Business Line : Industry & Economy News : Aeronautical engineers on a high after three successful missions in April
HYDERABAD, APRIL 30:
April is the cruellest month, said the famous poet T.S. Eliot.
But for Indian aeronautical engineers, April 2012 will go down as a great month, says the Chief of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dr V.K. Saraswat.
The reason is a hat-trick achieved by the country's aerospace community. The launch of Agni V, the longest range ballistic missile, followed by the placing of RISAT-1 satellite in orbit and finally, the success of the naval version of the Tejas (LCA).
These events have clearly demonstrated the maturing of technological and industrial capabilities in these areas. The success in the maiden flight trial of Agni-V and the enviable record of perfect launches (nearly 20 in a row), by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, are fitting examples of the expertise, Dr Saraswat told a gathering of technologists and industry representatives under the Aeronautical Society of India, Hyderabad chapter.
Agni-V has given the country the maximum strategic deterrence required at present. The RISAT-1, dramatically improves the imaging of the country's resources, both during day and night. The LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), will be inducted into the Indian Air Force, by end of 2012, he said to big applause.
A total of 1,855 hours of flying has been completed by the LCA. The naval version will be force multiplier and add more strength to the country's defences.
However, if you look at the demands in the next 25-30 years, the country's aeronautics capability at present will be only 30 per cent of the need. Therefore, the community faces a big challenge ahead, both in terms of technology development and mass production. Our problem at present is producing these products in large numbers, the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister told newspersons at a news conference that followed.
There is an immediate requirement of 400-500 engineers to accelerate our programmes and development. The DRDO is trying to recruit several young engineers and scientists to push their projects. The Agni-V, has seen a big role played by people between 30-40 years, Dr Saraswat added.
soma@thehindu.co.in
HYDERABAD, APRIL 30:
April is the cruellest month, said the famous poet T.S. Eliot.
But for Indian aeronautical engineers, April 2012 will go down as a great month, says the Chief of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Dr V.K. Saraswat.
The reason is a hat-trick achieved by the country's aerospace community. The launch of Agni V, the longest range ballistic missile, followed by the placing of RISAT-1 satellite in orbit and finally, the success of the naval version of the Tejas (LCA).
These events have clearly demonstrated the maturing of technological and industrial capabilities in these areas. The success in the maiden flight trial of Agni-V and the enviable record of perfect launches (nearly 20 in a row), by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, are fitting examples of the expertise, Dr Saraswat told a gathering of technologists and industry representatives under the Aeronautical Society of India, Hyderabad chapter.
Agni-V has given the country the maximum strategic deterrence required at present. The RISAT-1, dramatically improves the imaging of the country's resources, both during day and night. The LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), will be inducted into the Indian Air Force, by end of 2012, he said to big applause.
A total of 1,855 hours of flying has been completed by the LCA. The naval version will be force multiplier and add more strength to the country's defences.
However, if you look at the demands in the next 25-30 years, the country's aeronautics capability at present will be only 30 per cent of the need. Therefore, the community faces a big challenge ahead, both in terms of technology development and mass production. Our problem at present is producing these products in large numbers, the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister told newspersons at a news conference that followed.
There is an immediate requirement of 400-500 engineers to accelerate our programmes and development. The DRDO is trying to recruit several young engineers and scientists to push their projects. The Agni-V, has seen a big role played by people between 30-40 years, Dr Saraswat added.
soma@thehindu.co.in
