In his customary New Year Message, Dr VK Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and DG DRDO exhorted DRDO fraternity to work with dedication and integrity to deliver technological solutions to the Services. Dr Saraswat took stock of the achievements of the DRDO in the previous year and asked scientists to work towards fulfilling our commitments and achieve all the milestones and targets in 2012. The following is the excerpts from the SA’s speech delivered at DRDO HQ.

Dear Directors, Officers and Staff, best wishes for an enriching, successful, satisfying and happy 2012.

I extend my warm New Year greetings to the DRDO fraternity and special wishes to your families for a happy and healthy year. I hope that 2012 will mark a new beginning in the growth trajectory of DRDO as we strive to fulfil the nation’s dreams and aspirations. Each of you play a crucial role in this endeavour and it is my fervent wish that you recognise the importance of your role and work sincerely towards achieving the set objectives.

Let me start off then on a very positive note summarising the landmark achievements of 2011.

A string of successes from the Missile cluster was

heralded by the maiden test flight of HELINA (helicopter-mounted Nag) in February followed by the successful test flights of endo-atmospheric advance air defence (AAD) in March 2011 which marked a major milestone in our Ballistic Missile Defence programme. This was followed by the maiden launch of

our strategic missile Prahaar and launch of Agni 1 and Agni 2 by our Strategic Force Command reinforcing the reliability and technical capabilities of our inducted systems. Other achievements include production clearance for the Bo5 underwater and A3 systems. A major milestone was the successful launch of Agni 4, the newest missile in our strategic armoury, which demonstrated cutting-edge technologies in long-range navigation, digital servo controller and composite heat shield technology. Technology successes include miniaturised fibre-optics gyro (FOG)-based IMU and millimetre wave (MMW) seeker, which underwent successful flight tests. Development of a guided Glide Bomb with enhanced range and impact accuracy is yet another breakthrough in strategic defence.

In the Aeronautics arena, completion of over 1750 hrs of flight test on LCA Tejas, low-speed taxi trials of LCA Navy and the successful flight test of Akashdeep

Innovate with passion and execute with precision, exhorts Dr Saraswat

A monthly house bulletin of Defence Research & Development Organisation ■ Vol. 32 No. 1 ■ January 2012

2 January 2012

up to 1 km altitude are commendable. A major milestone was the first test flight of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System in December 2011 with over 1000 mission related indigenous systems most critical of which is the AESA Radar Antenna Unit. Other achievements include, over seven successful test flights of Rustom 1 demonstrating number of key technologies, operation of Sudarshan with indigenous seeker, maintenance evaluation trials (MET) on Nishant and the flight tests of the Kaveri Engine for about 55 hrs on the IL-76. CEMILAC, the certification arm of DRDO, has played a proactive role in ensuring timely clearance of a number of indigenous airborne systems.

In the Armament and Combat Vehicles Engineering cluster, induction of a large number of MBTs in the operational command of the Indian Army, product improvement and trial evaluation of MBT Mk-II, handing over of Daksh remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to users after successful trials, and development of two prototypes of flight rotary engines for UAVs were other major achievements. The development and evaluation of the Bi-modular Charge System, pilot batch production of mines and modern sub machine carbine (MSMC) for user trials and construction of snow galleries for Border Road Organisation for avalanche protection were commendable successes of this cluster.

In the Naval cluster, the early success of our autonomous underwater vehicle technology demonstrator, operationalisation of Ushus on three submarines, integration of Humsa, Nagan and Mareech on their respective platforms and extensive sea trials of Varunastra are commendable. Satisfactory progress has been made on two new major programmes, namely, Integrated Coastal Surveillance System and the Land-based AIP System.

In the ECS cluster, landmark achievements include the development and successful trials of number of radars like weapon locating radar (WLR), L-Star, Aslesha and primary AEW&C radar. The Electro-optical Fire Control System was productionised and handed over to the Indian Navy. The user trials on the Integrated Multifunction Sights were completed and the Sights were recommended for induction. The development and successful demonstration of Laser Ordnance Disposal System and establishment of a distributed computing facility at SAG were other notable achievements.

The Micro-electronics cluster saw the development and fabrication of S y s t e m - o n - C h i p (SoC) and Microwave Power Modules for the missile and EW programmes, development and demonstration of cathode and electron guns for Multibeam Klystron. An Advanced Charac- terisation Facility for semiconductor materials and devices has been

established.

From the important Materials cluster, the successful production of titanium sponge based on DMRL’s development from Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd, over 30,000 tons of DMR steel production for the major sea platforms, transfer of technology (ToT) of the DMRL developed Vacuum Investment Casting Technology for aeroengine blades and readiness of Bullet-proof Jackets based on latest QRs for user trials, etc., are some of the important achievements.

While DRDO has been able to make significant contributions in weapons systems development, it has also been looking after the needs of the man behind the weapons. From our Life Science cluster, bulk production orders for Submarine Escape Suits have been given by the Indian Navy. A new Helicopter Oxygen System with lightweight composites has been developed and

3January 2012

integrated. The engineered version of Onboard Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) has been completed. Solar powered Modular Green Shelters, Bio-digesters for human waste management and oxygen enrichment have been developed and handed over to the Indian Army. The Bio-digesters are also being integrated in Railway coaches and a large number of units are being commissioned in Lakshadweep. A unique Germplasm Storage Facility for plants has been established at high altitude which we hope to upgrade as an international facility.

In the field of NBC technologies, a large number of DRDO systems have been inducted. The ELISA Kit for identification of food pathogens responsible for food poisoning has been developed and 200 units of Critical Care Ventilators have been installed at various hospitals.

Nanotechnology applications for defence systems have been given new focus including nano-composites for structural applications, nano-materials for stealth, nano-electronics for sensors, etc. All labs involved in nano missions need to focus deeply to develop devices customised to our requirements.

Under the LIC programme, a large number of equipment and devices, viz., oleoresin grenades, plastic bullets, combo rations, etc., based on DRDO technologies have been realised and provided to security and paramilitary forces. Mini unmanned air vehicle (UAV) Netra has been realised and demonstrated to the users and is under procurement. Products in the pipeline include, Laser Dazzlers, ROV Daksh, Explosive Detection Kits, Multi-mode Hand Grenades, etc.

These are major achievements wherein all labs have pitched in to contribute to DRDO’s success. I take great pride in extolling the achievements of DRDO which gives us the added confidence to forge ahead in the coming year. Based on all these successes, I would like all DRDO labs to set targets for the year ahead.

Corporate Initiatives

At the corporate level, DRDO has brought out a number of initiatives, which have contributed to its output. These initiatives are:

Information Technology Initiatives

� DRONA network has been expanded to cover 87 DRDO labs across the country.

� Installation of security systems, viz., bulk encryptors and upgraded firewalls has been initiated in DRONA.

� Connectivity of DRDO labs to the National Knowledge Network.

� Webcast of a number of national level events to all DRDO labs.

� Revamping of DRDO website with enhanced content.

� Establishment of Knowledge Repository of about 5000 digitised technical reports.

Human Resource Initiatives

HR initiatives have been given a major fillip with the establishment of Dr Raja Ramanna Targeted Training Centre at Bengaluru. Training in niche areas like Enhanced Blast Warhead has been introduced. A welcome initiative was taken to bring together young scientists on a single platform to present their research and work. This event is expected to be a regular feature every year. The DRDS rules have been amended and assessment for promotion from Scientist F to G has been introduced for the first time.

Academia Interaction

About 125 projects at a total outlay of over Rs 100 crores were sanctioned to about 70 research/academic institutions. Phase II of the Centre of Excellence on High Energy Materials has been initiated. The Dr Kothari and Dr Nag Chaudhuri Chairs were established this year. The IITM Research Park, which was initiated last year, is now ready for formal launch. I understand that many labs have already identified specific areas and teams to pursue the research through this Centre. This initiative will give new impetus to pursue “Directed Research” in close association with academia, industry and research scholars. I hope this Centre will soon become a role model to carryout advance research that could be emulated in other IITS and institutions.

Industry Interaction

Under the DRDO-FICCI ATAC programme, 22 MoUs/BEAs for ToT have been signed and business

4 January 2012

development for 40 technologies is in the advanced stage of commercialisation. In addition, 17 technologies have been transferred directly by DRDO out of which nine are exclusively for supply to Indian Armed Forces (MoD/MHA) only. DRDO participated in the Indo-Africa Business Partnership Summit at Hyderabad in October 2011. The participation received an excellent response from media as well as business community from India and Africa.

International Participation

In the international arena, DRDO actively participated in Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) at Rio-de-Janiero, Brazil; MSPO at Poland and DSEi at London, where our products and technologies were highly appreciated and interest was evinced for joint collaboration with DRDO. The DEFEXPO 2012 is scheduled to be held from 29 March to 1 April 2012 at Delhi. DRDO participation in DEFEXPO 2010 was very well appreciated by the Raksha Mantri, Raksha Rajya Mantri and other ministers. This year, I have directed that it should be even better, comparable to international standards. I want all Directors to give full support and ensure that dynamic teams are nominated from their respective labs to support DI2TM to make it a grand show.

Interaction with Services

Various initiatives were taken to strengthen DRDO-Services interaction, through positioning of user teams for major DRDO projects and conducting a number of meetings involving users for project reviews. Focussed interaction with Army HQ and visits of senior level users were organised to various DRDO labs to familiarise them with ongoing activities.

International Collaboration

In the globalised world, international collaborations assume great significance. I can clearly see the window of opportunity available which can accelerate the pace of our R&D through synergy. In the last year, I have led a number of delegations to USA, UK, Russia, Italy, Germany and Canada. A Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Biomedical Research Centre has been established for

joint research. I would request the Directors and senior scientists to make use of this window of opportunity by more prompt response to the decisions taken at various forums like IIMC and JTG.

These were some of the corporate initiatives taken in 2011, which I hope has helped our labs to progress their project activities.

Performance Related Incentive Scheme On this occasion, I wish to communicate that after

continuous and dedicated efforts, the Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) has been finally approved by the Govt of India and DRDO has issued the necessary Govt letters in this regard. I congratulate all Officers and Staff of DRDO for their valuable contributions and efforts towards achieving set goals within the committed time frame.

We had to strive hard to get PRIS for the Department. Now that the Scheme has been approved, we have greater responsibility to fulfil our commitment and achieve all the milestones and the targets in each Projects/Programmes and the Group/Individual commitments which we have set for ourselves. Each and every one of us has a greater role to play with accountability and responsibility in achieving the organisational goals.

I would like to apprise you that maximum incentive of 20 per cent could be granted if we are able to achieve more than 95 per cent of set targets, otherwise the organisational incentive and group incentive may be less than 20 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively. It may also be known to you that no incentive will be payable if the performance level is below 75 per cent.

Therefore, I hope you all will rise to the occasion and go extra mile in your efforts to accomplish the organisational and the group goals in time so that we have a strong case to carry the incentive schemes up to maximum level and beyond the year 2013 also.

Innovation, Patenting, ToT for Civil UseOne segment of the Result Framework Documents

(RFD) also focuses on spin-offs to the civil sector. Here all labs are encouraged to use the systems in place for enabling DRDO technologies to be utilised by the

5January 2012

civil society which will give better exposure and greater returns on our research output. At the same time, it must be realised that innovation is the heart of an R&D organisation and adequate patent activity its soul.

It was heartening to note that DRDO has won the Thomson Reuters Innovation Award, a fact made especial because it was judged by an independent body based on patent portfolio, success rate and influence of innovation. About 110 new IPR applications were filed this year, which is appreciable. I would urge all scientists especially in science labs to make paper presentations and patents a way of life and I look forward to a substantial enhancement of DRDO’s patent portfolio in the next few years.

Project Planning and Execution

Project planning and execution is the single biggest area of focus in DRDO. Towards this, I have directed that the PPFM document be re-cast in the light of a number of policy changes, both in operation and delegation of financial powers, which have been issued. The DATE manual will be reviewed and updated. The XII Plan outlay is expected to be substantially enhanced and hence will call for greater discipline in project execution and delivery.

A gradual shift to an online operation with DRDO ultimately going paperless is the path to progress. Utilisation of IT solutions like Project Data Repository and the Video Conference System, put in place in every lab, must be used to the fullest and all unnecessary movements/travels to and from labs/HQ are to be avoided. It is suggested that corporate and project reviews can be conducted online at least for a section of the participants so as to enable greater participation and cut down on time and travel cost.

TrainingRegular, rigorous and continuous training of our

workforce is a major issue. Towards this end, I have directed that a streamlined targeted training system be put in place. The need for higher qualification among scientists and technical manpower is a crying need and I request all concerned to take advantage of the facilities in DRDO to enhance your professional qualifications. A rejuvenated DIAT focussed on the needs of DRDO is in progress and this becomes another avenue for qualification enhancement.

Integrity and ProbityI would like to caution all officers and staff of DRDO

to maintain professional integrity and probity in your day-to-day operations. DRDO is an honoured force in India today. Any individual who does anything to besmirch the honour and name of DRDO will be dealt with firmly and stringent action will be taken to serve as a reminder to all that such behaviour is totally unacceptable.Contributions of DRDO towards enhancing self-reliance have been well appreciated by the Parliament Committees during their visits and meetings. It is important that we continue to disseminate information and keep all stakeholders updated about

DRDO’s work and achievements if we have to earn our rightful place in the country.

I would conclude with the words from the biography of one of this generation all time greats, Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Computers and the man who revolutionised the computer world, “In Innovation, new ideas are only a part, execution is just as important”. So to DRDO I say, let us innovate with passion and execute with precision.

Once again a very Happy New Year!

“Contributions of DRDO have been well appreci-ated by the Parliament

Committees. It is impor-tant that we continue to disseminate information

and keep all stakeholders updated to earn our right-ful place in the country.”

6 January 2012

“Energy is the engine for social and economic change and growth. To sustain economic growth, energy supply has to grow in tandem”, said Dr VK Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri, Secretary Department of Defence Research

and DG, DRDO, while delivering the Bhai Kaka Memorial Oration on 17 December 2011 during the 26th Indian Engineering Congress (IEC) held in the Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, to an august gathering of engineers and scientists from India and abroad as well as a large number of engineering students. Dr Saraswat was speaking on Clean Energy: A Challenge for Engineers. He elaborated the salient features of the conventional and unconventional sources of energy and emphasised that their utilisation with the technologies being presently used will leave significant footprint on the environment. “The challenge before the engineers is to innovate technologies to harvest, transform and control delivery of clean energy that have near zero impact on the environment”, opined Dr Saraswat. In this context he identified various technological issues and the areas of research. He also elaborated the research carried out by DRDO for developing bio-fuel from Jathropa and microalgae and DRDO’s plans to set-up facilities for making flexible solar power panels.

Dr Saraswat expressed that three major approaches to meet the increasing energy needs of the country should be: clean coal technologies, renewable sources of energy and nuclear energy. Discussing India’s three-stage nuclear power programme, he said that there is a need to generate awareness about the safety of nuclear power among the people and for long-term energy security, nuclear energy based on thorium has to be a prominent component of Indian energy mix. He ended by quoting Homi Bhabha’s words, “No power is as costly as no-power”. Dr Saraswat, who was given a standing

ovation, also released a book titled, Engineering Critical Thinking by Shri HN Ganesha.

Dr V Bhujanga Rao, DS and Chief Controller R&D (HR), delivered an invited talk on Engineering Challenges for Economic Growth. In his talk, Dr Bhujanga Rao, who led the development of India’s first autonomous underwater vehicle as well as other underwater systems for Indian Navy, stated that science produces ideas for the future and exploitation of these ideas leads to the innovations that provide economic growth. “Engineers have to keep idea generation at the heart of their plans for economic growth and to break the global competition, we must drive high-end sophisticated technologies faster and better than anyone else”, said Dr Rao.

Smt Tessy Thomas, Programme Director, Agni 4, in her invited talk on Achievements of Women Engineers and their Role in Development of Society emphasised the need to make women more involved in the engineering field by motivating them and considering the factors for their overall development. She further added, “All modern societies recognise that education and career are not only the right of a woman, but key factor that contributes to the economic and social development of a nation. India is encouraging science and technology at the grass-roots level to improve the socioeconomic development and giving importance to the role of women scientists and engineers in the success of developmental process”.

Holistic Approach need of the Hour for Power Requirements

Dr Saraswat being presented a memento after the oration.

7January 2012

Successful User’s Trials of Agni 1 Ballistic Missile

Agni 1 was successfully flight tested from Wheeler Islands on 1 December 2011 by the Indian Armed Forces. The missile was launched from a road-mobile launcher system and hit the target in the Bay of Bengal. The missile was tracked by radar and telemetry stations located along the coastline. Two naval ships, located near the target point, tracked the missile in the terminal phase of the flight. The missile, indigenously developed by the DRDO, is already in the arsenal of Indian Armed Forces.

The launch was witnessed by Dr VK Saraswat, SA to RM; Shri Avinash Chander, DS and CC R&D (MSS); Dr J Chattopadhyaya, Project Director; and Shri SP Dash, OS and Director, ITR.

Dr Saraswat, congratulated all the scientists and employees of DRDO and the Indian Armed Forces for the successful launch.

Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System took to Sky

The first fully modified aircraft for indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System took to sky on 6 December 2011 as part of its first maiden flight at Embraer facilities at Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil with around 1000 mission system components developed by the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), an establishment of DRDO in Bengaluru. The mission system components include active electronic scanning antenna (AESA) on top of the aircraft and radar antenna developed by the CABS and certified by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Authority Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), an international FAR Certification Agency. The aircraft was piloted by Embraer Pilot and copiloted by Gp Capt N Tiwari, Chief Test Pilot at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru.

The aircraft took-off smoothly and flew for more

than an hour without any hiccups following the simulated prediction

closely. This critical milestone will put India in the elite class of countries who have developed AWACS/AEW&C.

The aircraft for AEW&C role will reach India in the middle of

the next year for mission system integration at CABS. It is expected that

two AEW&C systems will be delivered to the Indian Air Force by the end of 2013.

The Indian team, led by Shri G Elangovan, DS and CC R&D (Avionics), comprised Dr K Tamilmani, DS and Chief Executive, CEMILAC; Dr S Christopher, OS and Programme Director (AEW&C) and Director, CABS; Shri Raj G Viswanathan, Addl FA (R&D), DRDO; and Gp Capt N Tiwari. Shri Srinivas, Consul General of India, Brazil, and Col DK Singh, Defence Attache India, Brazil, also participated in the ceremony. Shri Elangovan appreciated the hard work of design teams

8 January 2012

of the CABS, Indian Air Force and the Embraer team. Dr Christopher said that the work on the aircraft was jointly started with Embraer in 2008 and the complex system has been realised in about three years. He added

that this cooperation between the BRIC countries should make way for fulfilling other international requirements through mutual collaboration.

Dr Kalam inaugurates Navigation & Embedded Computers Complex at RCI

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, inaugurated state-of-the-art Navigation and Embedded Computers Complex for design and development of world-class advance navigation systems and real-time embedded computing products at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, on 9 December 2011. Navigation and Embedded Computers Complex, built over 14.5 acres within the premises of RCI, houses the most advanced design, fabrication and performance evaluation facilities required for the development of all classes of navigation sensors and systems as well as real-time embedded systems.

The Inertial Navigation Group of RCI, which will be relocating to this Complex, is involved in the design and development of highly critical inertial sensors, viz., ring laser gyroscopes (RLGs), fibre-optic gyroscopes (FOGs), quartz accelerometers, hemispherical resonating gyros (HRGs), etc., used in the navigation systems of missiles, combat aircraft, torpedoes, ships and submarines.

The Real-time Embedded Computing Group of RCI has been developing the real-time computer systems for all DRDO products and is an expert group in state-of-the-art very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit and system-on-chip (SoC) technologies. The new Complex is at par with the best in the world and possesses all relevant infrastructure required for the system development and performance evaluation of the present and future navigation requirements. The Complex, a 10000 class clean room, is equipped with two- and three-axes high accuracy rate tables with thermal chambers for the

calibration of all classes of navigation sensors and systems. It also houses high-precision centrifuges especially used for the acceleration tests of navigation systems. The Complex also has fabrication facilities for FOGs, HRGs and high-accuracy accelerometers as well as facility for development of the star tracker-based long-range navigation systems.

The Real-time Embedded Computer Directorate in the Complex is equipped with the state-of-the-art VLSI Laboratory and advanced real-time software development facility equipped with the latest development tools and environments.

Dr Kalam, founder of the RCI, also inaugurated a museum in the Complex, which showcases the birth and evolution of the navigation and computing technologies of the world and DRDO from ancient times to the present day. Dr Kalam, during his address, expressed that his dream of RCI heading towards the number one position in the field of inertial sensors, navigation systems and algorithms, etc., is becoming a reality and emphasised the need to develop single-chip navigation and guidance and control solution based on SoC technology.

Dr VK Saraswat, SA to RM, congratulated the scientists on establishing the world-class facility and wished RCI to emerge as the world leader in avionics. Shri Avinash Chander, DS and CC R&D (MSS); Shri SK Ray, DS and Director, RCI; Shri G Satheesh Reddy, OS and Director, Inertial Navigation Group; Shri BHVS Narayana Murthy, Director, Embedded Computer Group; Shri K Rambabu, Dean, ELOIRA, and many other top scientists of DRDO were present during the occasion.

9January 2012

DLRL, HyderabadThe Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Defence

Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad, culminated on 24 November 2011. Dr VK Saraswat, SA to RM, was the Chief Guest during the occasion. The celebrations were formally inaugurated on 19 November 2011 by Shri G Boopathy, OS and Director, DLRL. A photo exhibition showcasing the DLRL’s resplendent past was inaugurated by Dr Saraswat. He also released a Coffee Table Book with around 350 photographs and a souvenir. Mementos to former Directors and Laboratory Awards were distributed on the occasion. Dr Saraswat gave some valuable tips for imbibing scientific temperament. Heads of various Committees also made presentations. The day concluded with a colourful classical dance.

Golden Jubilee/Raising Day Celebrations

L-R: Dr Radhakrishna, Dr Bawa, Dr Selwamurthy, Lt Gen Mohey, Dr Illvazhagan and Dr Batra releasing the compendium.

Kamal Mohey, AVSM, Commandant and Senior Col Comdt ASC, ASC Centre and College, Bengaluru, was the Guest of Honour of the function. Dr G Illavazhagan, OS and Director, Life Science, DRDO HQ; Dr AS Bawa, OS and Director, DFRL; Dr HV Batra, Sc G and Dr K Radhakrishna, Sc G were the other eminent persons present during the function. On this occasion, four compendiums, two kits on bio-defence and a milk testing kit were also released by the dignitaries.

PXE, Chandipur

Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, celebrated its 117th Raising Day on 7 November 2011. A cultural evening was organised on 5 November 2011 at DRDO Auditorium, Chandipur. Prof. Kumar Bar Das, Vice Chancellor, FM University, Chandipur, was the Chief Guest of the function. In his inaugural address Maj Gen P Mathur, Director, PXE, mentioned about the achievements of the PXE during the last year and various important activities to be carried out in the coming year. Maj Gen Mathur and Prof. Das distributed Laboratory Awards like Technology Group Awards, DRTC Awards, Lab Awards for Admin and Allied Cadre, etc. Mrs Sakuntala Mathur gave prizes to the winners of sports and cultural activities. Lab Scientist of the Year 2011 was awarded to Dr AK Sannigrahi, Sc F, for his excellent contribution in the field of human resource development. Shri SK Tamizuddin, Civilian Driver C, was selected as Proof Man of the Year. Proof Young Talent search award was given to Miss Ayena Mohapatra, a student of Class VIII of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Balasore. Maj Gen Mathur also distributed Cash Awards to employees for the best performance and mementoes for successful completion of 25 years of service. Shri TK Biswal, Sc F, was the Chairman of Lab Raising Day Celebration Committee.

Maj Gen Mathur presenting Proof Man of the Year Award to Shri Tamizuddin.

DFRL, MysoreDr W Selwamurthy, DS and CC R&D (LS&IC), DRDO

HQ, launched Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, on 21 October 2011. DFRL is engaged in R&D work in the area of processed foods to cater the logistic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The Laboratory was established under the aegis of DRDO in 1961. Lt Gen

Dr Saraswat releasing the DLRL album.

10 January 2012

Conferences/Seminars/Training Courses/MeetingsMANPOWER DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

CAIR, Bengaluru

Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru, organised a Continuing Education Programme (CEP) on Technological Advances in the Design and Development of Air Defence Systems during 28 November to 2 December 2011. Main objective of the Course was to share the experiences gained by the CAIR while developing TacC31 systems like Artillery Combat Command Control System and Command Information and Decision Support System for the Indian Army and to bring awareness about the technological areas involved in the design and development of air defence project. Scientists from CAIR, DRDL, LRDE, ISSA, CABS, BEL and other labs working in the field of air defence participated in the Course. To ensure a better understanding to the participants, user representatives were invited from the Indian Army and Air Force to explain their operational philosophy for air defence. Eighteen lectures were delivered by the internal and external speakers. A lab visit was organised to demonstrate the communication interface unit and the customised GIS. Nineteen scientists/officers participated in the Course.

CEMILAC, Bengaluru

Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness, Lucknow and Kanpur and Centre for Airworthiness, Korva, a detachment of Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Bengaluru, jointly organised a one-day Rajbhasha Technical Workshop on Vayuyaan Pranali mey Navintam Pradhoykiyan at Technical Training Centre of HAL, Lucknow. Chief Guest of the function Dr Arun Kumar, OS and Director (Personnel), DRDO HQ, appreciated the organisation of the Workshop and said that the technical papers presented during the Workshop need to be discussed in detail.

Guest of Honour Shri Kailash Chandra Vishvakarma, General Manager, HAL, Lucknow, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to work in Hindi.President of the Organising Committee, Shri PS Deshmukh, Group Director (Systems), CEMILAC, Bengaluru, briefed about the purpose of the Workshop

and exhorted participants to work in Rajbhasha Hindi. In the valedictory function, Shri Kamesh Goyal, Regional Director, RCMA, Lucknow, proposed the vote of thanks. Seventy participants attended the Course.

CVRDE, Chennai

Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai, conducted a one-week CEP on Role, Employment and Exploitation of AFVs in Operational Scenario during 17-21 October 2011. Shri K Loganathan, Addl Director (MBT), inaugurated the Course and delivered the inaugural address. Twenty-eight participants from CVRDE and other DRDO labs participated in the Course. Apart from CVRDE, faculty from ACC&S and MIRC, Ahmednagar; 53 AR; CQA (HV) and MAG 6 delivered the lectures. Various

systems of Arjun MBT and other tracked AFVs, role and employment of armoured regiments, mechanised units, role of DGQA, ESP for AFVs, etc., were discussed during the Course. Industrial visit to HVF, CQAs and test track area was organised for the benefit of the participants. Shri K Krishnamurthy, Assoc. Director (L), delivered the valedictory address and distributed certificates to the participants. He appreciated the painstaking efforts made by TEPS Division in the selection of the course contents and the faculty. He also urged to repeat the Course for the benefit of newly inducted officers and staff. Shri K Giridharan, Head (TEPS), was the Course Director and Shri G Baskaran, Sc D, was the Course Coordinator.

Course Director delivering the introductory address.

11January 2012

DESIDOC, Delhi

Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), organised a CEP on e-Publishing during 14-18 November 2011. Twenty-eight participants from different DRDO labs attended the Course. Smt Vinod Kumari Sharma, Head (MSD), inaugurated the Course. The faculty comprised professionals from NISCAIR, NCERT, JNU, IIPA, NIC, Plannman Technologies, NCAER and TCS. Smt Shashi Tyagi, Addl Director, was the Chief Guest during the valedictory function. Smt Anita A, Sc D, was the Course Coordinator.

IDST, Pune

Institute of Defence Scientists and Technologies (IDST), Pune Branch, in association with Kulkarni Associates and Management Services, Pune, organised a short Course on Quality Assurance of Gun and Missile Propellants using Conventional and Advanced Instrumental Techniques during 18-21 October 2011 at High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune. The Course was sponsored by the Directorate of Human Resource and Development, DRDO HQ. The basic objective of the Course was to develop awareness about quality assurance during design, production and inspection of propellants, which is the main motive force of any ammunition system like shell, bomb, rocket or missile. Maj Gen (Retd) D Kapil, AVSM, Chairman, IDST Pune branch, in his address, mentioned that many failures of armament stores during investigations attribute to noncompliance of laid down procedures of quality assurance. Dr Amarjeet Singh, Associate Director, HEMRL, Pune, and the Chief Guest of the inaugural function inaugurated the Course. Shri Bikash Bhattacharya, Outstanding Scientist and Director, HEMRL, Pune, was the Guest of Honour. The Chief Guest in his inaugural address emphasised the need of quality assurance.

The Course started with keynote address on Role of Quality Assurance in the Success of Indian Launch Vehicle Programme by Prof. MC Uttam, Honrary Director of ISRO-UoP, Space Technology Cell, University of Pune. Dr Haridwar Singh, DS and former Director, HEMRL, Dr SS Rathi, former ADGQA (ME) and Dr AK Sarangi, former ADGQA (ME) were the other eminent scientists who delivered the keynote addresses during the Course. Twenty-three participants from different DRDO

Dr Saxena releasing the Course material.

Participants of the Course.

DMSRDE, Kanpur

Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur, conducted a CEP on Manufacturing Automation during 14-18 November 2011. Dr AK Saxena, Director, DMSRDE inaugurated the Course. Twenty-four participants from DMSRDE and other DRDO labs attended the Course, which was designed to address the importance of automation in manufacturing sector. Shri RP Bhat was the Course Director and Shri AK Singh was the Course Coordinator.

DMSRDE, Kanpur, also conducted a CEP on Functional Composites and its Application during 28 November to 2 December 2011. The objective of the Course was to update the knowledge of the participants regarding fundamentals and development of functional composites. The Course covered characterisation and application of smart composite, nano composite, thermal management using composite, self-healing composite, intelligent composite, etc., for structural, ballistic and aerospace. Thirty-two participants from various DRDO labs and Indian Air Force attended the Course. Shri SB Yadav , Sc F, was the Course Director and Mrs Jyoti Srivastava, Sc E, was the Course Coordinator.

12 January 2012

and DGQA establishments like CQA (Ammunition) and CQA (Military Explosives) attended the Course. Dr Amarjit Singh presided over the valedictory function and distributed certificates to the participants.

NPOL, Kochi

Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, organised an All India Rajbhasha Scientific Seminar on 24 November 2011. The thrust of the Seminar was on Coastal Surveillance: Needs of the Country and Preservation of Forests, as 2011 being the UN International Year of Forest. Sixteen technical papers were presented in the Seminar. Dr A Unnikrishnan, Associate Director, NPOL, inaugurated the Seminar. Dr Asha Ramakrishnan, Lecture, Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, was the Chairperson. Participants from NPOL and other DRDO labs as well as from the organisations under the purview of Town Official Language Implementation Committee, Kochi, attended the Seminar. Shri VS Shenoi, Sc F, was the Chairman of the Seminar Committee.

NPOL also organised 8th meeting of Monitoring Committee for DRDO E-journals Service on 12 December 2011. Shri S Anantha Narayanan, OS and Director, NPOL, inaugurated the event and appreciated the services of Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), especially the e-journals service in the present context of resource sharing, space constrain and speediness. Dr AL Moorthy, Director, DESIDOC, highlighted the importance of the DRDO e-journals consortia as well as the need for judicious utilisation of the service by various

DRDO labs. Dr SC Jain, Sc G, Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun, chaired the meeting. Those who attended the meeting included Dr A Unnikrishnan, Associate Director, NPOL; Dr (Mrs) A Aruna, Sc F, GTRE, Bengaluru; Mrs SS Avachat, Sc F, ARDE, Pune; Shri A Balavardhana Rao, Sc F, DMRL, Hyderabad; Dr S Muralidhar, Sc F, CVRDE, Chennai; Dr MK Pandey, Sc E, IRDE, Dehradun; and Dr Wilson K Cherukulath, Sc E, NPOL. The major points of discussion included status of renewal subscription of publishers for 2012 under DRDO E-journals Service, subscription status of new proposals by various DRDO labs and review of usage of e-journals of different DRDO labs.

PXE, Chandipur

Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, organised a CEP on Emerging Trends in Armament Test and Evaluation during 17-21 October 2011. Thirty participants from ARDE, HEMRL, VRDE, DMRL, ITR, NSTL and PXE attended the Course. Maj Gen P Mathur, Director, PXE, inaugurated the Course. Faculty comprised experts from HEMRL, ARDE, ITR, TBRL, PXE and Survey of India. Topics like dynamic test and evaluation of armaments, ammunition testing, challenges in gun propellant design, role of weapons system in armaments, range instrumentation, trajectory modelling of projectiles, armour testing, high-speed imaging, gun and fire control systems, role of telemetry in test and evaluation, survey techniques, range safety, etc., were covered. In the valedictory function Maj Gen Mathur distributed certificates to the participants. Shri KK Chand, Sc E, was the Course Director and Dr AK Sannigrahi, Sc F, was the Course Coordinator.

Maj Gen Mathur delivering the inaugural address.

Participants of the Course.

13January 2012

PXE also organised a CEP on Leadership and Team Building in collaboration with Directorate of Human Resource Development, DRDO HQ, during 21-25 November 2011. Twenty-five participants from different DRDO labs like PXE, ITR, DMSRDE, GTRE, HEMRL, NSTL, CCE (R&D) and Range School, Chandipur, attended the Course. Maj Gen P Mathur, Director, PXE, inaugurated the Course. The important topics like leadership types and styles, leadership theories and its development tips, team building, motivation, decision making, communication skills, conflict management, FIRO-B, attitude analysis, emotional intelligence and occupational stress management were discussed using audio-visual aids, demonstrations, games and questionnaires by expert faculty from PXE, FM University, Balasore, and IIT, Kharagpur. Shri S Roychoudhury, Head (HR), Birla Tyres, Balasore, gave valedictory address and distributed certificates to the participants. Dr AK Sannigrahi, Sc F, was the Course Director as well as Course Coordinator.

RCI, Hyderabad

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, conducted a Special Training Programme on Basics of Mechanical Engineering for Non-Mechanical Engineering Personnel during 14-18 November 2011 for the scientists/officers of various DRDO labs including RCI. Twenty scientists/officers attended the Programme. The Programme started with an inaugural address by Shri CG Balaji, OS and Director (RF System), RCI. Professors from CBIT, Hyderabad, and DRDO scientists delivered the lecturers. Shri SK Ray, DS and Director, RCI, distributed prizes to the winners and certificates to the participants

Shri Ray presiding the valedictory function.

in the valedictory function. Shri M Sankar Kishore, Sc G and the Course Director proposed the vote of thanks.

RCMA (AA), Pune

Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (AA), Pune, organised a CEP on Modern Trends in Air Armaments and Certification during 14-18 November 2011. The Course was inaugurated by Shri AM Datar, OS and Director, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune. Twenty participants from various DRDO labs and allied organisations attended the Course, which was designed to cover design and

Shri AM Datar (centre), Shri PS Deshmukh, GD Systems, CEMILAC (3rd from left) and Shri MRK Raju (3rd from right) with the participants.

development, qualification testing, flight evaluation, etc., of various armament stores, viz., aircraft bombs, rockets, missiles, guidance kits, power cartridges, canopy severance systems, etc.

The faculty comprised Project Directors and other senior scientists working in the field of armaments at ARDE, HEMRL, TBRL, DRDL, ADE, ADRDE, ASTE, Air HQ, etc. The Course was educative and informative for the scientists and technical officers working in the field of design, certification and integration of air armament stores on military aircraft. Dr Amarjit Singh, Associate Director, HEMRL, distributed certificates to the participants. Shri MRK Raju, Regional Director, RCMA (AA), was the Course Director and Shri SV Pedgaonkar, Sc E, was the Course Coordinator.

14 January 2012

PERSONNEL NEWS

Awards

National Design Award

Shri PS Subramanyam, DS and Programme Director (Combat Aircrafts) and Director, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru, was awarded National Design Award 2011 for his outstanding contribution in the area of design by National Design and Research forum (NDRF) of Indian Institute of Engineers (IIE). The prestigious award was conferred to Shri Subramanyam by Shri Murugesh Nirani, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industry, Govt of Karnataka, during the inaugural function of 26th Indian Engineering Congress (IEC) held on 16 December 2011 at Palace Ground, Bengaluru.

(DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), both at Hyderabad, was conferred the Life Fellowship of the Institution of Engineers. The Fellowship was presented by Shri Murugesh Nirani, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industry, Govt of Karnataka, during the inaugural function of 26th IEC held on 16 December 2011 at Palace Ground, Bengaluru. Lt Gen Sundaram is presently working as Advisor, Micro and Nano Systems, National Design and Research Forum, Bengaluru.

AOC International Achievement Award

Dr UK Revankar, OS and former Director, Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Bengaluru, was conferred with AOC International Achievement Award in the field of EW by Association of Old Crows (AOC), Virginia, USA, in recognition of his achievements in indigenous development of the state-of-the-art EW Systems like radar warner jammer (RWJ), EW suite for Indian light combat aircraft Tejas; and missile approach warning systems. Dr Revankar, an internationally reputed Scientist in the field of EW systems and presently the President of AOC India Chapter, is the first Indian recipient of this prestigious Award. Dr Revankar received this award on the occasion of AOC’s 48th Annual International Symposium and Convention during 14-16 November 2011 in Washington DC, USA.

Dr Revankar (centre) receiving the AOC International Achievement Award.

Shri Subramanyam (fifth from left) receiving the award from Shri Murugesh Nirani.

Life Fellowship of the Institution of Engineers

Lt Gen (retd) VJ Sundaram, former Director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory

Lt Gen (retd) Sundaram receiving the Fellowship from Shri Murugesh Nirani.

DMRL, Hyderabad

Shri GVS Brahmendra Kumar, Sc F of DMRL, was awarded ARF Prodyogiki Award-2011 in recognition of his excellent contributions in establishing commercial Titanium sponge production in India. The award was given by Society of Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering (SAME).

15January 2012

Visits to DRDO Labs/Estts

CVRDE, Chennai

Lt Gen IJ Singh, AVSM, VSM, DG EME and Senior Col Comdt, on 2 November 2011.

CAIR, Bengaluru

Air Commodore VC Wankhade, Air Officer Commanding, on 16 November 2011.

Air Commodore Wankhade interacting with Associate Director CAIR.

Lt Gen Singh being briefed about CVRDE projects.

To commemorate the Golden Jubilee Year of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, the Delhi-Chandigarh Chapter of High Energy Materials Society of India (HEMSI), organised the 8th International High Energy Materials Conference and Exhibits (HEMCE-2011) at TBRL range in Ramgarh during 10-12 November 2011. The Conference was inaugurated by HE Shri Shivraj V Patil, Governor of Punjab. Dr S Banerjee, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Detonics and Insensitive Munitions Technologies was the theme of the Conference. Six hundred twenty-five delegates from 13 countries and 60 institutes from India, Russia, US, UK, Poland, France, Israel, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Germany participated in the Conference. There were 25 plenary/invited talks by eminent researchers from all over the world, 113 oral presentations in 24 technical sessions, 200 papers in poster sessions and 50 exhibitors from all over the world.

Shri Patil in his address stressed that developing green explosives and building energy security is the need of the hour. Dr Banerjee lauded the role of TBRL in making the country self-reliant in critical technologies for the security of the country. In his presidential

8th International High Energy Materials Conference and Exhibits – 2011

address, Dr A Subhananda Rao, DS and CC R&D (Aero) and President, HEMSI, said that the Conference will provide a forum for interaction among the scientists and researchers working in the field of high energy materials and related technologies. Dr Satish Kumar, Chairman Organising Committee, HEMCE-2011, said that this Conference will help upgrade India’s defence, space and internal security systems and also generate a roadmap for future work in the field of pyrotechnics, propellants, high explosives and related field. Dr Manjit Singh, Director, TBRL, Chandigarh, said that the emerging world of nano-energetics, green explosives, detection and disposal of IEDs as the thrust area of the Conference.

HE Shri Shivraj Patil releasing the Proceedings of the Conference.

16 January 2012

ISSN:0971-4391

EDITORIAL TEAM

Smt V Bala, Sc ‘F’ Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), BengaluruShri RK Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra

Shri Manuj Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Advanced Numerical Research & Analysis Group (ANURAG), HyderabadSmt Suchitra S Avachat, Sc ‘F’ Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune

Shri Hemant Kumar, Sc ‘B’ Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), HyderabadMs Ashu Bhatia, Sc ‘F’ Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru

Ms Sangeeta Shrivastava, Sc ‘E’ Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), BengaluruCol NK Agru, Sc ‘F’ Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi

Ms Tripty Rani Bose, TO ‘A’ Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), BengaluruShri Rajesh Kumar, STA ‘C’ Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM), Delhi

Dr S Muralidhar, Sc ‘F’ Combat Vehicles Research & Development Estt. (CVRDE), ChennaiShri N Chandrasekaran, Sc ‘F’ Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), Bengaluru

Shri R Indushekar, Sc ‘E’ Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), BengaluruShri Atul Dev, Sc ‘F’ Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), Dehradun

Shri VK Girhotra, TO ‘D’ Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), DelhiDr GK Sharma, Sc ‘F’ Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore

Head, Librarian Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), PuneDr Atul grover, Sc ‘C’ Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER), Haldwani

Dr Ashish Yadav, Sc ‘C’ Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), LehDr Praveen Vats, Sc ‘D’ Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Delhi

Sh Avinash Awasthi, Sc ‘B’ Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), DelhiDr Rajesh Singh Rathore, Sc ‘F’ Defence Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur

Sh H Sudhir, Sc ‘F’ Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), HyderabadDr VV Satyaprasad, Sc ‘G’ Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), HyderabadShri Navin Prakash Gupta Defence Materials & Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur

Dr Sunil Jadhav Eknath, Sc ‘C’ Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), GwaliorDr K Nageswara Rao, Sc ‘E’ Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad

Smt Anuradha Ravi, Sc ‘F’ DRDO HQ, New DelhiShri Ajit Kumar Das, TO ‘C’ Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), TezpurShri Ram Prakash, Sc ‘C’ Defence Terrain Research Laboratory (DTRL), Delhi

Shri KPM Bhat, Sc ‘G’ Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), BengaluruShri N Prabhakaran, Sc ‘F’ Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru

Shri AM Devale, TO ‘C’ High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), PuneDr Rajeev Vij, Sc ‘F’ Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi

Ms Nitu, Sc ‘E’ Institute of Systems Studies & Analyses (ISSA), DelhiDr MK Pande, Sc ‘E’ Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun

Shri Tapas K Majumdar, Sc ‘D’ Institute of Technology Management (ITM), MussoorieShri GR Panda, Sc ‘G’ Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur

Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), DelhiDr Latha Christie, Sc ‘F’ Microwave Tube Research & Development Center (MTRDC), Bengaluru

Dr C Durga Prasad, Sc ‘F’ Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), AmbernathShri S Radhakrishnan, TO ‘C Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi

Shri YSR Prasada Rao, Sc ‘F’ Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), VisakhapatnamDr AK Sannigrahi, Sc ‘F’ Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Balasore

Shri Sanjay Pal, Sc ‘F’ Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), DelhiShri SS Arole, Sc ‘C’ Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) [R&DE(E)], Pune

Shri N Venkatesh, Sc ‘F’ Research Center Imarat (RCI), HyderabadSmt Sarvjeet Kaur, Sc ‘E’ Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), DelhiShri PK Srivastava, Sc ‘E’ Snow & Avalanche Study Estt (SASE), Chandigarh

Smt Jaya Lohani, Sc ‘C’ Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), DelhiDr Pal Dinesh Kumar, Sc ‘E’ Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh

Shri Ramesh B, Sc ‘D’ Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), AhmednagarDR

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