The flight was piloted by Air Cmdr KA Muthanna, who is the National Flight testing Center (NFTC) head.

LCA Tejas LSP-8

LSP-7 and LSP-8 will now be handed over to the IAF pilots for user evaluation trials (UET). LSP-7, which flew in march 2012, is also close to LSP standards and is the first LCA model to include Multi-mode Radar (MMR), Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), Auto-pilot and Instrument Landing System (ILS).

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Indian project team (from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL), has also been sent to Russia to learn the upgrades, and are scheduled to return back to train other HAL employees to upgrade the remaining 63 aircraft’s. Indian Air Force operates a total of 69 MiG-29′s.

First three MiG-29 UPG’s of the fist stage returned to India In December 2012. (read MiG-29 B/UBFirst three upgraded MiG-29 fighters delivered to Indian Air Force)

The modernisation programme was launched in 2009 in cooperation with HAL. India launched upgrades of its existing aircraft’s to arrest declining inventory and delay in induction of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) aircraft. Other than the medium category, India is also in the process of replacing its lighter MiG-21′s with India made LCA Tejas aircraft.

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Frontline fighter aircraft’s include Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-21,MiG-27, MiG-29 and Hawk AJT’s. The rotary wing will compose of Mi-8, Mi-17 V5, Mi-17 1V and Mi-35 Attack Helicopters. Among the transport aircraft’s will be C130J, AN-32, Embraer and IL-76.

The IAF would also be showcasing, for the first time, its Surface to Air Missile Systems and its latest aircraft Pilatus PC-7 Mk II. The events at – Iron Fist intend to display various aspects of Fire Power like- Air Defence Operations, Counter Surface Force Operations, Urban Warfare and Combat Search Rescue Operations.

In addition, IAF’s Parajumping Team, Akash Ganga, IAF’s Air Warrior Drill Team and Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra would also perform.

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In the 11th plan, IAF had signed as many as 325 capital contracts worth Rs 28.5 billion dollars, he said. Referring to offsets clauses, he said that 15.5 billion dollars went to Indian defence companies which signed an estimated 417 contracts with world majors.

Citing 15 – 20 % cost advantage of development and production in India, the Air Chief called on private sector to move to Tier I of the defence industry. He said that the Defence research and production establishments should include private sector in order to address the research – production disconnect. He was echoing Defence Minister A K Antony who earlier said that he was not satisfied with the level of the government spending on defence R&D and said that Private sector investment in the sector was meager.

The defence minister complimented DRDO for getting bouquets instead of earlier brickbats. At the same time, he asked DRDO to speed up LCA Tejas project to Final operational Clearance (FOC). On Intermediate Jet Trainer IJT-36 Sitara, the minister said that he was thoroughly disappointed with HAL. He mentioned about the disconnect between DRDO and HAL over production.

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The Variety of Aircraft with Indian Air Force

The last major aircraft acquired into IAF is the SU-30MKI. India today operates 8 squadrons of Su-30. Mirage-2000 is the next important aircraft, though, not in terms of numbers as IAF operates only 3 Squadrons of this multi-role aircraft, with which IAF is very happy. Besides the above, IAF has Mig-21s, Mig-27s, Jaguars and Mig-29s in its inventory. When the need for MMRCA came into picture it was for filling the gap – as Mig-21s – the real work horse of IAF for many decades – was coming to the end of its extended shelf-life. As is the case with so many varieties of Mig-23s, Mig-27s etc that IAF acquired in 1980s when US gave F-16s to Pakistan. The Mirage-2000 was also an acquisition in response to Pak F-16s. In 1990s, country hoped that LCA Tejas would be ready in the first decade of 21st century for squadron level entry to replace Mig-21s. With the delay in LCA, IAF said we need to fill an immediate need quickly by getting a Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft in the force. The importance of Medium in contrast to LCA’s Light is easy to distinguish. What could be a medium combat aircraft – definitely which can carry heavier load – may be more “hard points” – better, longer range avionics etc. When it came to choice, we created the competition between the best “Medium” aircraft available.

Indian’s Home grown LCA Tejas

Everyone agrees that Su-30 MKI is one of the most capable aircraft. It is already been improved and the new lot of 42 ordered last month will have better avionics etc. What is more, we would have our local Hindustan Aeronautics Limited able to absorb and built them as we get into future. Capability wise – will Su-30MKI fill up the role of MMRCA – May be yes, may be no. For one, it is not medium, it is heavy. But cost-wise and continuity-wise may be better if we look at an option of SU-30MKI and LCA for numbers this decade and next.

The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft/Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

By 2022 India will start receiving the FGFA or PMF being jointly developed with Russia. This is the logical evolution from SU-30MKI. Also IAF should start getting LCA and the LCA mark 2 as well. India will be working on three key aircraft streams FGFA, Su-30MKI and LCA and its variants.

The Unmanned Combat Aircraft Dimension

Many key operations performed by manned combat aircraft are rapidly being performed by Unmanned Air-borne Vehicles (UAVs) and the upcoming Unmanned Air Combat Vehicles (UCAVs). Indian Air Force will be well-served to increase more UAV/UCAV component in its inventory rapidly. Here, Indian Industry can be handy with our vast experience in software. The key to “Unmanned” is mission-critical software that makes these vehicles – unmanned.

Recommendations

Given the above factors and dimensions, it may be prudent for IAF to rethink its future order of battle and design itself on three key streams of Su-30MKI, LCA++ and FGFA. Also, IAF will be well-served with increasing and creating potent “Unmanned” capability – long-range, medium-range and short-range. The transitions will be well-served by the existing MIGs, Jaguars and Mirage-2000s. Rafale, although a fantastic aircraft, will not fit into the long-term requirements of the country. Unless it is being considered to include Rafale as the third leg of the IAF future thereby, making LCA still-born. If IAF take this as the key requirement – then in 2030 we should be giving may be Trillion Dollars for buying the latest Toys that French may create and our adversaries will be laughing continuously as China would have its own stealth fighters and bombers which China will gleefully share with Pakistan. Hope the defence budget cut proves to be a blessing in disguise and we stop this “Medium” search to focus on real future.

Navneet Bhushan (Navneet) is a founder director of CRAFITTI CONSULTING (www.crafitti.com) – an Innovation and Intellectual Property Consulting firm focused on co-crafting Innovation in global enterprises. He is the winner of Indira India Innovation award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Leadership for 2012. He is the principal author of Strategic Decision Making- Applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process published by Springer-Verlag, UK, as part of the Decision Engineering Series. Read Navneet Bhushan Profile. Read Navneet Bhushan Columns.

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Tejas Limited Series Production – 7 (LSP-7) had taken off in May this year. The government has sanctioned 20 LSP’s for LCA Tejas Mk-I aircraft in the initial batch. HAL has a target of delivering all the 20 aircraft by 2013. These 20 aircraft will form the initial training squadron for training. The next batch of 20 Tejas Mark I Series Production Aircraft for second squadron will be produced after getting the Final Operational Certificate. The Final Operational Clearance of Tejas Mark 1 is expected in 2013. The Trainer variant of Tejas is likely to get its Initial Operation Clearance by 2013.

LCA Tejas LSP 8

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For the sake of discussions we can broadly categorize the unguided air weapons under following heads-

Guns/Ammo
Rockets/Pods
Bombs/Tail Units
Special Purpose Weapons
Fuses
Miscellaneous

Aircraft Guns

Amongst the aircraft guns, GSh-23 appears to be the best on account of its simplicity, light weight, high rate of fire & its ammo being indigenously available. There is no point in purchasing new aircraft with Gatling guns & starting with the ammo development all over again? The development of an indigenous version of the elegant GSh-23 mm gun must be taken up post haste.

Rockets

As a first step- right caliber of the rocket from amongst 57, 68 & even 80 mm has to be chosen. About 30 years back 135 mm & 100 mm long range rockets were considered. But it would have been quite impossible to engage targets visually from 10 km range. Viable options are 57mm & 68 mm rockets.

Rocket 57 mm. There are large numbers of 57 mm UB-16 & UB-32 rocket pods with us. These pods do not have integral rocket distributors but it is a part of their aircraft. Same way the electronic distributor systems can be made integral to our aircraft under development like LCA & the new acquisitions. Else it is also possible to incorporate a distributor within the pods. It would be quite advantageous to standardize 57 mm rockets for our aircraft. The reverse engineering of these rockets was taken up by production & inspection agencies about 15-20 years back. If still not complete-it could be reverted to the defence research who have expertise in this regard. However, 57 mm caliber is quite small & may not prove much effective against modern targets.

68 mm Rockets.The 68 mm rocket successfully developed & produced can as well be standardized. However, the rocket pods must be productionised in quantity.

Iron Bombs

Old is not Gold. Bombs will always remain best means to deliver the power punch & break the enemy resistance. We have old

LCA Tejas with Armaments

Configuration. Best bet would be Mk82, 83 & 84 bombs in the 250 kg, 500 kg & 1000 kg categories. These can be both in cast & forged versions. Most of the NATO countries have standardized around these. The bombs can have both 14 inch & 250 mm lug pockets up to 500 kg weight class. Major advantages would be easy adaptation of laser kits & its export potential.The filling can be standard RDX/TNT/Al etc. To overcome problem of kinetic heating there can be thin ceramic spray on the internal ogival portion from the nose end till shoulder. The fuse pockets should be adaptable to various fuses –if necessary by incorporating threaded inserts.

Tail Units

Ballistic Tail Units. It would be desirable to have Ballistic Tail Units in Aluminum alloy instead of sheet metal –to reduce weight & to avoid corrosion etc. These need to be standardized for high speed profiles.

RTU’s. The Retarder Tails units with simpler but rugged safety para -locking mechanisms, reefed parachute system & fabric end covers should be standardized for the above three weight class of bombs.

Fragmentation Bombs

More than a decade back a 100 kg indigenous bomb which could have been easily converted into fragmentation bomb-was discarded unnecessarily. The same can be resurrected. FRP types with tungsten carbide balls are quite unnecessary & would have problem of ageing as well as in crutching. Another option is to have aerodynamically stable pre-fragments encased in the casing to enhance effectiveness.

Special Weapons

Stand-Off Bombs. In the present highly defensive environment over VA/VP’s –any stand off is a real bonus. Foldable wings over the bombs -opening out after release & the bomb delivery in loft/toss modes can add substantially to the range.

Concrete Penetrators. By highly optimized indigenous design it had been possible to increase explosive filling in concrete penetration war heads by two times in comparison with similar class available elsewhere. The design can be extended to the bombs etc to defeat hardened futuristic targets targets.

Our Specific Needs. We have to consider our geopolitical scenario & battle field environment to have required weaponry. We need to redesign weapons to engage targets in the deserts to the rugged mountains at formidable heights. Kargil experience –really a remarkable landmark in the aerial warfare anywhere can be valuable input in this regard.

Fuses

Universal Fuse. There is urgent need to go in for a universals common fuse with adequate safeties –like storage, handling, carriage, release, environmental, safe separation, velocity or acceleration etc. Both mechanical & electronic systems need to be integrated to realise greater reliability as well as higher safety levels. The fuse should work either in impact or preset delay modes.

VT Fuse. These can work either on Doppler or by means of intelligent software.

Fusing Components

(a) Lugs. Suspension lugs up to 500 kg class of weapons should be standardized both for the Russian as well as NATO suspension. By suitable profiling it is possible to have common lug for both. The lugs/lug pockets should have only one type of threading.

(b) Shear Wires/Clips & other fusing components can be supplied packed in sealed plastic covers with clear diagram about routing of arming wires & other items to serve as last minute aid- de- memoir.

(c) Loading/Unloading Trolleys. There is urgent need to modernize our ground handling equipment to cut down turn round time. At times it takes quite a long while to load a bomb & properly crutch the bomb on the aircraft?

Conclusion

There is urgent need to standardize our air armaments to achieve greater effectiveness while reducing the storage in our bomb dumps. Commonality of weapons will also substantially enhance our operational capability. We need to develop weapons specific to our geopolitical needs according to target specifications & not resort to imports based on glossy sales brochures which are mostly true only in parts? Possibly an in-house debate by serving & retired experts can be quite fruitful to spell out broad needs.

About the Author

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1. Best way to acquire self-reliance in defence systems by now should have been gong the re-engineering way-which is not just copying or even intelligent copying –but more involved than original designing while being quite rewarding at the end. All nations including super powers indulge in copying of the concepts of effective weapon systems without any qualms. While we have been manufacturing/ assembling (?) MiG’s in India for the last half a century– we seem to have hardly acquired much expertise in aircraft development through transfer of obviously old technology. Had we gone the reverse engineering way as the Chinese are doing– we would not have got stuck up in the LCA for two or rather three decades & hunting for 126 MMRCA’a all over the world for the last one decade? Or even worse have been importing the trainer aircraft from smaller countries? Same is true for replacement of our ancient artillery systems, tanks, helicopters, naval systems & even easily available AK-56/47’s.

Reverse is not Adverse

Price paid for not reverse engineering?

Not Copyright

3. There may be patents but the way copying of weaponry goes on so brazenly –apparently norms of normal copy rights do not apply. From innocuous jerry cans to Tu-4 being copy of the B-29 to K-13 air to air missile ditto of the much acclaimed Sidewinder missiles of the sixties, German V-2 rocket being the inspiration of scores of rockets which eventually lead to the conquest of space-there are innumerable acclaimed copies.Kalashnikov assault rifle should hold place of pride if copying is sincerest form of flattery. Our neighbours have been very successfully re- engineering various missiles & aircraft of Russian origin & passing them on to our another another neighbor who mostly through screw driver technology reassemble & rename them showing their own reinvented products. Latest on the anvil MQ-9 – the Mk-II version of the highly effective Predator UAV – in advanced stage of copying.

Important Import Lobby

4. When everyone is doing why we should not feel proud of our own notable indigenization programs? There have been many successful programs like 75/24 Pack Howitzer, 105 mm Gun, Bofors Ammo, 68mm rocket etc. However Import lobby has been the biggest hindrance in our indigenization programs. Otherwise nothing explains scuttling of a successful production line of indigenized artillery rocket system on very flimsy ground of one its probabilistic parameter not conforming to its imported inspiration. Come on –nowhere in the world successful production will ever get disrupted- to facilitate import on such unconvincing ground? Plight of replacement of our ageing artillery guns is quite pathetic. Post Bofors there have been only smoking guns-from Singapore to SA. India has wherewithal, technology & expertise to develop and produce the gun-but it may not be allowed when imports can be substantial at 20,000 crores plus. But before taking up any indigenous program either the blessing of the Import lobby must be obtained or it should be kept at bay.

How to go about it

5. Best way out is to form Import Substitution Division in Joint Sector with DRDO, Directorate General of Ordnance Factories, Defence PSU’s, inspection & private sector. The expertise of retired defence technologists available in the country under the aegis of Institute of Defence Scientists & Technologists (IDST)can be availed to put best foot forward. The Services should work hand in hand with the re-engineering program giving the operational perspective for better redesigns. IDST can prepare panel of specialists in various disciplines

Priorities

6. With high end corruption being much in focus these days -time is rife to spearhead indigenous defence programs which had been in limbo. Re-engineering of successful weapon systems needs to be prioritized to give a jump start. To begin with challenging work of at least two weapon system each for the three services on the import list be taken up with deadline of two years from start to finish-working 24x7x365 basis. The programs must like successful Gun Development team at the Ordnance factories.

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In the recent past, a number of new material technologies have been recently introduced which are required in the production of Sukhoi aircraft (Su-30) and its engine (AL31FP). Kaveri, the proposed engine for LCA Tejas is the only programme which aims to design and develop indigenous engine and also to develop indigenous capabilities in the areas of materials and manufacturing technologies. In a sense, the development of indigenous material technologies in India is linked to Kaveri programme. Assessment of materials and manufacturing technologies presented here is largely based on the Kaveri experience in which many industries and research laboratories are participating. GTRE is also developing a smaller engine called “laghu Shakti.”

Primary mill products

Most of the primary alloys used in gas turbines are being manufactured at Mishra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI), Hyderabad. MIDHANI has been successful in indigenous development and manufacture of various mill products of several grades of super-alloys, Titanium alloys and steels. In addition MIDHANI also produces several Russian grades of steels, Titanium alloys and super-alloys. Some of the most important alloys produced at MIDHANI are:

Space & Missiles – MDN-250, Ti-64, Ti-15-3,
Kaveri Engine – Su-718, CM247LC, Su-263, Ti-29A (834), Ti-64, GTM900, BS-347,
LCA – 17- 4PH, 15- 5PH,
MIG series – AE961W, AE646M, A286, BT-9,
Sukhoi-30 – BT-20, BT-18

Infrastructural constraints have restricted MIDHANI to expand its range to newer alloys such as 720Li and large diameter products in nickel base super-alloys which are required for turbine and compressor discs and large casings of engine. Thankfully the facilities at MIDHANI are being upgraded and these upgrades are expected to enhance its capabilities in this area.

Forgings

The Foundry and Forge (F&F) plant of HAL has the capacity to produce rings, blocker forgings, closed die forgings and precision forgings in a wide variety of Al, Mg, Cu alloys and steels.

Its association with the Kaveri Engine programme has resulted in HAL’s F&F plant to develop the technologies to manufacture a large number of ring, open die forgings and blade forgings in various grades of super-alloys and Titanium alloys. Some of the important forgings include ring rolled products in super-alloys – Su-718 and Su-263, Titanium alloys – Ti64 and Ti685, and steels – S-80 and E16NCD 13. In addition HAL’s F&F plant has demonstrated the capability to produce complex airfoil forgings for compressor blades and vanes in Su718, Ti64 and GTM900.

The other benefactor of the Kaveri Engine programme is this regards has been the Steel Industrial forgings Limited (SIFL), Trichur, which has also developed small closed die forgings in Ti6A14V and 718 for Kaveri engine.

The turbine’s Discs are the most critical components in a gas turbine. These have to be manufactured to very strict specifications of mechanical properties, macro-structure, micro-structure and integrity. A collaborative programme between Bharat Forge Limited, (BFL), Pune, Project Office (Materials), Defence (Materials) and CRI (M) has resulted in the successful development of all the three Kaveri fan discs using the Ti64 alloy. The discs were made using indigenous forging stock of requisite specification produced at MIDHANI.

Castings

The DMRL has successfully developed complex airfoil castings for the Kaveri turbine using the Nickel base alloy CM247LC. The castings are hollow with internal cooling channels and have to meet very stringent dimensional, micro-structural, chemical and porosity requirements. This is one of the most complex processing steps, each requiring a very strict control. The DS castings have been qualified by airworthiness agencies (CEMILAC) for use in Kaveri engine. Recently, vaccume diffusion brazing process for tip and root of HPY blade of Kaveri engine has been developed in collaboration with Godrej and Boyce, Mumbai.

The DMRL has also developed the jet fuel starter castings for the LCA Tejas as well as the castings for the Adour engine (used in the Jaguar). The technology developed at DMRL is currently being transferred to HAL, Koraput. HAL has investment casting facilities although so far it has been manufacturing only equiaxed castings of Russian grade super-alloys. Recently, HAL (Koraput) has also developed shroud castings in CM247LC and 718 alloys for Kaveri engine and these castings have been qualified by CEMILAC. HAL has also acquired capability to manufacture DS and single crystal castings of turbine airfoils for Sukhoi aircraft engine AL31FP.

The development of Platinum-Aluminide coatings and thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are also in progress at DMRL in association with ARCI, Hyderabad.

Advanced materials and Processes

DMRL has been working on Titanium-Aluminides (TiAl) and has developed alloy compositions with adequate ductility. Compressor blades of a α2-Ti3Al TiAl alloy have been forged at HAL (F&F). DMRL has also demonstrated processing of TiAl alloys by isothermal forging route to get equiaxed structure of α2 + γ. Development of discs in Titanium alloys Ti26A (Ti685) for Adour and Kaveri engine has been carried out at DMRL. The near-isothermal forging process along with extensive use of modelling and simulation has been used at DMRL to optimise the process. Discs in Ti26A alloys for Adour engines will soon be produced in larger numbers by MIDHANI employing the DMRL infrastructure and technology with appropriate augmentation of the infrastructure required for the production batches.

Recently, DMRL has also carried out development of disc and integral shaft forgings for the Kaveri engine using the Ti834, which is a new Titanium alloy developed for use at 600 degree C. While many important technologies have been developed for gas turbines, some of these technologies developed cannot be said to have attained a maturity level typical of production environments. This has been largely due to the small volumes and only a few batches of components that have been produced so far. Also some of the materials’ technologies already employed routinely in gas turbines in western countries are still not indigenously available. The most important of these are:

Single crystal alloys and castings for turbine airfoils,
Blisk Technology for compressor discs both in titanium alloys and super alloys,
Inertia welding for engine parts such as compressor drums,
Large diameter forging stock, large width plates and sheets in super alloys and titanium alloys,
Super-alloy discs for compressor and turbine.

Many of these have not been attempted due to non-availability of the required equipment/ infrastructure, for example large capacity press to forge discs using the super-alloys or inertia welding facilities. In addition there are several gaps in knowledge and in the understanding of various aspects of materials and processes which need to be developed for efficient exploration of materials technologies.

Looking Forward

Despite the relatively small size of aerospace industry in India, the future growth prospects of this sector in a fast emerging economy make it imperative that critical gaps in technologies are filled. It may require augmentation of infrastructure on the one hand and generation of knowledge and acquisition of expertise and highly skilled human resources on the other. Some of the core technologies and critical facilities that need to be established are:

Large forge capacity, large billet capacity,
Inertia welding and linear friction welding,
Augmentation of investment castings – DS and single crystal,
Composites – fibre C/SiC, etc.,
Facilities for testing both the materials as well as the components,
Life prediction technologies,
EBPVD for TBC,
Advanced machining such as creep feed grinding,
EDM/laser drilling, laser peening Ultrasonic peening, electro-chemical machining, etc.,
Advanced inspection and NDT such as phased array ultrasonic, 3D x-ray tomography in production environment

Notwithstanding the augmentation of infrastructure, it is equally essential to integrate design, materials and manufacturing capabilities available within the country to evolve indigenous solutions for problems unique to our environment. It may be possible to overcome certain manufacturing limitations by smart design. In addition to infrastructure requirements, capability to design processes, techniques, tools and acceptance criterion will play an important role in indigenous development of engine and its components with satisfactory performance.

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Many significant achievements have been made by DRDO during the recent past, including the year 2010. Many important systems were inducted/accepted by the services. The production value of systems based on technologies developed by DRDO (inducted/accepted/orders placed during the past one decade is well over 1, 10,000 crores).

Agni, the 3500 km range ballistic missile was successfully launched with user’s participation. Training flights were held by the users for various missiles that are already inducted. These included two flight tests each of Agni – I, Agni – II and Dhanush (from naval ships) and five flights of Prithvi II (P– II). Orders worth over Rs. 25000 crores for surface-to-air missile- AKASH have been placed by the users. These include 8 squadron for IAF and 2 regiments for the Army. Successful flight tests of Endo-Atmospheric Interceptor for 2000 km class target were carried out. Each flight led to a direct target hit and disintegration of the target. Capabilities of NAG, the third generation anti-tank missile, which is a vehicle mounted system was demonstrated in a series of user trials. Advanced versions of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the only one of its kind in the world, were developed and flight-tested. Thus, BrahMos block II with target discrimination precision strike capabilities was test-fired. Similarly, BrahMos block III with capability for steep diving from high altitudes and high maneuvers at multiple points during supersonic flight. Development of advanced missile systems is a continuous effort and requires systematic development of more and more advanced technologies. RLG based Inertial Navigation System was developed, qualified and tested. Active Radar Seeker for advanced missions was developed. A Fibre Optics Gyro was successfully developed and tested on board.

In the area of Aeronautics, Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) concluded its extensive flight tests including weapon trials, dropping of bombs, jettisoning drop tanks and night flights; leading to its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) on 10th January, 2011. Over 1640 flights covering a period of over 969 hours have been completed by Tejas Mark 01. The first prototype of LCA Navy was rolled out and its induction tests were concluded. In tune with changing war of scenario, major thrust has been given to develop Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Successful flight trials of RUSTAM-1, a UAV with endurance of 14 hours and altitude ceiling of 8,000 meters demonstrated the capabilities for automated / remotely piloted landing/ take-off and associated technologies. NISHANT, another UAV developed by DRDO was ready for induction by the Army. A medium sized aerostat based platform was developed for surveillance applications. A novel method was developed and flight-tested for an in-flight structural monitoring of the manned as well as unmanned aircraft structures. The scheme was flight tested on a NISHANT UAV. Besides, over 100 test flights of a 3,000 gram Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) designed and developed by DRDO were carried out. A Laser Seeker Kit – ‘SUDARSHAN’, for 1,000 pound bombs was developed and initial demand for significant number of seekers kits has been received from the users. Major milestones in the indigenous development of fighter aircraft engine was achieved with the completion of “Official Altitude Testing” (OAT) of Kaveri Gas Turbine Engine for simulated operating conditions. Subsequently, the flights of Kaveri engine were successfully carried out on a Flying Test Bed (FTB) proving the technological capability and maturity of the indigenous efforts. This is the first time that an indigenously developed gas turbine engine for fighter aircraft has been flown on a FTB board. DRDO has developed expertise in the field of testing and certification for various components sub-systems and systems as well as complete airborne platforms. Thus, Initial Operational Clearance of LCA and Advanced Light Helicopter MK – III were major activities in this area.

Advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated sonar system HUMSA NG was designed, developed and installed on various ships of Indian Navy. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of navigation was demonstrated at sea. A Carbon Dioxide Curtailment System for submarines was designed and developed. The system has been accepted by the user. SANJEEVANI MK II, a device designed and developed to locate victims trapped under the debris was handed over to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Kerala Govt. Fire Services.

An advanced facility was created to undertake full scale processing of large Rocket motors. The facility was commissioned and the casting of various motors commenced. Development of PINAKA – Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System was achieved with the successful transfer of technology to production agencies, two regiments of PINAKA (worth Rs 1300 crores) have been raised by Army which is likely to place orders for another two regiments. The Transfer of Technology (ToT) for multimode grenade was completed, for which Army has placed an order for 10 lakh grenades. Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) for INSAS and AK-47 rifle was introduced into service with order for 10,000 Launchers. The state-of-the-art microcontroller based system Instant Fire Detection & Suppression System (IFDSS) BMP-2/2K developed for providing protection against fire to the troops & engine compartment, was accepted by the Army. Production order worth Rs. 168 crores has been received.

MBT Arjun Mark I was successfully inducted in the Army and two regiments of Arjun Main Battle Tank have been raised. A Carrier Command Post Tracked (CCPT) vehicle was accepted by the Army for induction. A modified Armoured Amphibious Dozer (AAD) completed its user trials. User trials of remotely operated vehicle (ROV DAKSH) were successfully carried out and LSP order for 20 numbers is being executed. Design of Snow Gallery for protection of personnel and equipment from avalanches and design of Instrumented Composite Tower for studies on avalanches were completed.

In the field of electronics and electro-optics, many systems were inducted/accepted by the services. 3D medium range surveillance radar – ROHINI and its naval variant REVATHI were inducted. 3D low-level light weight radar – Aslesha (for IAF) as well as Bharani (for Army) was accepted by the user. The engineered version of upgraded Weapon Locating Radar (WLR – Swathi) developed by DRDO was realized by the production agency. The electronic warfare system SAMYUKTA (naval variant) and SUJAV were inducted. Orders have been received for the Combat Net Radio (CNR) with anti-jamming features. A holographic sight for rifles/carbines was developed for aiming in closed quarter battle role and was accepted by the users.

The Life Sciences laboratories of DRDO continued to develop technology to maximize the operational efficiency of our soldiers and provide them with adequate support and protection. Some of the major achievements are highlighted. Three mobile laboratories for nuclear, biological and chemical defence were handed over to the user and rigorous training was imparted to them. An upgraded first-aid kit for protection against chemical and biological agents as well as the nuclear radiation were accepted by the services. Technology for producing DRDO developed kits for detection of swine flu was transferred to the production agency. The Combat Free Fall (CFF) protection system to meet the requirements of high altitude paratrooper’s mission requirements was designed developed and is under limited series production. A Submarine Escape Set (SES) for escape from an abandoned submarine from depths of 100m was designed and developed. Navy has projected a requirement of over 400 suits. Greenhouses were established at power plant locations such as Siachen Base camp, Chushul, Battalik etc and an average of 1400 kg vegetables of high nutritive values were produced in each greenhouse by standardizing the practices and procedures. About 5000 MT of vegetables are locally grown for meeting Army’s requirements A Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) was designed, developed and accepted by the Air Force. Series production of systems for deployment at all the Air Force Selection Boards of the IAF is underway. Yoga Training Modules have been developed for toning up cardio-respiratory, respiratory, endocrine and nervous systems to maintain optimum physical fitness and mental health of troops deployed at high altitude extreme climates. Yoga training was provided to over 2000 personnel who were to be deployed at Siachen Glacier. MoU has been signed with Indian Railways for joint development of Biotoilets to be installed in rail coaches. Biotoilets have been installed in Lakshadweep Islands and NE region of India for safe disposal of human waste and MoUs signed with Indian Railways & Min. of Urban Development for installation in rail coaches & homes. MoU with Ministry of Urban Development is under process for joint development of biotoilets and their installation under mass civilian program.

Advanced materials have been always at the core of weapon systems and military hardware. Significant milestones were achieved in this critical area. A low-alloy steel “DMR-1700” with ultrahigh strength and high fracture toughness was developed as a cost effective replacement of 250 grade maraging steel. The alloy was successfully proven by successful demonstration in the intended application. A 500 ton per annum capacity titanium sponge plant based on DRDO technology was set up at Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML). The Plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 27 Feb 2011. Light-weight composite armour for Mi-17-IV helicopter of IAF has successfully undergone integration and flight-trials. Technology developed for vacuum investment casting of gas turbine blades for Kaveri engine was extended for making high pressure turbine blades for land-based gas turbine for power generation. The runways at strategic locations often require rapid repairs. Many of these locations are in extreme cold regions where the normal concrete does not set in easily. Technology for rapid repair of runways in cold regions was developed and successfully demonstrated at sub zero temperature.

A dedicated team of DRDO engineers executed highly specialized nature of Civil works at some of the most difficult and hazardous area within the stipulated time frame. Agreements for co-operation / co-development in frontline areas of science, technology and engineering were signed with several countries.

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3. DRDO works on National Mission for developing AFV engines