A new year for DRDO
Posted on: 11:28 AM IST Feb 04, 2014 IST
GEEK AT LARGE
Saurav Jha
Right folks, it is the beginning of the year (well, we are still in the first quarter at least) and 'Geek at Large' has decided to take a look at what we can expect from the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in the coming period. In the first quarter of this year itself we are likely to see the first ever test of the Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from a canister and may also see the official unveiling of the K-4 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The Nirbhay Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) is also set be tested for a second time soon. However, this post will focus on other programs that are just as significant for national security as the above.
India's internal security environment has got better in recent times. Nevertheless, beyond improvements in tactics and training there is a need to leverage new technology to completely defang asymmetric warfare strategies being used by insurgents on Indian soil. It is here that DRDO's 'Divya Chaksu' program becomes significant given that under its aegis, sensors especially useful for providing situational awareness in low intensity warfare environments are being developed. Most significant among these are indigenous versions of foliage penetrating Radar (FOPEN), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and through wall detection radar (TWDR).
FOPEN mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or even ground based platforms obviously makes a lot of sense given that Indian forces often have to undertake counter-insurgency operations in wooded areas. A rugged militarized GPR will prove rather significant in detecting tunnels and the counter-IED fight. TWDRs are naturally quite useful in built-up areas to locate targets hiding behind concrete structures. These systems are of course already available from companies abroad but cost and security considerations ordain that indigenous development and production be pursued.
The electronic warfare realm will be further bolstered in 2014 when India's first dedicated electronic intelligence satellite, CCI-SAT will be lofted into space by a PSLV. CCI-SAT could well augment the joint Signal Intelligence Directorate - DRDO program 'Divya Dhrishti' which is an extensive electronic support measures (ESM) network consisting of some 12 ground stations connected via satellite along India's borders and has the capability to detect otherwise difficult to detect aircraft. Of course CCI-SAT is more oriented towards picking up signals from enemy communication networks. Incidentally, developments in the field of multi-static radars are on the anvil as well.
2014 may also see forward movement in the area of directed energy weapons with Indian efforts in the arena of solid state lasers being unveiled. Much work has already been done in the field of gas dynamic laser(GDL) and chemical oxygen iodine lasers (COIL). For instance enclosed below(see Fig I) is the 'solid model' of a 25 kilowatt (KW) vehicle mounted GDL developed by DRDO's Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC) that has been successfully tested against airborne in the past. The auto laser pointing system used on this 'transportable' GDL originally belongs to a 100 KW GDL. Solid state systems with 20 per cent laser efficiency have also been developed.
Perhaps a future LASTEC developed free electron laser (which are also being researched) could be miniaturized enough to fit the Rustom-2 UAV (see fig 2 below) which will soon take to the skies for the first time. A future post at 'Geek at large' will detail some of the engine options for this UAV which has been designed to fly at 30,000 feet with an endurance of up to 35 hours putting it in the medium altitude long endurance (MALE) category.
Saurav Jha's Blog : A new year for DRDO
DEW's Programme Update -
DRDO has confirmed that it has recently undertaken a project for the development of a self-contained HMV-mounted laser weapon system for detection/tracking and physical destruction of UAVs up to a range of 5 km under normal environmental conditions.
Preliminary system design architecture and technology gaps have been identified and efforts are being made for international collaborations for fast-track development in the project.
100 kW Class Directed Energy Laser Weapon System is very powerful Laser which DRDO is developing said Defence Expert Vinayak Shetty when he first heard about it and it will have ability to take down much more then UAV’s thanks to such a powerful Laser said Shetty. he further explained that only Last year U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin to design, build and test a 60-kilowatt electric laser to be integrated and tested in a truck-mounted weapon system demonstrator which will have ability to counter rockets, artillery, mortars and unmanned aerial threats.
Chinese companies recently developed a powerful anti-drone laser for use in urban areas. 10 kilowatt lasers has ability to target mini-UAVs like quad copters and hand launched drones which could be used by terrorists to scout out attacks, or act as impromptu bombers on Urban areas. Laser has a range of 2km and a 50 metre altitudes.
US Navy is currently fielding the Laser Weapons System (LaWS), a 15-50kW laser on board USS Ponce which is an Austin-class amphibious transport dock of the United States Navy which has ability to target drones and enemy missiles .
From the Indian Defence Expo 2014 -
DRDO's Counter IED 1 KW Laser - enables remote disposal of surface laid unexploded ordnances, mines, directional mines and IEDs. The laser is mounted on a Light Security Vehicle made by TATA Motors. The system’s effective range is 30-250 meters. The smaller aperture adjacent to the main laser unit is a rangefinder, designed to determine the exact distance to target. The system also employs a target sighting camera.
Range 50 to 250 meters
xposting
@Chanakya's_Chant