ARDE developes hi-tech system for LCA

The advanced system is such that it requires mere milliseconds for performing the functions of ejecting the pilot safely out of the aircraft in case of a crash. In the earlier conventional systems, the whole canopy flies off and could possibly cause more injury to the pilot. However, in this system, only a certain portion of the canopy which is line charged gets severed sothat the injury to the pilot is minimised.

Divulging details, Dr K S Rajgopal, head of the weapons systems revealed that the system can be initiated from outside by using external initiator. The initiator generates a detonation wave. The wave is transmitted in a totally contained manner to line charge pasted along the canopy peripherally whereby the bubble is cut peripherally, can be discharged and the pilot can be rescued. Similar principles are applied on the ground egress system where hot gas is tapped from the seat ejection generates a detonation wave for the pilot’s rescue.

Joint director of ARDE, Commodore A Rangabhashya, revealed that the advanced sea mines have also been developed here. The small mines are used by divers who fix these onto the enemy ship to destroy them.

Dr Rajgopal who mentioned that the ARDE played an important role in developing the requirements for the Navy and Air Force revealed that advanced bombs had been developed ranging from 100 kg to 500 kg which could be fitted ontothe wings of the aircraft in a totally indigenous manner. So far, the establishment has succeeded in developing the 250 kg and 450 kg for carriage at great heights.

According to Dr Salwan, the process of technology transfer was completed to ordnance factories and steps were being taken for work on sensor fuzers which are lighter and more effective.

Commenting on the progress of the smart munitions, Dr Salwan said that the Army chief Gen Ved Prakash Malik had recently visited the establishment and had expressed his satisfaction over the systems. The technical trails for the systems are already complete and field and user trials are expected to be completed by July 1999. The smart munitions also known as intelligent systems hone onto targets by themselves reducing the possibility of risk.

In reply to a query, Dr Salwan replied that sanctions imposed in the wake of the recent nuclear tests had not affected any of the project which have been slightly `delayed’ but were not shelved. The scientific advisor tothe defence minister has not granted any extension on the projects of ARDE of 1998-99, he said.