DRDO lab exhibition showcases indigenously developed products

[Yeti]

PUNE: Some of the indigenously developed defence systems, like the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 'Netra', remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 'Daksh', self-propelled mine-burier and mobile platform 'Sarvatra', are on display at a two-day exhibition, which opened at the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) at Dighi on Saturday.

The R&DE (E) ranks among the premier laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has been working on several key projects aimed at indigenisation of defence products and services for the Indian armed forces.

The exhibition, which will also remain open between 10 am and 5 pm on Sunday, has been organised to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the R&DE (E). It aims to provide a glimpse of the defence products to young students from various educational institutions and generate interest in the field of defence research and technologies.

Chief controller of research and development at the DRDO, S Sundaresh, inaugurated the event, which drew a fairly huge response from the student community.

The main attractions for the students were not only the UAVs and ROVs, but also different systems mounted on battle tanks and trucks, like missile launchers for Prithvi, BrahMos, Akash, Agni, Shaurya, besides the counter-mine Flail-72, inflatable shelter, 'Smart' composite bridge etc.

Admission to the exhibition is free; visitors need a valid photo-identity proof, such as a voter's card, driving-licence, PAN card, college/school identity card.

 

[Yeti]

NETRA

 

[IndoUS]

Antony thinking "I want one of those"

 

[Yeti]

It’s useful in aerial patrol; it can help soldiers gather advance intelligence and avoid ambush. A lot of times, officers tell us, that they would like to see what’s happening on the other side of the boundary wall,” said Alok Mukherjee, a scientist at the DRDO. He said the reaction to the UAV had been positive till now.

One of the concerns expressed at the exhibition last month was that it could easily be shot down. But at a height of 50 km in the sky it looks smaller than a bird and is a very difficult target to shoot at,” Mukherjee said. At a time, it can stay in air for around 30 minutes and can travel up to 2 km at a stretch.

Although the payload is a camera, now weighing 300 gm, the main aim of Netra being surveillance, Mukherjee said other payloads could also get attached, depending upon the requirement. However, he said this would increase the cost of Netra, which is now priced at around Rs 15 lakh.

“It has quick deployment time and vertical take-off and landing ability. It finds application in anti-terrorist operations, counter-insurgency in forested areas, hostage situations, border infiltration monitoring, local law enforcement operations, search and rescue operations, disaster management and aerial photography,” said Rahul Singh, director, Idea Forge.

An institute involved in the study of snow and avalanche has already placed an order for the UAV. “They want prior information on snow conditions so that they can warn their staff on the ground once an avalanche begins. Several local law enforcement agencies have also expressed keen interest,” Singh said.

 

[Yeti]

Daksh is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) which locates, handles and destroys hazardous objects safely.

It is designed to be invaluable equipment for the army, paramilitary forces and police for counter insurgency operations.

Raksha has specially designed solid rubber wheel to withstand blasts, traverse rugged terrain, climbing Stairs and Steep slope negotiation

---------- Post added at 06:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:00 AM ----------

Antony thinking "I want one of those"

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