection shields for Also certain areas where there is a health care professionals and security movement of sizeable number of people, forces handling COVID-19 patients. All viz., District Collector’s Office complex, the designs are lightweight and having Ahmednagar. negligible aerosol movement at face to Protective Face Shield

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 9 Cover story

Combat against covid-19 DRDO labs helps in testing & diagnostic of COVID-19 DIBER joins National Health Mission In view of recent rise in the COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand, a call was given by National Health Mission Uttarakhand to strengthen the existing diagnostic medical facilities at Govt Medical College, Haldwani. Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), Haldwani, promptly rose to DIBER scientists at work for detection of COVID-19 at Govt Medical College, Haldwani the occasion and is working 24x7 with DRDE chips in as the team of VRD Lab of Govt Medical College since 26 March 2020. All the Detection Centre tests are being carried out as per SOPs DRDE, Gwalior is functioning as of Indian Council of Medical Research a Centre for Detection of COVID 19 (ICMR). DIBER has also extended the positive cases from samples provided by infrastructure support by providing its calibrated functional CFX-96 RT-PCR Madhya Pradesh Health Service. DRDE machine and necessary peripherals to has potential to perform confirmatory the Govt Medical College. test akin to NIV, Pune. COVID-19 testing at DRDE

Npol distributes Hand sanitizers & ready-to-Eat Food Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, distributed 1500 litres of sanitizers packed in 100 ml bottles to various agencies in Kochi including Kochi Police, Southern Naval Command, District Collectorate and Excise Division for their personnel deployed on field. Alcohol-based hand rubs/sanitizers were prepared in-house at NPOL in accordance with WHO guidelines. Shri S Vijayan Pillai, Director, NPOL, handed over around 4000 Ready-to-Eat food packets, developed by sister DRDO laboratory, DFRL, Mysuru, to Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Kerala. These are specially made, high nutrition, long shelf-life food packets of various types, and will be useful for personnel working continuously on field with little time Shri S Vijayan Pillai, Director, NPOL, handing over Ready-to-Eat food packet to to spare. Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Kerala (right)

10 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in tot DRDO newsletter

DIBER transfers Technologies of herbal formulations/products and In vitro culture of Ophiocordyceps sinensis efence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), Haldwani Dsigned Licence Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) of anti leucoderma herbal formulation, anti toothache herbal solution, anti eczema herbal product and in vitro culture technology of Ophiocordyceps sinensis to SRB Agrotech, Anand, Gujarat. Dr Madhu Bala, Director, DIBER, handed over the LATOT document to Shri Vaibhav Patel, CEO, SRB Agrotech during a ceremony attended by technology developers and other scientists at DIBER on 10 February Dr Madhu Bala, Director, DIBER, handing over LATOT to Shri Vaibhav Patel, CEO, SRB 2020. Agrotech The ToT of anti leucoderma herbal Herbal Corp., Haridwar and BIPHA eczema, respectively. Anti toothache formulation, anti toothache herbal Drug Laboratories, Kottayam. All four herbal solution has shown promise over other competent remedies for toothache solution, anti eczema herbal product products are unique in nature. The anti and in vitro culture technology of already available in market. Technology leucoderma herbal formulation and anti Ophiocordyceps sinensis is non for in vitro culture of Ophiocordyceps exclusive in nature and have been eczema are the only known treatments sinensis is also one of its kind currently earlier transferred to M/s International for rare pathologies of leucoderma and in Indian market. Events International Women’s Day Celebration DRL, Tejpur Mrs Simmi Dayal, Zonal President, Army Wives Welfare Association, Gajraj Corps, graced the event as the Chief Guest. She encouraged the scientists, particularly women researchers, to take up challenging R&D activities for the users and the nation. Dr SK Dwivedi, Director, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) welcomed the guest and emphasized the importance of women in research especially for Defence Sector. Dr YD Bhutia, Sc ‘D’ Dr SK Dwivedi, Director, DRL, presenting memento to the Chief Guest Mrs Simmi Dyal

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 11 events

briefed about the function. Dr Rama Dubey, Sc ‘E’ presented an overview of ongoing research activities at DRL and highlighted the role of women scientists leading to the significant contributions of DRL. The event was followed by a visit to the DRL Exhibition Hall where DRL Products and Technologies were showcased. Chief Guest also visited the laboratory facilities and took keen interest on the recent advancement of technologies of DRL. LRDE, Bengaluru IWD celebration at LRDE International Women’s Day was celebrated in Electronics and Radar won in various competitions organized NMRL, in his address highlighted the Development Establishment (LRDE) as part of Women’s Day Celebrations. contribution of women employee of on 11 March 2020. Ms Pamela Kumar, The function concluded with cultural NMRL. Dr Hina Gokhale shared her DG, TSDSI and Dr Smita Premchander, events by women of LRDE. thoughts and life experiences with the Founder and Secretary, SAMPARK gathering. She laid a strong emphasis on NMRL, Ambernath (NGO) were the Chief Guests for gender equality, punctuality and ethics the programme. Shri SS Nagaraj, International Women’s Day was in her talk. On this occasion, poetry Director, LRDE, presided over the celebrated at Naval Materials Research recitation and skit were presented with function. The Chief Guests spoke on Laboratory (NMRL) on 6 March 2020. the theme of “Nari Shakti” by in-house the achievements of women across the Dr Hina Gokhale, former DG (HR), talented women employees. First lady world. Director, LRDE, distributed DRDO, graced the occasion as the of NMRL distributed gifts to ladies prizes to the women employees who Chief Guest. Dr M Patri, OS & Director, working at canteen and NMRL garden.

Chief Guest Dr Hina Gokhale with Director NMRL and women employees at NMRL IWD celebration

12 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in EVENTS DRDO newsletter

National Safety Week/day

CFEES, Delhi National Safety Week was celebrated at Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety (CFEES) from 4 March to 10 March 2020 to create awareness, preventive culture, scientific mindset and a constructive approach to safety issues while working in chemical lab/hazardous atmosphere. Shri Rajiv Narang, OS & Director, CFEES, brought out the importance of celebration of safety week. He emphasized on integrating safety with all hazardous activities in the lab, SOPs for safe operation, disposal issues related to chemical waste and building a safety culture in the laboratory. The activities conducted during the Safety Week included Safety Oath by all Mock fire drill during National Safety Week at CFEES employees. Various competitions such Demonstration of fire safety gadgets Exhibition of Personal Protective as safety slogan, presentation by safety and a mock drill for emergency fire Equipment was the highlight of the co-ordinators of various technical extinguishing was also a part of the celebration. Fire Standing Order groups on safety initiatives in their safety week. All departments were Booklet was released on this occasion. groups/work places were conducted assessed for their preparedness towards A safety quiz competition was also during the week. safety and a trophy was given to Marine organised to appraise the employees Shri Lalit Gabhane, DG, NSC, Biotechnology Department. A talk on about the safety. The celebration ended Mumbai ,delivered a lecture on “Laboratory Safety” was delivered by with distribution of prizes to the winners “Mitigating Health & Safety Risks the guest speaker Shri JD Sharma, of quiz competition. through Effective Leadership”. Scientific Officer ‘F’, BARC, Mumbai. Scientists from CFEES also gave lecture on “Occupational Safety” and “Safety Practices at Workplace”. The awards were also announced for the various competitions held in the Safety week. The week long celebrations were focused on sensitizing the employees on safe practices at work place, at all working levels for accident prevention. The celebration ended with a mock fire drill and demonstration of portable fire fighting equipment. NMRL, Ambernath 49th National Safety Day was celebrated at NMRL on 5 March 2020. On this occasion, Director NMRL and employees took the pledge to maintain safety and healthy environment during and beyond the office hours. Release of Fire Standing Order Booklet on National Safety day at NMRL

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 13 Events

National Science Day celebrations ADE, Bengaluru women in various field across the error techniques. As a part of technology world. Dr S Rajesh Kumar, Sc ‘E’ development, the Thermo-Mechanical Dr S Venugopal, OS & Director, delivered National Science Day Oration Processing (TMP) schemes based on Aeronautical Development on the topic “Development of High DMM for the isothermal forging of Establishment (ADE) presided over Performance Polymers”. Dr Kumar Titanium 685 aero engine disc and the programme. Shri Jagadish S, Sc ‘F’, spoke on indigenous development of for the grain refinement in nickel base presented NSD oration on “Multicore novel high performance polymeric super alloy 718 were presented along for Flight Control and Avionics: materials for realization of high with their validation through industrial Need and Challenges”. He covered temperature airframes, radome and scale forging. the aspects of increased demands for canisters for defence applications. computational power in Flight Control The development of these novel high & Avionics Systems and hence the need performance materials in India has for multicore. He brought out various helped in overcoming the problems of challenges in terms of meeting stringent dependency, high cost and made us self- safety standards, available guidance for sustained and has met the objective of certification and industry support. He “Make in India”. concluded by giving a brief description of Flight Control Architecture with Dual Core Processor and full-fledged Integrated Modular Avionics with Multi NMRL, Ambernath Core Processor. National Science Day was celebrated Shri Jagadish was presented at Naval Materials Research Laboratory NSD Oration Medal and Certificate. (NMRL) with great zeal and ardour. Shri Sudhakara M, Sc ‘F’, Head (HR) Director, NMRL, Dr M Patri, addressed presented the vote of thanks. the NMRL community to pursue innovative and advanced science and technology work for the organizational empowerment. Science Day Oration CFEES, Delhi medal was bestowed upon shri Vaibhav Verma, Sc ‘E’, for his talk on “Flow Dr Amit Saxena, Sc ’E’, delivered Battery for GWh Energy Storage for the National Science Day Oration Defence Application”. The afternoon on “Condensed Aerosol-based Fire session was arranged with various Extinguishing Technology: A Promising activities for students from nearby Approach”. His presentation was schools, viz., oration, science quiz and among the best three National Science science project exhibit competitions. Day Orations. Seventeen schools participated in the events. All students were given ASL, Hyderabad DMRL, Hyderabad participation certificate and the winners were awarded medals. Advanced Systems Laboratory Dr N Srinivasan, Sc ‘G’ delivered (ASL), celebrated National Science National Science Day Oration on Day on 28 February 2020. Dr M Rama “Dynamic Materials Modelling (DMM) Manohara Babu, DS & Director, ASL in the Perspective of Deformation addressed the gathering and stressed Science to Product Technology” at upon emerging technologies and recent Tamhankar Auditorium on 28 February developments in science & technologies. 2020. He presented a review of DMM, Smt R Sheena Rani, OS, ASL which proves it an efficient and delivered a talk on “Women in alternative technique to expensive and Science”. She briefed about eminent time consuming experimental trail-and-

14 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in Events DRDO newsletter

HEMRL Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

igh Energy Materials Research of the future and start working on its Shri KPS Murthy, OS & Director Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune development today, so as to timely fulfil HEMRL, in his address recalled the Hcelebrated its Diamond Jubilee the same. vision of legendary scientist and former on 1 March 2020. Dr G Satheesh Reddy, DG (MSS) in his address President of India, late Dr APJ Abdul Secretary DDR&D and Chairman, congratulated the employees and Kalam of achieving self-reliance in DRDO was the Chief Guest and Shri said that HEMRL has always fulfilled critical defence areas by 2020. Paying MSR Prasad, DS & DG (MSS), DRDO, and surpassed in the performance homage to the legend, Shri Murthy was the Guest of Honour at the function. demanded from its propellants, stated that today HEMRL claims Dr Satheesh Reddy expressed his explosives and pyro devices. He recalled absolute self-reliance in the area of deep satisfaction on the achievements his long association with HEMRL high energy & allied materials, by made by the laboratory during the during various developments which establishing production and processing 60 years and congratulated all the were technically challenging and at technologies for various High energy employees of HEMRL. In his address, times seemingly impossible. systems and undiminished continuous Dr Reddy stressed upon the need Shri PK Mehta, DS & DG (ACE) support to the development of advanced for development of cutting edge congratulated all the employees armament systems. This puts HEMRL technologies in the area of HEMs. He of HEMRL and appreciated the in the league of very few establishments mentioned that merely the delivery of contributions made by HEMRL. He that design, develop and produce High technology is not important but it is the stated that having achieved self-reliance Energy Materials and all the allied timely delivery that is actually the need in the area of high energy and allied substances within the country. To pay of the hour and the main requirement materials and technologies, HEMRL tribute to the chief architect of DRDO, of the users. He also conveyed the faith now should strive for becoming leader his statue was unveiled by the Chairman, bestowed by the Honourable Prime in this area. He has also appreciated the DRDO. On this occasion, several events Minister of India on the capabilities of efforts made by the laboratory in the like technical competitions & sports DRDO. He stated that it is the time to not recent past to enhance its infrastructure were organized. An open exhibition of only fulfil the requirements of the users and development of High performance HEMRL products & technologies was today but to foresee the requirements gun and rocket propellants. also organized.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations—Release of book Trajectory of Technology Evolution

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 15 Events

Asia Pacific Microscopy Conference 2020 efence Metallurgical Research expressed that it was a rare opportunity involves microscopy and DMRL is Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad for Indian scientists, researchers and fortunate to take the lead role in Dorganised the 12th Asia Pacific especially students to interact with organizing this mega event. Around Microscopy Conference (APMC– the world renowned experts in field 650 papers, 150 posters and numerous 2020) at Hyderabad International of microscopy coming from over 18 metallographs were presented by Convention Centre (HICC) during 3-7 countries around the world. scientists, professors, researchers and February 2020 in conjunction with Dr Samir V Kamat, DS & DG students in the conference. Poster the 40th Annual General Meeting (NS&M), DRDO, was the Guest of presentations and metallography (AGM) of Electron Microscopy Society Honour. He gave a thought provoking contests were also organised as a part of of India (EMSI). The conference was speech and stressed about the usage the conference. The conference included inaugurated by Her Excellency, Hon’ble of the microscope and its importance a large scale industrial exhibition Governor of Telangana, Dr (Smt) in the world of materials science. Dr G in which 70 different suppliers of Tamilisai Soundararajan. Dr Partha Madhusudhan Reddy, OS & Director, Microscopes and Allied Techniques had Ghosal, Sc ‘G’, DMRL and Chairman, DMRL in his address stressed that any participated. APMC-2020, in his opening remarks characterization and any invention

Release of Conference Souvenir

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16 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in DRDO SERIES DRDO newsletter

DRDO Harnessing Science for Peace & Security Chapter 4: marching forward The article is 50th 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).

Materials A suitable preservative was developed Service. Subsequently, four versions for the prevention of microbial of the anti G suit in five different sizes Defence Materials, Stores degradation of foam compounds used were developed to suit our air crew. Research & Development in extinguishing fires, an inhibitor Establishment (DMSR&DE) compatible with aviation turbine fuel MISSILES In the areas of fuels and lubricants, was developed after the contaminant Defence Research & DMSR&DE focussed on developing microorganisms were identified, and Development Laboratory synthetic oil-based lubricants and microbiological tests were evolved Defence Research & Development greases for use in land-based, sea and for assessing the biodegradation of Laboratory (DRDL) is the nodal airborne systems over a wide range of electronic components. temperatures. In electrochemistry, the Anti-G suit – The Aero Bio- laboratory in DRDO for the activities of the laboratory resulted in engineering Unit – This unit, later development of rockets and missiles for the development of a large number of merged with DEBEL, took up in the defence. In 1956, a small team known anti-corrosive materials for different 1970s, the import substitution of anti-G as Special Weapons Development kinds of recoil fluids for guns, coolants suit, which was being imported32,33. Team (SWDT) came into existence in for vehicles, rust converters, corrosion The anti-G suit was a critical life saving the Defence Science Organisation with inhibitors for submarine engine, and for the pilots of combat aircraft. It a complement of eight scientists and for ferrous and nonferrous components protected them from the ill effects of a few technicians to study the science of diesel engine cooling systems of the G forces which they were subjected to and technology of rockets and missiles. Navy. A stop-off phosphating technique during the manoeuvring of aircraft at In 1960, the Government of India was developed for ambient temperature high altitudes. These G forces tend to approved the expansion of the team into phosphatisation of small arms, which drain the blood from the brain to the a full-fledged laboratory and by 1961 could be carried out by troops at the stomach and to the legs, which resulted the present laboratory, viz., Defence field workshop level. in the gradual loss of vision of the pilot Research and Development Laboratory In the area of textiles, DMSR&DE and eventual blackout as well as mental came into existence within the campus was responsible for the development and physical fatigue. The anti-G suit of the Defence Science Laboratory at of complete range of textile stores, had to be designed to automatically Delhi. In 1962, the Laboratory was including footwear for the Services. apply pressure to the abdomen, thigh moved to Hyderabad where it was A major step was the introduction of and calves in proportion to the forces located in barracks and in rented cotton and polyester-wool blends for experienced by the pilot and thus avoid accommodation. combat uniforms for comfort during the ill-effects. The Unit developed an During the 1960s, DRDL, which extreme summer months and during indigenous anti-G suit that was similar had a complement of 300 personnel the rest of the year, respectively. For to that imported by IAF but scored that included 100 scientists and Service combat duties, camouflage for green over the import in providing better Officers, attempted the development belt as well as for desert terrains in comfort to the wearer in the hot and of an antitank missile to meet the the form of disruptive printing in four humid conditions prevailing in our requirements of the Indian Army. shades or colours using dyes with country. The basic fabric in indigenous A wire-guided antitank missile was high light fastness and wash fastness design was terycotton which had developed and a total of 373 guided properties was prescribed. higher permeability and better water flights were carried out. In addition, The Laboratory’s approach to vapour diffusion properties than the 100 flight tests were conducted as part Service materials preservation is nylon fabric used in the imported suits. of user trials intended for evaluation by multi-disciplinary for identification of After extensive physical evaluation the Army. The development however, the causes of deterioration and in the in a human centrifuge, the item was did not go into production. Apart from formulation of preventive measures. accepted for introduction into the missiles, the laboratory also developed

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 17 DRDO SERIES indigenous rockets of diameter up to the mean time, a consensus emerged – The competence building activities five inches and proved them in flight. that before actually embarking on on liquid propulsion were initiated in Besides rockets and missiles, the the development programme of the 1960s. The development of liquid- laboratory undertook the development indigenising the SA-75 missile system, fuelled engines for missiles continued of missile components like gyroscopes effort should be made to acquire throughout the 60s. However, with and accelerometers. technical know-how from other the sanction of the project for the countries so that DRDO would start development of SA-75 code named from a higher level. Devil, the activities got a boost with the There was more than eight month’s surfacing of requirements for liquid fuel gap between the time Dr Bhagavantam motors. retired as Scientific Adviser and Dr BD Simultaneously, a programme Nag Chaudhuri assumed the office. was initiated at Defence Science Since he had already perceived missile Laboratory (DSL) by Dr Nag Chaudhuri as a force multiplier of high order and for the development of fuels for as a cost-effective weapon system, liquid propulsion. The first one was Dr Nag Chaudhuri identified it as Unsymmetric DiMethyl Hydroxide one of the thrust areas for DRDO. On (UDMH), the development of which retirement of the incumbent Director of was taken up as a challenge by the group DRDL, the Scientific Adviser appointed of competent chemists of DSL. The a serving officer of the Indian Air Force Director, DSL, a physicist by profession, as the Director. The newly appointed also relished the challenge and plunged Director of the laboratory took as his forthwith into the programme. The immediate objectives, the massive chemists who worked in the programme task of building the infrastructure, even after 30 years recall with a sense technology development in two areas of nostalgia, the leadership provided by namely liquid propulsion and inertial Dr Bannerjee. The process was navigation, and the development of developed, initial laboratory testing was the SA-75 surface-to-air missile system carried out on a small scale, after which on a one-to-one substitution basis to a pilot plant for 20 kg was set up. It was improve our self-reliance. later transferred to DRDL, Hyderabad Infrastructure Building: In estab- where further work had to be carried lishing the infrastructural facilities, out to improve the efficiency of the DRDO was guided by the engineering process and to reduce the pollution. Wire-guided anti-tank missile and technology involved in the current The same group at DSL was entrusted system, as well as those which were in 1976 with the development of G-fuel In 1968, it was proposed to the known to be under development and for the missiles. In this case, a high Government of India that a study about which details were available. explosives factory of the Ordnance needed to be made by DRDO for In the course of the next 10 years, Group was closely associated with indigenous support and replacement DRDL would establish test facilities for DSL so that after proving the process of the SA-75 medium range surface- aerodynamics, structures, electronics, at the laboratory scale, know-how was to-air-missile system to progressively telemetry, propulsion, control, transferred. According to one chemist, reduce the country’s dependence on fabrication of metal, rubber and fibre- who was involved in the development, import from USSR. The study was reinforced plastics components, forging, the process of scaling up of the plant conducted by DRDO and its findings non-destructive testing, and a computer for operation by relatively less skilled were that indigenization was feasible, centre. In the context of small budgets personnel, was an eye opener and the but in view of the very early stages of and limited free foreign exchange, such scientists learned a good about the missile development in the country, a tilt in diversion of resources from other problems faced in the transfer of know- indigenization without foreign disciplines attracted criticism within how. In this case, these were successfully assistance would have better chance of the Organisation about the wisdom of resolved and regular production was success with one-to-one substitution. these investments when the current established. The technology developed The study further concluded that by workload of the Laboratory did not by the liquid propulsion group of DRDO such a step, detailed knowledge of warrant these. However, the Integrated paid handsome dividends in the IGMDP all the design parameters of a proven Guided Missile Programme (IGMDP) programme. missile would be available and in the that was launched in the 1980s and process of development, the necessary the quick start it got, justified the infrastructure would also be built. In earlier investments. Liquid Propulsion To be continued...

18 may 2020 www.drdo.gov.in hrd activities DRDO newsletter

Course on Environment and Nano Safety

entre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety C(CFEES) organised a course on ‘Environment and Nano Safety in DRDO Laboratories’ under Continuing Education Programme (CEP) of DRDO during 17-19 February 2020. Eighteen participants from various DRDO labs including CFEES attended the course. The CEP provided an insight into associated risks and safety concerns in nano enabling technologies. Starting with the understanding of environment safety in DRDO, the sessions covered the very important areas on ‘safety evaluations of environmental risk screening nanomaterials, risk assessment nanomaterials such as, regulatory of engineered nanomaterials, strategies for nanomaterials. challenges, nanomaterial in nanomaterials synthesis challenges and The participants found the talk and medicinal applications and risk in safety concerns, safety concerns of fire course content very useful for their biological systems, toxicity concerns and dust explosions, nano emission R&D work at Labs in enhancing safety of nanomaterials, strategies for monitoring, fabrication of biotemplated practices and preparedness. Course on Processing and Applications of Advanced Ceramics and Composites

CEP course on “Processing and Applications of Advanced ACeramics and Composites” was organised at Defence Materials Research Laboratory (DMRL) during 18-20 February 2020. Dr Sarabjit Singh, Sc ‘E’, Course Director, welcomed the participants. Dr G Madhusudhan Reddy, OS & Director, DMRL delivered the inaugural address. Dr BVS Subba Rao, former Deputy Director, DMRL, delivered the keynote lecture on “Advance Ceramics for Defence Applications”. A total of 33 participants attended the CEP Course from DRDO laboratories namely DMRL, RCMA (Materials), DRDL, ASL, RCI, ARCI, DYSL-SM, GTRE, DFRL, NMRL and

www.drdo.gov.in may 2020 19 hrd activities

ARDE. The lectures were delivered by carbide single crystals for electronic armour, etc. Visits to DMRL facilities eminent faculty from DRDO and ARCI, applications, non-destructive testing, were also organized to familiarize Hyderabad on a variety of topics like use of ceramics for investment casting the participants about the lab scale ceramics matrix composites, silicon process, applications of ceramics in processing of ceramics and composites. Visits

CFEES, Delhi

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, visited Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi on 15 February 2020. Smt Nabanita R Krishnan, DG (SAM), DRDO, was also present during the visit. Dr Reddy reviewed various activities of CFEES as well as interacted with CFEES young scientists and DRTC personnels. CFEES Annual Report– 2019 was released by Dr Satheesh Reddy and DG (SAM).

Dr G Satheesh Reddy being briefed about  CFEES technology

DMRL, Hydera- bad Vice Admiral N Sreenivas visited Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) on 25 February 2020. He was briefed about the activities and the current R&D projects going on in the laboratory.

Vice Admiral N Sreenivas (left) being presented  memento by Dr G Madhusudhan Reddy, Director, DMRL

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