CONTENTS

DRDO: An Overview 4
Organisational Structure 4
Budget 4
Project Categories 4
Systems Inducted by Services 5
DRDO Partners and Linkages 5
Aeronautical Systems 7
Aeronautical Development Agency 7
Aeronautical Development Establishment 8
Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment 10
Centre for Air Borne Systems 11
Gas Turbine Research Establishment 12
Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification 13
Armaments 15
Armament Research and Development Establishment 15
Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety 17
Proof and Experimental Establishment 22
Combat Vehicles and Engineering 26
Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment 26
Defence Terrain Research Laboratory 30
Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) 30
Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment 35
Vehicles Research and Development Establishment 36
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 41
Defence Avionics Research Establishment 41
Defence Electronics Application Laboratory 43
Defence Electronics Research Laboratory 45
Instruments Research and Development Establishment 47
Laser Science and Technology Centre 49
Electronics and Radar Development Establishment 50
LIFE SCIENCES 53
Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory 53
Defence Food Research Laboratory 54
Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research 55
Defence Institute of High Altitude Research 56
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences 57
Defence Institute of Psychological Research 58
Defence Research and Development Establishment 60
Defence Research Laboratory 62
Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences 62
MATERIALS 65
Defence Laboratory 65
Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory 67
Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment 69
MICROELECTRONICS, DEVICES AND COMPUTATIONAL SYSTEMS 73
Microelectronics and Devices 73
Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group 73
Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre 76
Solid State Physics Laboratory 78
Computational Systems 81
Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotic 81
Scientific Analysis Group 82
MISSILE SYSTEMS 85
Advanced Systems Laboratory 85
Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences 86
Defence Research and Development Laboratory 87
Integrated Test Range 91
Research Centre Imarat 91
Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory 95
Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses 99
NAVAL SYSTEMS 102
Naval Materials Research Laboratory 102
Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory 105
Naval Science and Technological Laboratory 107
CORPORATE INITIATIVES 110
E-Governance 110
Extramural and Sponsored Research 111
Human Resource 112
Industry Interface 112
Rajbhasha 113
Vigilance and Security 113
Women Empowerment 113
Conclusion 114
Citizen’s Charter 114

3
MISSILE SYSTEMS

84
 MISSILE SYSTEMS

D RDO has been working assiduously in the development and delivery of strategic and tactical
missile systems for the Armed Forces. DRDO has developed a family of missiles ranging from
the strategic Prithvi and Agni to the tactical family of Akash—a medium-range air defence SAM, and
third generation top-attack anti-tank missile Nag. Ambitious efforts in development of a Ballistic Missile
Defence (BMD) programme have resulted in successful interception tests, both in endo- and exo-
atmospheric modes, making India one of the few elite nations with this cutting-edge technology. Missile
development programme has given the country a range of technologies driven by the sheer breadth of
platform requirement—from ship- and underwater- launched to ground- and air-launched, which have
resulted in a multitude of technologies, viz., re-entry vehicle structure, twin-engine liquid propulsion,
stabilisation and launch from moving platform, autonomous navigation, pre-fragmented and sub-
munition warheads, to name a few.The following laboratories are in the missile cluster:

 Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad

 Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad
 Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
 Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
 Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad
 Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
Each missile laboratory manages different technologies and projects. For example, DRDL handles
technologies like system design, precision fabrication, flight structures, aerodynamics, liquid ramjet
and scramjet propulsions, and projects like Akash, LRSAM, Nag, PJ-10, and Astra, etc. RCI tackles
technologies like control, guidance, integration, checkout, power supplies, and seeker head, etc.,
as well as project like MRSAM, Prithvi 1, Prithvi 2, Dhanush, and Air Defence, etc. Similarly, ASL
oversees technologies related to solid propulsion, composites and is the nodal laboratory responsible
for the developments of long-range surface-to-surface missiles like Agni 1, Agni 2, Agni 3, etc. Brief
achievements of each lab in brief are given below.

Advanced Systems Laboratory

Advanced Systems Laboratory is the centre of excellence in missile technologies leading to the
development of strategic weapon systems with global strike capability. Its mission is to design, develop,
and induct long-range missiles, Agni series, through high performance propulsion systems, advanced
composites, and high accuracy avionics.

Core Competencies
Design, analysis, and development of:

 Solid Propulsion: Propellant processing, design of solid rocket motor, testing and validation of
rocket motors, thrust vector control systems
 Advanced Composites: Polymer composites, high-temperature composites, ceramic composites,
nano-composites, non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies
 Aerospace Mechanisms: Ultra-low shock staging system, soft pay-load release mechanisms,
aircraft spin-recovery mechanisms, large booster ignition systems, air crew escape system.

Notable Achievements

Agni Programme
India’s Intercontinental surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni 5, capable of delivering different

85
warheads with high precision, was successfully launched in a repeat of the spectacular maiden launch
last year. This second launch of long range Agni 5 has been conducted to prove the consistency of
performance of all sub-systems from open rail mobile launcher. First missile ejection test was successfully
conducted from full-scale canister which proved cold launch capability for Agni 5 from actual Road Mobile
Launcher (RML). This test was conducted from facility identified for production of Agni missiles. The test
met all mission requirements. Deliverable missiles have been realised for Agni 1, Agni 2 and Agni 3 as
per Services requirements. Flight trials have been conducted successfully for Agni 1, Agni 2, Agni 3, Agni
5 and MET (MA5-01).

Propulsion Systems
Preliminary design has been completed for Stage-1 Composite (S1C) motor, propulsion systems
of all stages for A1P, Agni 4 (Mk-II), etc. Single gas generator has been tested for Agni 5 canister
launch application and launch dynamic model has been validated. Some new technologies, viz., thrust
termination, steam gas generator, etc., in the areas of propulsion, are now being taken up by the
laboratory.

Progress on Composites
Large monolithic SiC motors were designed and realized for future projects to reduce the missile
weight. Acceptance testing is under progress. Grid-stiffened air frame structures for Agni class of missiles
have been designed and realised for future missiles. Composite rocket motor has been fabricated using
high-strength resin system and demonstrated factor of safety by conducting burst test. Composite
canister realisation is under progress for Agni 5 with facilities created within ASL. After qualification
testing of indigenous composite canister for PJ-10, two missile launches were successful with this
canister. Qualifications testing of F1 section and radome for PJ-10 have been successfully conducted.
Canister for Agni 4 has been designed with composite and metal. A fully automated inspection system
based on air-coupled ultrasonic technique for Agni 5 canister is being developed.

Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences

Center for High Energy Systems and Sciences is a new unit which has started functioning from
April 2013. It has been assigned a highly challenging mandate to exclusively pursue the design, system
engineering, integration, field operation, and operationalisation of highly sophisticated deployable
Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems based on High Power Laser (HPL) and High Power
Electromagnetic/Microwaves (HPEM) with multi-shot operation and rapid re-targeting capability to meet
the tactical and strategic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

Notable Achievements
86
100 kW Class Directed Energy Laser Weapon System
DRDO 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.

Experimental Technology Modules for Directed Energy Laser Systems

Preliminary optical design of beam-directing channel, sensor modelling, preliminary opto-mechanical
design and model analysis of beam directed channel have been completed. Design of 35 cm (dia.) beam-
directing channel and laser lethality experiments are being initiated.

Defence Research and Development Laboratory

Defence Research and Development Laboratory is involved in design and development of various
types of tactical missile systems. The Laboratory has been instrumental in R&D of Akash, a medium
range Surface-to-Air Missile system; Nag, a third-generation top-attack ATGM system; Astra, a
Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile system and Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM).

Core Competencies
 Design and development of Tactical Missile Systems—MRSAM; short range quick reaction SAM;
anti-tank; land- air- surface- and sub-surface launched missiles against ships and land targets in
supersonic cruise mode
 Guided weapon system modeling and simulation
 Liquid/Solid/Ramjet propulsions, supersonic combustors
 Aerodynamic/aero thermal design and testing of aerospace structures
 Command control communication
 Precision aerospace engineering products
 System integration and checkout
 Computational fluid dynamics
 Hypersonic research.
 Down-range instrumentation including airborne telemetry systems, instrumentation for ship-launched
missions.
 Communication for mission networking.

Notable Achievements

Akash Missile System

Akash, a medium-range (25 km) SAM system is under continuous production and
induction in to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. The total production order value
of Akash Missile System (AMS) for Indian Air Force and Indian Army is of the order of
` 19,500 Cr. A path was created for continuous production, inspection, testing, delivery, and induction
of AMS in Indian Armed Forces for the first time in the country. Out of ` 19,500 Cr order equipment
worth ` 1,500 Cr have already been produced and delivered to Indian Air Force. For Indian Army, 33
equipment worth about ` 300 Cr have been realised and ready for delivery after limited validation trials
and weapon system integration trials.

87
 Akash millile system

AMS for Indian Air Force: Production of two squadrons of AMS consisting of two central acquisition
radars, two squadron control centres, four flight-le el radars, 16 launchers and 96 Akash missiles
with associated ground support systems have been inducted into the Indian Air Force. The system is
fully operational and is being used by the Indian Air Force in internal exercises. The performance and
functionality of AMS under intense EW environment was verified in EW trials

AMS for Indian Army: First of production models was configured, engineered, and realised on high
mobility Tatra vehicle chassis for the Indian Army. Deliverable version of mobile telemetry system
has been successfully realised for the first time. All these equipment have undergone rigorous quality
checks and have successfully completed roadability trials. Weapon system integration trials of Akash
Army AMS have also been conducted through helicopters sorties and the system is ready for firing
trials. These will be delivered to Indian Army after validation flight trials

New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile

New generation anti-radiation missile (NGARM) is an air-launched missile designed for destroying
a variety of radar targets on the ground. It is planned to have an interception range of 15-100 km and
launch altitudes of 100 m to 15 km from Su-30 MKI aircraft. NGARM will home onto and destroy the
radar emitters without any input from the aircraft. The guidance is primarily based on the radar emission
received by the onboard passive homing guidance. It has the capability to discriminate the target of
interest among a number of emitters available in the field-of-view. The missile has a warhead which can
cause damage to the target radars, triggered by laser proximity fuze. The missile is required to operate
in two modes of operation, namely Lock-on-Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-on-After Launch (LOAL)
modes. PDR of sub-systems and mission review of the project is complete. Rocket motor fabrication is
in advanced stage. Hardware fabrication and wind tunnel testing has also been initiated.

Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile Astra

Astra is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) being developed to engage and
destroy highly manoeuvering supersonic aerial targets. This weapon system is intended for platforms
like SU-30 MKI, Mirage 2000 and LCA being developed by DRDO.

Air-to-air missile ‘Astra’

88
 Successful completion of Captive Flight Trials (CFT-II) proved the avionics interfacing of Astra with
Su-30 MKI. Four sorties of the aircraft with missiles were conducted by the Aircraft Systems and Testing
Establishment (ASTE) of the Indian Air Force from 2 Wing AFS. A total of 16 successful simulated
launches have been carried out to evaluate the various technologies and radar accuracies. A new Astra
launcher has also been designed and developed to suit blast-tube configuration of Astra for use on Su-
30 MKI. Two Astra metric missiles for CFT-III trials were realised along with airworthy OBC, PSRU and
data link receiver. Mk-II propulsion system is under development for Astra. The CFT-III trials were held
subsequently.

Long-Range Surface-to Air Missile

Long-Range SAM (LRSAM) is a joint development programme of DRDO, Indian Navy, and Israel
Aerospace Industries (IAI). It has a range of 70 km using dual-pulse rocket motor and active radar
seeker in terminal phase and inertial/mid-course update for guidance. The weapon system would
provide a point and area defence for three P15 A ships of Indian Navy against vast variety of aerial
threats including fighter aircraft, subsonic and supersonic missiles, etc

Long range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM)

Home-on-Target (HOT) flight tests with fully integrated missile in flight configuration were conducted
and post-flight analysis was carried out. Weapon control system, radar (MFSTAR), vertical launch unit
for two ships have been delivered. System mounting/installation onboard first ship has been completed.
Production transfer plan have been finalised

Supersonic Cruise Missile BrahMos

This is a universal missile capable of being launched from multiple platforms based on land, sea,
sub-sea, and air against both sea and land targets. BrahMos has a range of 290 km with a speed of
more than 2.8 Mach. Different versions of BrahMos missiles have been deployed on naval warships
and mobile complexes for the Indian Navy and Indian Army. BrahMos has undergone successful flight
trials from Pontoon (underwater) and Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL). Test firings from INS Teg
and INS Tarkash destroyed the target with precision. The weapon systems have already been installed
on four ships and are progressively being installed on six more ships. Indian Army has carried out
regular practice firing for operationalising the second regiment. Qualification testing of F2 section (2
nos.), manufacturing using indigenous material and 100 per cent structural testing of F1 section (1 no.)
has been completed. Static test of indigenously developed High Thrust Motor (HTM) was successfully
conducted.Development of thermo-stable fuel (CEL-16) for ramjet engine operation (T-6 equivalent)
and static testing of the fuel at various Air/Fuel (A/F) ratios were completed.Tests for two indigenous
warheads (live) were also done.

89
 BrahMos

Anti-Tank Guided Missile

Nag is a 3rd generation ATGM with Fire and Forget and Top Attack capabilities. It is deployed on
a specially modified ICV BMP-2 vehicle called Namica. Nag has performed satisfactorily against static
and moving targets up to a range of 4 km during nominal operational conditions. Two prototypes of
an improved seeker based on higher resolution detector have been developed and Seeker Evaluation
Trials (SET) in stand-alone mode, have been successfully carried out over the entire diurnal cycle,
along with the User (Indian Army).

HELINA
HELINA is a 7+ km third-generation ATGM for Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The critical
sub-systems have been realised for the missile system and the flight performance evaluated through
ground flight trials. The autonomous ballistic test has also been conducted from ALH. The land-to-
land preliminary trials of HELINA were carried out during which the missile hit the target successfully.
Three booster rocket motors are being prepared for integrations for flight trials. Missiles integration for
flight trials HE-13, HE-14, and HE-15 is in progress. Helicopter trials of HELINA Fire Control System
(FCS) were completed and the results are satisfactory. Propulsion systems have been realised,
successfully re-designed and tested for HELINA. Flight trials with the reconfigured missile system
was conducted which proved the redesigned propulsion, aerodynamic and control performances. The
repeat control performance and LOBL guided performance at 7 km have been established proving the
7 km LOBL capability of the missile.

Anti-tank guided missile ‘Helina’

Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

Cylindrical Shroud Assembly (L2) Panel Opening Mechanism: Design and development of FLSC-
based configuration for Cylindrical Shroud Assembly (L2) section is completed, and four sets of
hardware have been realised. Tests for L2 have proved L2 panel separation mechanism.

90
 L2 panel opening mechanism test (static)

LV-CV Separation Mechanism: Pyro pusher re-design has been completed and hardware is being
realized.

Scramjet Combustor Development: Cruise vehicle tip-to-end CFD simulation capability has been
established and positive thrust margin (T-D) of the flight is obtained

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Propulsion Technology

Project Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) was started in May 2013 with the objective of developing
state-of-the-art SFDR propulsion technology, which can operate at varying altitudes and speeds. The
development and demonstration of SFDR propulsion system is a joint venture of DRDO and Russia.

Integrated Test Range

Integrated Test Range is involved in the performance evaluation of various classes of rockets
and missiles and operation and maintenance of range instrumentation and launch complexes. ITR
has made significant efforts to achieve self-reliance in Range Technology and has state-of-the-art
critical technology to support launching of advanced missiles systems and air defence systems. It has
successfully supported major missions like Agni, Prithvi, BrahMos, Dhanush, Air-to-Air Defence (AAD
and PAD), Trishul, Akash, Nag, Astra, Sudarshan, as well as minor missions of PTA, Digital PTA,
Pinaka, ODAB, Smerch, WHTV and other User trials of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Core Competencies

 World-class test range for test and evaluation of rockets, missiles and weapon systems

Notable Achievements

Missions and Technology Completed

DRDO
Mission Nirbhay, MLPGM, Abhyas, Agni
Indian Army
CLGM, OSA-AK-M, Prithvi , CLMDP
ODAB (Aparajit-VII), ODAB-XX, ODAB (Centaur-III), ODAB-XXI
Pinaka, Pinaka (Mk-II), Pinaka (ET Fuze), ASB glide

Indian Navy
BrahMos, Dhanush

Research Centre Imarat

Research Centre Imarat is a centre of technological excellence in guided missile systems including
a number of frontline technologies. It provides avionics packages for all missiles systems.

91
Core Competencies
 Design and development of sub-systems for surface-to-surface, surface-to-air missile, air Defence
systems, and air-launched smart bombs
 Design, fabrication, testing of inertial and other navigation systems
 Design and production of onboard computers with missile avionics interface and mission software
 Design, development, and productionisation of fibre optic gyroscope (FOG) and ring laser gyro
(RLG) sensors
 Design, fabrication, and production of control systems—Electro-hydraulic, pneumatic, and
mechanical actuators and elements like servo and solenoid valves
 Micro-electronics for MICs used in control guidance units of missile
 Design and development of Imaging Infra Red (IIR) seekers, Radio Frequency (RF) seekers
 Comprehensive Hardware-in-Loop Simulation (HILS) technologies
 MEMS-based technology and microsystems
 Precision engineering technology for fabrication of components
 Ground system engineering and integration with missile systems

Notable Achievements

Interceptor Missiles
Interceptor missiles are being developed by DRDO as a strategic weapon against nuclear missile
attacks. There are two major types of interceptor missiles being developed to neutralise the ballistic
missiles threat. Programme conducted six endo-atmospheric interceptor trials and two exo-atmospheric
interceptor flight trials successfully. The interceptors and C4I systems developed under the programme
have undergone real-time evaluation during the flight trials. The deliverable configurations of the
interceptor missiles are under development. The Phase I development presently aims at 2000 km
class of threats. Under Phase-II, the hypersonic interceptors are planned to meet the 5000 km class of
missiles threats.

Air to air defence

Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile

Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) is one of the major mission-mode programmes
taken up by DRDO as joint development programme with IAI, Israel. Design of the various sub-systems
and major elements like combat management systems, missile launcher LBMFSTAR (Long-range
Detection and Tracking Radar), have been completed. Realisation of hardware of various elements of
the system is under progress and in an advanced stage. Radar cooling system has been developed
and qualified. The system is under development

92
Precision Guided Munitions
Captive flight test was held at Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Lock-on-after-launch algorithms and transfer
alignment have been proved.

Precision guided munitions

Navigation Systems
RLG-based INS along with MEMS-based reduntant INS were flight tested in A5-02. RINGS-16
system were developed and delivered for PDV, AD target and Prahar missions. RINGS-16 system with
MINGS has been developed for Nirbhay. FINGS units were delivered for CT of Astra and flight tested
in smart bombs. INS based on MEMS sensors was devleoped for Gruthma and Nirbhay. Navigation
system for ship applications has been developed, is being qualified and production will commence
soon.

Rings-16 Smart-INS Ship-INS

Ring Laser Gyros

RLG of 0.01º/h class have been produced and flight-tested in Agni 5 and Agni 4 missions successfully
meeting all mission requirements. RLG of 0.006º/h class have been produced, integrated, and tested
to meet the ship navigation requirements. RLG of 0.0006º/hr class have also been produced and under
testing at unit level for submarine applications.

Ring Laser gyros

Integrated Fibre Optic Gyroscope

Wide dynamic range miniaturised 3-axes closed-loop FOG of 1 deg/h class and range up to 1000
deg/s were developed indigenously. Critical components and technologies like sensor coil, Multi-function
Integrated Optic Chip (MIOC), Polarisation Maintaining Directional Coupler (PMDC), polarisation
maintaining fibre, fibre-laser, and PIN diode have also been developed indigenousl

Control Actuation System

Electro-Hydraulic Actuation System (actuator and controller) have been successfully flown in Agni
1, 2, 3, 4 and Agni 5 flights and P-II, Dhanush and AAD targets. Electro-Pneumatic Actuation System
for Akash and Pneumatic Mobile Checkout System have also been realised.

Electro-Mechanical Actuation System (EMAS): Successfully flown in SF&D (Agni 2, 3, 4 and Agni
5). Successfully flight tested for programme AD in AAD missions. Successfully static-tested for PDV
(TVC). Successfully flight-tested in Gruthma and Nirbhay. Rotary Electro Mechanical Actuator (REMA)
successfully flown in three Astra Flights

93
Electro Hydraulic Servo Valve (EHSV): 160 nos. produced at Centre for Aerospace Products (CAP)
for Prithvi and Agni variants, VSSC-PSLV, GSLV, RLV in their space programme and for HAL-Kiran,
ADA, NPOL, GTRE, R&D Engineers.

(A) REMA; B) EMAS; (C) EHSV

Imaging Infra-Red Seeker

High resolution seekers based on 320 × 256 long wave infra-red Focal Plane Array (FPA) and
384×288 medium wave infra-red FPA have been realised. Integration of 128×128 LWIR FPA-based
seekers into PDV missiles for Air Defence Application is in final stages. Captive flight trials have
been conducted for establising the terminal guidance of long-range missiles against fixed targets.
Development of 640 × 512 MWIR FPA-based seeker and a miniature seeker has been initiated.

IIR seeker

RF Seeker
MMW Seeker: Configuration for LOAL operation has been completed and proven in HILS. Interfaces
with OBC, INS and Telemetry were successfully established. Flight trial of PGM seeker range and
angle tracking was established in MI-8 helicopter. Seeker is under productionisation for ATL.

MMW seeker

ARSEEK: DSP-based active radar seeker was fully integrated and evaluated successfully.

High Dynamic Range Altimeter: Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radio Altimeter
was successfully test flown in helicopter trials

Project Astra: AGAT seeker was integrated with missile and flight tested in December 2012. Two
seekers were tested successfully with AIR targets. Indigenous development of Ku band seeker to
replace non-ToT modules of AGAT seeker is under progress. ToT from M/s AGAT, Russia to M/s BEL
have been initiated for realisation of Ku-band seeker.

Anti-ship Seeker: Design and development of anti-ship seeker is under progress.

AESA Seeker: TR module class MEMS Phase Shifter integration is under progress.

Electro Magnetics
Radio Proximity Fuse: ADRPF is successfully test flown in two AAD flight trails. RPF designed for

94
Astra is successfully test flown in ASG13

High Power Electromagnetic Technology: Phase-III of the Project E11U, for the demonstration of
Ultra Wide Band-High Power Electromagnetic Technology has been completed. 200 kV pulser and the
antenna are developed and integrated and an electric field of 240 kV/m @ 1m is achieved. Sensors for
the measurements and diagnostics are developed.

Radome Development Technology (Slipcast Fused Silica): Slip casting, sintering, and machining
technology have been established. 05 nos. of radomes of Astra size are now being developed.

Data Link, Telemetry and Special Purpose Electronics

The data link system has been successfully used in AD, Astra and HELINA missile development
programme/projects. An integrated telemetry system comprising SCP, PCM encoder and transmitter
has been developed for Astra mission and is ready for induction. Telemetry systems consisting of
sensors, transducers, signal conditioning units, pulse code modulators, transmitters and antennae
have been developed successfully and delivered for Agni 5, Agni 4, Astra and AAD missions.
Transponder systems have been developed in the S and C band. Development of a miniaturised
pulse code modulator supporting inputs varying from purely analog, discrete events, digital buses
which include MIL-Std 1553, RS 422 and ARINC is completed.

Data link, telemetry & special purpose electronics

Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory

Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory facilitates basic and applied research in the fields of high
explosives, detonics and shock waves, evolving data and design parameters for new armament stores
and assesses terminal effects of ammunition under indigenous development or of foreign origin. It also
undertakes testing of a number of products for the Armed Forces, viz., body armour, BPJ etc.

Core Competencies
 Development, production, processing, and characterisation of different high explosive compositions
 Applied research on detonics and high-pressure shock compression of materials
 Blast evaluation of armament ammunition in free air, underground and underwater explosions, and
quantitative evaluation of blast protective systems
 Design and development of shaped charges and explosive-formed penetrators for anti-tank, anti-
ship, and anti-submarine applications
 Performance evaluation of missile warheads and other ammunitions using instrumented range
facilities under static conditions
 Ballistics evaluation of various protective systems like body armour, vehicle armour, and helmets
against small arm ammunition
 Design and construction of baffle range
 Development of riot-control, non-lethal plastic and frangible bullets for law enforcing agencies
 Design and development of bund blasting devices
 Design and development of multi-mode hand grenades

Notable Achievements
95
Slapper Detonators
The Laboratory has developed indigenous ‘Slapper Detonator’. Instead of sensitive explosive (like
PETN) here HNS is used which is less sensitive, hence safer. Booster explosive and acceptor explosive
are separated by a nonconductive flyer sheet preve ting any direct contact between these and hence,
ensuring greater safety. It is capable of initiating highly insensitive high explosives like TATB.

Microspot Bonded Closed-End RDX-Based EBW Detonator

TBRL has developed a close end RDX-based EBW detonators to initiate high explosive. RDX has
many advantages over PETN such as better impedance matching with pad, thermally stability and
higher insensitivity than PETN.

Laser Precision Initiator

Four-point DDT (Deflagration to Detonation Transition)-based Laser initiation system has been
developed. It is a thermal-based Laser Ordnance Initiation System (LOIS), which uses CW laser
diodes of 5 W power coupled with 400/440 µm optical fibre to deliver the laser energy at target end.
The detonator has been developed using a layer of aluminium nano with HMX and firing was done
successfully with function time better than 50 µs.

Plastic-Bonded Explosives and Devices

The Laboratory has established a technology for production, processing, and fabrication of PBX
(HMX:Viton) and explosive devices based on it. These devices have been successfully evaluated for
their superior performance over case explosive devices. The PBX explosive devices have been used
for various system-related developmental trials and user trials. The new PBX have been inducted in the
weapon systems of national importance and have proved to be an effective replacement for cast meet
TNT-based explosives.

Warheads for Anti-Ballistic Missiles

A Multi-EFP warhead with two layers of liners has been developed and tested against multi-layer
Simulated Target Missile (STM). The warhead was detonated with Electronic Safety and Arming
Mechanism (ESAM) developed by the Laboratory. The warheads for the following two purposes were
developed by the laboratory:

Warhead for AAD Missile: The warhead based on multi-EFP concept has been selected for use in AAD endo-
atmospheric Interceptor missile. This warhead has been successfully developed and tested in flight trials.

Trial setup for performance evaluation of warheads

STM model after trial

96