Arthashastra - Indian Defense & Space

Top 10 UAV's 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 19:59:00 +0000

1. SHADOW HAWK

Manufacturer : Vanguard Defense Industries
Country : USA

The ShadowHawk® can fly day-after-day, night-after-night, in adverse weather conditions, for up to 3 hours at a time, on an accurate flight path, under computer control. The ShadowHawk® can be airborne within minutes of mission authorization.

2. MQ 1 PREDATOR

Manufacturer : General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Country: USA

The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by General Atomics and used primarily by the United States Air Force (USAF) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Initially conceived in the early 1990s for reconnaissance and forward observation roles, the Predator carries cameras and other sensors but has been modified and upgraded to carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or other munitions. The aircraft, in use since 1995, has seen combat over Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bosnia, Serbia, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia.

3. ASN 209 SILVER EAGLE

Manufacturer : ASN Technology Group

Country: China

The ASN-209 UAV System (also known as the “Silver Eagle”) is a multi-purpose UAV product developed by ASN Technology Group and designed for Medium Altitude Medium Endurance (MAME) tactical missions. Via data link and ground control subsystem, the ASN-209 UAV can perform aerial reconnaissance, battle field surveys, target location, destruction validation and artillery fire adjustment in day and night in real time. The ASN-209 UAV System consists of aircraft, airborne mission payload, GCS and launch and recovery equipment.

4. RQ 170 SENTINEL

Manufacturer : Lockheed Martin

Country: USA

The RQ-170 Sentinel nicknamed “Wraith”, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Lockheed Martin and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) for the Central Intelligence Agency. While the USAF has released few details on the UAV’s design or capabilities, defense analysts believe that it is a stealth aircraft fitted with reconnaissance equipment.

RQ-170s have been reported as having operated in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. It has been confirmed that the UAVs have operated over Pakistan and Iran; operations over Pakistan included sorties which collected intelligence before and during the operation which led to the death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011.

5. RQ-7 Shadow

Manufacturer : AAI Corporation

Country: USA

The RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used by the United States Army, Marine Corps, Australian Army and Swedish Army for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and battle damage assessment. Launched from a trailer-mounted pneumatic catapult, it is recovered with the aid of arresting gear similar to jets on an aircraft carrier. Its gimbal-mounted, digitally-stabilized, liquid nitrogen-cooled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera relays video in real time via a C-band line-of-sight data link to the ground control station (GCS).

6. RQ 11 Raven

Manufacturer : AeroVironment

Country: USA

The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is a small hand-launched remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicle (or SUAV) developed for the U.S. military, but now adopted by the military forces of many other countries.

The RQ-11 Raven was originally introduced as the FQM-151 in 1999, but in 2002 developed into its current form, resembling an enlarged FAI class F1C free flight model aircraft in general appearance. The craft is launched by hand and powered by a pusher configuration electric motor. The plane can fly up to 6.2 miles (10.0 km) at altitudes of appx 500 feet (150 m) above ground level (AGL), and over 15,000 feet (4,600 m) above mean sea level (MSL), at flying speeds of 28-60 mph (45–97 km/h).

7. nEUROn

Manufacturer : Dassault

Country: France

The Dassault nEUROn is an experimental Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) being developed with international cooperation, led by the French company Dassault Aviation. This delta wing stealth UCAV project is the final phase of the Dassault LOGIDUC 3-step stealth “combat drone” programme. Until June 2005 it had the form of the original Dassault developed Grand Duc vehicle: supersonic two-engined long-range unmanned bomber, capable of performing attacks with nuclear weapons.

Under the pressure of the international cooperation, especially from Sweden and Saab, it was transformed into a demonstrator of smaller single-engine technology. So it is now optimised for the testing of various technologies for the future UAVs and UCAVs, and will not enter serial production. It will only clear the way for a commercial product, that will use the technologies developed thanks to the nEUROn program. The full scale replica of the current configuration was unveiled at the Paris Air Show 2005.

8. Taranis

Manufacturer : BAE Systems

Country: UK

The BAE Systems Taranis is a British demonstrator program for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) technology, being developed primarily by the defence contractor BAE Systems. A semi-autonomous unmanned warplane, it is designed to fly intercontinental missions, and will carry a variety of weapons, enabling it to attack both aerial and ground targets. It will utilise stealth technology, giving it a low radar profile, and it will be controllable via satellite link from anywhere on Earth. The Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicles (Experiment) Integrated Project Team, or SUAV(E) IPT, is responsible for auditing and overseeing the project.The aircraft, which is intended to demonstrate the viability of unmanned multi-role systems, is named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis. It is planned to conduct its first flight in 2013.

9. KAI Devil Killer

Manufacturer : Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)

Country : South Korea

KAI refer to this unmanned craft as a “suicide combat unmanned air vehicle”. The purpose of the vehicle is to travel long range to a target area, loiter until commanded by the operator and then fly into the designated target and detonate. Same sort of idea as the Switchblade. Devil Killer is launched from a canister before deploying popout wings and tail surfaces. Two electric ducted fan motors either side of the rear body power the vehicle.

Devil Killer can be programmed for automatic strikes or manual control and if it can’t acquire its primary target, it can be redirected to another mission. It is expected to be deployed by 2016.

10. Switchblade

Manufacturer : AeroVironment

Country : USA

The Switchblade is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by AeroVironment. It is designed as a “kamikaze,” being able to crash into its target with an explosive warhead to destroy it. The Switchblade is small enough to be carried in a backpack and can be launched from a variety of ground and air platforms.

IAF: Falling out of the sky!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 21:52:00 +0000

All air forces have accidents, but accounts of Indian warplanes crashing on training and sortie flights have become almost everyday news. The latest incident happened on 5th March, 2015, when a SEPECAT Jaguar crashed in Haryana state - the pilot surviving after ejecting for unspecified reasons, and earlier a MiG-21 jet crashed in Gujarat on 31st January 2015 which was preceded by a MiG-27 fighter jet crash on January 27, 2015 in Rajasthan.

The main culprit is these flyblown episodes are in large part Russian made planes and especially the vintage MiG-21's, which sadly is the backbone of India's fighter fleet. The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 was conceived and developed in the early 1950's by the erstwhile Soviet Union as an interceptor, in response to the more agile and sophisticated American fighter jets. The first prototype emerged in 1954. It is generally regarded as the most prolifically produced combat supersonic jet in aviation history and had the longest production run of any combat aircraft in the world, which began in 1959 to 1985 over all variants. The pedigree of this amazing jet is impeccable.

However, the MiG-21 which is the combat backbone of the IAF for decades has seen so many accidents that it earned the ignominious sobriquet of a "Flying Coffin". An astonishing 490 MiGs, and planes of other types have crashed over the last 20 years. While over 200 IAF pilots have lost their lives during the last two decades, deaths have declined sharply over the years. IAF also operates other MiG designs such as the MiG-29 & Mig-27 and has since retired the MiG-23 & Mig-25 fighters. The loss in terms of value of aircraft and service property is assessed to be several thousand crores. That is just pouring a lot of money down the drain.

What is wrong with the MiGs?

Over the past 50 years, India has bought 976 MiG-21s, and over half of them are gone, mostly because of accidents. Other Air Force's don't fly the MiGs as much as India and ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union and with it the cold war, several flaws in the production process emerged such as poor quality control and reliability, tardy spares supply and difficulty in flying these jets caught up with the force. The once admired and feared combat jet was proving to be an expensive piece of liability.

India has about a 100 MiG-27s still operational, and all of them were grounded in 2005-6 when serious problems were discovered with the MiG-27's Russian designed engines.

While Russia does not have the reputation for making high quality equipment, they have insinuated India for poor quality production by the local industry and is not as per Russian specifications. Indian defence industry is largely controlled by state run units and it is no secret that much of the military equipment made is pretty shabby by world standards.

The delay in developing or procuring trainer aircraft is another count that has to be factored. Rookie pilots go straight from propeller driven trainer aircraft such as the antiquated HAL HPT-32 Deepak, to high performance jets like the MiG-21. This is made worse by the fact that the MiG-21 has always been a tricky aircraft to fly especially with regard to its high speed landing.

Though the Indian pilots are trained to exacting standards still the MiGs are not designed and built to be used on a regular basis during peacetime.

The MiG-21, MiG-29 and the MiG 27 aircraft are distinctly different designs, all are difficult and dangerous to fly and expensive to maintain. Over the last few years, all Indian MiG-23s were retired because of reliability and safety problems.

Note the chronology of accidents of IAF aircraft crashes in the recent past:

Jan 31, 2015: A MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Bed village in Gujarat's Jamnagar district
Jan 27, 2015: A MiG-27 fighter of the Indian Air Force crashed in Barmer on Tuesday, injuring a motorcyclist. The pilot ejected safely.
Jan 22, 2014: A Jaguar combat jet crashed near Bholasar village in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. The pilot and co-pilot ejected safely. According to defence ministry, pilots detected a technical problem while landing at Nal airport in Bikaner and ejected.
Oct 14, 2014: A Sukhoi-30 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed at a village near Pune with both the pilots ejecting to safety.
Oct 1, 2014: A Jaguar combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed while on a routine sortie from Bhuj air base but the pilot ejected safely.
Mar 28, 2014: The US-made C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft crashed near Gwalior after it took off from Agra, killing all five people on board.
Nov 8, 2013: A MiG-29 crashed near Jamnagar in Gujarat but the pilot ejected safely. The aircraft was on a routine sortie from the Jamnagar airbase.
Jul 24, 2013: A MiG-29 fighter aircraft today crashed near Lalparda village in Gujarat's Jamnagar district. The pilot ejected safely.
July 15, 2013: A MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft crashed while landing at Uttarlai airbase in Rajasthan's Barmer district, killing the pilot. The aircraft had taken off from the airbase on a routine training sortie and crashed while landing.
June 7, 2013: A MiG-21 aircraft crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district, with the pilot ejecting safely. The aircraft took off from the Uttarlai airbase and was on a routine sortie. It crashed 40 km from Barmer.
Feb 19, 2013: A Sukhoi SU-30 combat jet crashed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district but both the pilots ejected safely.
Feb 12, 2013: A MiG-27 aircraft crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district but the pilot ejected safely. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed near Allawani Ki Dhani after taking off from Uttarlai airbase.
Nov 30, 2012: A Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Mangam in North Sikkim. The pilot bailed out safely.

Top 10 Weapon Systems Developed by DRDO

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 10:16:00 +0000

The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is responsible for the development of technology for use by the Indian armed forces. In recent years it has been criticized for the delayed projects and cost over runs. Because of DRDO’s poor performance in successfully delivering weapon systems and meeting timelines country fulfill its 70% of defense needs by imports from various countries.

Apart from these criticism most of which are irrational and unfair to the part of DRDO, there are many weapon systems which were largely managed by DRDO have seen considerable success with many of the systems seeing rapid deployment as well as yielding significant technological benefits. DRDO has achieved many successes since its establishment in developing other major systems and critical technologies such as aircraft avionics, UAVs, small arms, artillery systems, EW Systems, tanks and armored vehicles, sonar systems, command and control systems and missile systems.

It is very difficult to short down top 10 weapon system developed by DRDO as it has developed so many weapon systems. Based on the technological challenges, strategic importance, defense needs and level of completion of the systems these are top 10 weapon systems developed by DRDO.

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Top 10 Weapon Systems Developed by DRDO

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1. AGNI-V - Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

Agni-V is a inter-continental Ballistic Missile with a range more than 5000 km. Agni-V is part of the Agni series of missiles. It is a solid fuelled and can be launched from a canister Tatra Truck. So It can be launched within five minutes of threat received. It can carry a nuclear war head of 1.5 tons.

This missile is the biggest achievement of DRDO and it is very important for the nuclear deterrent and strategic posturing. Agni-V would also carry MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles) payloads being concurrently developed.

With this missile in armory India can Strike any part of China and Pakistan from its territory. This missile was a result of more than 30 years research in missile technology. This missile has put India in the elite club of nations who possess Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles. This missile can be used for India’s ballistic missile defense shield.

Project Status: Under Trials

2. Light Combat Aircraft - TEJAS

This is the costliest and longest going programme of DRDO. It is a 4+ generation fighter plane developed by Aeronautical Development Agency. Tejas is a lightweight multi-role jet fighter. It is a tailless, compound delta wing design powered by a single engine. It came from the LCA programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India’s aging MiG-21 fighters.

It integrates technologies such as relaxed static stability, fly-by-wire flight control system, multi-mode radar, integrated digital avionics system, composite material structures, and a flat rated engine. It is supersonic and highly maneuverable, and is the smallest and lightest in its class of contemporary combat aircraft. Navy and trainer variant of the plane has also been developed and they have received initial operational clearance.

To keep is mind the future requirements of the country, ADA is currently working on Mark-II and Mark-III of Tejas aircraft. These versions will have 5th generation features such as stealth, upgraded avionics, modified aerodynamic designs and AESA radar.

Project Status: Initial Operational Clearance is given (IOC) for production

3. INS ARIHANT - Nuclear Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine

The Arihant class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines being built for the Indian Navy. The lead vessel of the class, INS Arihant, was first launched in 2009 and began sea trials in December 2014. Four vessels are planned and are expected to be in commission by 2023.

The Arihant-class vessels are India’s first indigenously designed and built nuclear submarine. There are only 4-5 countries have technical capabilities to developing a nuclear powered submarines. So it’s a big technical breakthrough for the development of larger submarines in the future.

Arihant has four vertical launch tubes, which can carry twelve (three per launch tube) smaller K-15 missiles or four larger K-4 missiles. The K-4 is a longer range missile (3,500 km) and it is undergoing trials. Submarine will be fitted with USHUS sonar, developed by DRDO lab, for detecting and tracking enemy submarines, surface vessels, and torpedoes and can be used for underwater communication and avoiding obstacles.

Project Status: Under See Trials

4. RUSTOM - II - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Rustom is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) being developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bangalore for the three services of the Indian Armed Forces. Rustom-II is developed by India on the lines of the American Predator drones.

I will be equipped with air to surface medium range missiles to destroy enemy targets. For target acquisition and ranging it has sophisticated Medium & Long Range Electro-Optical Payloads, Laser Ranger Finders with high resolution and precision stabilized platforms.

Rustom-II is equipped with various advanced technologies and systems which includes Digital Flight Control and Navigation System, Automatic Take off and Landing, Digital communication technologies for revealing data links to control and operate the mission and relay UAVs.

Project Status: Under Trials

5. ARJUN - Main Battle Tank

The MBT Arjun is a third generation main battle tank developed by Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO lab in Chennai, for the Indian Army.

The Arjun features a 120 mm main rifled gun with indigenously developed Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot ammunition, one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm machine gun. It has a four-man crew. Automatic fire detection and suppression and NBC protection systems are included. Arjun Tank is equipped with high resolution day and night vision devices which is supported by laser range finder.

The Mark-2 of Arjun has been developed which is an advanced third generation main battle tank and an upgraded version of the Arjun main battle tank with several improvements. Its development was completed in 2 years owing to experience gained from developing the first version. The top speed of the tank would be at 60 km/hr compared to 40 km/hr in Arjun mark 1. It had outclassed the T-90 during the trials. The new variant possesses superior missile firing capabilities and can fire missiles accurately up to a range of 2 km.

Project Status: Under Production

6. BRAHMOS - Super Sonic Cruise Missile

The BrahMos has been developed as a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organization of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise of Russia under BrahMos Aerospace. The missile is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra and the Moskva.

It is the world’s fastest cruise missile in operation. The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0. The land-launched and ship-launched versions are already in service, with the air and submarine-launched versions currently in the testing phase. An air-launched variant of BrahMos( Fitted with Su-30 MKI) is planned which is expected to come out in 2016 and will make India the only country with supersonic cruise missiles in their army, navy, and air force.

A hypersonic version of the missile namely BrahMos-II is also presently under development with speed of Mach 7 to boost aerial fast strike capability. It is expected to be ready for testing by 2017.

Like the BrahMos, the range of BrahMos II has also been limited to 290 km to comply with the MTCR. With a speed of Mach 7, it will have double the speed of the current BrahMos missile, and it will be the fastest hypersonic missile in the world.

Project Status: Under Production for all the three services

7. NIRBHAY - Medium Range Subsonic Cruise Missile

Nirbhay is a long range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s premier laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bangalore. Nirbhay is an all-weather low-cost long-range cruise missile with stealth and high accuracy. The missile has a range of more than 1000 km and It can be launched from a mobile launcher. It starts flying off as a rocket and then turns into an aircraft. For that it has foldable wings.

It is capable of being launched from multiple platforms on land, sea and air and shall be inducted into Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force. In particular, Nirbhay is being adapted for the Su-30MKI. The missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The missile supplements Brahmos by delivering warheads farther than the 290 km range of Brahmos. This missile can fly at the height of a tree so its difficult to catch it by enemy radar.

The development of this missile is a breakthrugh for India as this missile is comparable to Pakistan’s Babur and USAs Tomhawk. It will be mounted on Su-30 MKI which will make the fighter planes more lethal.

Project Status: Under Trials

8. DHRUV - Advanced Light Helicopter

The Dhruv Helicopters have evolved from The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program for an indigenous 5-ton multirole helicopter was initiated in May 1979 by the Indian Air Force and Indian Naval Air Arm. HAL were given a contract by the Indian government in 1984 to develop the helicopter.

The Dhruv has become the first major Indian weapons system to have secured large foreign sales. In 2004 HAL stated that it hoped to sell 120 Dhruvs over the next eight years, and has been displaying the Dhruv at airshows.

With a unit price at least 15 percent less than its rivals, the Dhruv has elicited interest in many countries, mostly from Latin America, Africa, West Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific Rim nations. Air forces from around 35 countries have made inquiries, along with requests for demonstrations. Flight certification for Europe and North America is also been planned in order to tap the large civilian market there.

Project Status: Under Trials

9. Ballistic Missile Defence System

Prithvi Advanced Air Defence System is for engaging the targets in the exo-atmosphere region

The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence system to protect from ballistic missile attacks. It is a very ambitious and technology intensive project as this kind of capabilities are with only 2-3 countries in the world.

Introduced in light of the ballistic missile threat from Pakistan and China, it is a double-tiered system consisting of two interceptor missiles, namely the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception. The two-tiered shield should be able to intercept any incoming missile launched 5,000 kilometres away.

Advanced Air Defence System is for engaging the targets in the endo-atmosphere region

The two-tiered BMD System consists of the PAD, which will intercept missiles at exo-atmospheric altitudes of 50–80 km and the AAD missile for interception at endo-atmospheric altitudes of up to 30 km. The deployed system would consist of many launch vehicles, radars, Launch Control Centres and the Mission Control Centre. All these are geographically distributed and connected by a secure communication network.

Project Status: Under Trials

10. INSAS - Indian Small Arms System

INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) is a family of infantry arms consisting of an assault rifle and a light machine gun. It is designed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune. It is manufactured by the Ordnance Factories Board at Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli, Small Arms Factory Kanpur and Ichapore Arsenal.

Development of this rifle was a big achievement for the country as it replaced all the outdated rifles and their export was also stopped. INSAS has been included in the top 10 weapon systems developed by DRDO because of its mass induction in the services and export to various countries.

The assault rifle and LMG variants have been adopted by the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, Indian Paramilitary Forces and police forces. On the international level India has exported a certain number of these rifles to Nepal, Bhutan and Oman. About, 300,000 units are in currently use by the Indian armed forces.

Project Status: Services are Using the rifle

Dassault RAFALE - LEMON or DEMON

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 09:55:00 +0000

LEMON

There has been several hostile press on India's multi-billion dollar Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) acquisition program. Dassault Rafale after intensive testing and evaluations won the fiercely contested competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft (could go upto 200) to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Initially the Defence Ministry had allocated 82,000 Crore (US $13 billion) for the purchase of these aircraft, making it then the world's single largest military aircraft deal. The MMRCA tender was floated with the idea of filling the gap between the LCA Tejas and the much feared & revered Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter.

Clearly the RAFALE is one of the worlds most advanced new generation omni-role combat aircraft available on the market (this is what Dassault Aviation says), it is a balanced multi-role aircraft that would be able to replace/phase out several types of combat aircraft in use by the IAF. The contract has a 50 percent offset clause built into it. Which means the deal will bring considerable amount of money in French high-tech into India’s defence production sector. Complete transfer of technology is mandatory so cutting-edge knowhow can be transferred to India’s own advanced fighter program.

The Rafale, which means "gust" in French, seems like the perfect choice. The Rafale was shortlisted by the IAF because of its superior technology which fulfilled its requirement to acquire a true Multi-Role capable aircraft which include air to air missions, air to ground and air to sea interdiction Further, India's unique and dynamic geographics entails a platform to be able to perform in the most adverse of conditions which includes searing heat and dust, humidity and bitter cold of the Himalayan region. IAF favored the French as it is already well-equipped with French Mirage-2000, the Rafale is operationally and logistically very similar to its predecessor. Moreover, the Mirage’s played a decisive role during the Kargil war and the Rafale itself has seen its share of action in Afghanistan and Libya. Lest we forget, France has been India's true friend and has supported it on several international issues.

More significantly, the IAF Mirage 2000s boasts an impeccable safety record over the past 30 years.

DEMON:

Firstly, the cost of a fighter is a vital piece of information, the bill for the Rafale deal has doubled from $10.40 billion in 2009 to around $22 billion today, and this will exceed $30 billion over the years, in other words each Rafale will effectively cost approximately $238 million. That is an enormous amount of loot for a developing economy like India. Conversely, an advanced country like the UK procured the Lockheed Martin's F-35B (V/STOL) version of the stealth fighter (Vertical and/or Short Take-off and Landing) for $190 million a piece, which is clearly a full generation ahead of the Rafale. South Korea also signed a deal with Lockheed Martin to buy 40 F-35 fighter jets for about $7.06 billion which works out to roughly $177 million per unit. Japan and Israel have also inked similar deals with LM for the purchase of these stealth jets.

Additionally, cost of several secondary requirements has also to be factored along with the primary deal, these include maintenance cost, transfer of technology pricing (ToT), software source codes, flight control laws, weapons store, helmet-mounted heads-up-display and the exclusive AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar. Moreover, ToT provision in foreign defence contracts are fallacious since core technologies in reality are never transferred. HAL on the other hand is also incapable of absorbing advanced technologies as historical evidence proves that it only assembles aircraft from imported kits. This lacunae on HAL's part incidentally is the main bone of contention between the negotiating parties.

Dassault Aviation is under pressure since they haven’t been able to make a single aircraft sale outside their own country excepting Egyp. Several countries in the past have junked the deal with France which include Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore, Norway, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and even Morocco! Certainly the MMRCA deal will bring immense cheer to the program!

France is desperate to sell the fighter as absence of a substantial deal such as India's MMRCA procurement will cushion Dassault production lines from a hard landing or else it will have severe ramifications on the French aerospace industry, and as a direct result of a possible cancellation it will propel the already high price to unaffordable levels even for the French Air Force.

Rafale acquisition will further exacerbate the existing force structure and logistics nightmare routinely faced by the squadrons in operations owing to the complexity of maintaining a diversified combination of combat aircraft.

It is also alleged that France choreograph the air war strikes on Libya & Afghanistan to showcase Rafale's capabilities in a bid to influence India’s decision making process on the fighter aircraft's finalization.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the above failings renders the aircraft utterly unfit for the IAF and it will be prudent for the current dispensation to cancel this overblown deal as it would send a clear message to vested interests in the military bureaucracy, HAL & foreign firms that India cannot be taken for a ride anymore.

Finally, it is hardly outrageous to say that the Rafale in the end seems a Demon masquerading as a Lemon.

Source IDN

India's Space Shuttle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 20:22:00 +0000

ISRO's RLV-TD

INTRODUCTION:

Sriharikota Range, popularly known as SHAR is situated on an island off Sullurupeta - a small town in Nellore district, of the state Andhra Pradesh. This launch centre located at Sriharikota island, was named as Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR (SDSC, SHAR) in September 2002, in memory of Prof Satish Dhawan, who was Chairman of ISRO from 1972 to 1984. The activities at SDSC, SHAR are grouped under vehicle assembly and static test operations, range operations, liquid storage and service facilities and, solid propellant space booster plant. However, the most fascinating events that take place in this quaint location are the launches of giant rocket boosters. Unknown to many, ISRO is getting ready to launch a high tech Reusable rocket, a capability which has no players but has aspirants aplenty.

BACKGROUND:

The Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1) is an experimental spacecraft launched by ISRO in 2007, it is designed to demonstrate the capability to recover an orbiting space capsule, and the technology of an orbiting platform for performing experiments in micro gravity conditions. It was also intended to test reusable Thermal Protection System, navigation, guidance and control, hypersonic aero-thermodynamics, management of communication blackout, deceleration and flotation system and recovery operations.

The SRE-1 comprised of an aero-thermo structure, mission management unit, altitude sensors, inertial measurement unit, S-band transponder with unique belt array antenna embedded to ATS, power and electronics packages to support deceleration and flotation system. It also housed two microgravity payloads. The parachute, pyro devices, avionics packages of triggering unit and sequencer, telemetry and tracking system and sensors for measurement of system performance parameters were placed inside the SRE-1 capsule which performed flawlessly. All the above technologies will be applied in the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) experimental vehicle.

Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD):

A winged Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) has been configured to act as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies, viz., hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air breathing propulsion towards realising a Two Stage to Orbit (TSTO) fully Reusable Launch Vehicle.

Major milestones reach for the RLV-TD include:

Completion of major actions identified by the National Review Committee during the Integrated Technical Review (ITR) of hypersonic experimental flight (RLV-TD HEX-01).
Mission analyses on the design of trajectory, autopilot and guidance have been completed.
The Avionics Bay powering for the Avionics packages in the Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (TDV) was carried out through Checkout System and On-Board Checkout Computer (OBCC).
The second phase of the full scale Flush Air Data System (FADS) model was successfully tested and validated at the Wind Tunnel Facility, IIT, Kanpur with modified algorithms and recalibrated sensors.
Radar Altimeter along with antenna was also validated through a Balloon test at TATA Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad and the capability of the system has been demonstrated.
Trial assembly of Thermal Protection System for qualifying the bonding procedure and trial assembly of Booster with Interstage and TDV have been completed.
The realisation of the flight hardware and its assembly and integration is in progress. The launch of RLV-TD HEX-01 mission is planned in 2014.

FIRST DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT:

The first test flight of the RLV-TD called as RLV-TD HEX-01 (Hypersonic Flight Experiment) is expected to occur in the month of March 2015. RLV-TD alone without the Solid Booster weighs about 3 tonnes, with a diameter of about 0.56 m and a length of about 10 m. The RLV-TD will be mounted on top of a S-9 Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) which weighs about 9 tonnes.

The main objectives of this test flight are:

1 - Validating the aerodynamic design characteristics during Hypersonic flight.

2 - Characterize induced loads during the Hypersonic re-entry into the atmosphere.

3 - Recovery of the HEX vehicle from the sea.

4 - Assess the performance of the carbon fibre used in construction of the nose of the vehicle.

5 - Demonstrating First Stage separation sequencing.

RLV-TD HEX-01 is the first out of four in the series of test flights. HEX-01 stands for Hypersonic Flight Experiment.The other four tests are:

1 - LEX (Landing Experiment)

2 - REX (Return Flight Experiment)

3 - SPEX (Scramjet Propulsion Experiment)

The conventional satellite launch vehicles PSLV and GSLV are not cost effective. Hence, currently efforts are being made to develop Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). The proposed vehicle is a two stage to orbit configuration with a semi-cryogenic winged booster and a cryogenic ballistic orbiter in which the first stage will fly back to the landing site near the launch pad like a conventional aircraft. It will serve as a flying test bed to evaluate various technologies such as hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air breathing propulsion.

The S-9 Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) undergoing tests at Liquid Propulsion Systems Center

The RLV-TD will possess wings and tail fins, and will be launched atop a 9 ton solid booster called S-9, similar to the ones on the PSLV. RLV-TD is reported to be 9m long, with its wing span also measuring 9m. The RLV-TD plus the S9 Solid Rocket Booster stack will together weigh 12-ton. Following liftoff, the S-9 booster will climb to 100-km and accelerate several times the speed of sound with the RLV-TD. RLV-TD will then separate and glide down using its fin and wing controls and will land in the Bay of Bengal, close to the shore. The water landing is planned because India doesn't have a long enough runway which is more than 5 Km in length.

The next experiment would be to land the vehicle on a 2km runway after releasing it from an aircraft from a height of about 5km. The third step would be to take it to a higher altitude and try the ground landing.

SCRAMJET FLIGHT TEST:

Indian Space Research Organisation has developed a hydrogen based scramjet engine. All the ground based tests have been completed using the moderate size hypersonic wind tunnel and the conventional shock tunnel available within ISRO. The flight tests using the sounding rockets will commence shortly.

HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR VEHICLE (HSTDV):

This program is to demonstrate a scramjet engine integrated vehicle performance in autonomous mode. In addition to proving the design and performance of the scramjet engine the HSTDV will also be able to prove the associated technologies including aerodynamic design, aero-thermal design, materials and hot structures at hypersonic flight Mach numbers. The HSTDV mission involves launching the hypersonic air-breathing vehicle called Cruise Vehicle (CV) to a Mach number of 6.5 at an altitude of 30-35 km using a rocket launch vehicle. A single scramjet engine burning kerosene fuel powers the cruise vehicle for a sustained operation of 20 second duration.

Thorium as an Alternative Source of Cheap & Plentiful Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:05:00 +0000

India's Prototype Fast Thorium Breeder Reactor (PFTBR) - the 200-tonne safety vessel being lowered into the reactor vault at the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) located at Kalpakkam about 80 kilometres (50 mi) south of Chennai, India

INTRODUCTION

“Safe enough for our back yard”

Electricity is a predominant input for the economic development of any country. In spite of the impressive strides in increasing overall installed capacity in the India, the country is still facing power shortages. Options available for commercial electricity generation are hydro, thermal, nuclear and renewable sources. In the energy planning of the country, a judicious mix of hydro, thermal, nuclear and renewable is an important aspect. Diversified energy resource-base is essential to meet electricity requirements and to ensure long-term energy security. With the limited resources of coal and oil available in India and the growing global concerns of greenhouse gases generated by fossil fuel fired stations, in the medium and long-term perspective nuclear power is designated to play a vital role. For a trillion dollar plus economy, like India, increase in the nuclear generation capacity is rational and an inevitable approach as it is environmentally benign, commercially viable and ensures the energy security of the country.

Current Scenario

Post Obama’s visit to India and the clearing of the nuclear deal between India and the US, a great amount of buzz has been generated on this issue. However, the focus has thus far been on using Uranium as a source of nuclear fuel and India getting access to this source of fuel besides the nuclear reactors.

A Sample of Thorium

A couple of years back when the nuclear deal was first proposed during the UPA government’s stint in power, scientists in India vehemently opposed placing its fast breeder reactor technology under the preview of international nuclear watch dogs and pressed for focusing on Thorium based Fast Breeder Reactor technology for the future.

However, the previous UPA government followed an unwritten policy of severely downsizing both the Fast Breeder Reactor (FBT) as well as the thorium-based technology program, thereby making India dependent on foreign countries for advanced nuclear technology, this is claimed by many key scientists on condition of anonymity.

Until 2005, Indian was at the forefront of thorium based research. It is also by far the most committed nation as far as the use of thorium fuel is concerned, and no other country has done as much neutron physics work on thorium as India. The country published about twice the number of papers on thorium as its nearest competitors during each of the years from 2002 to 2006.

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) had the highest number of publications in the thorium area, across all research institutions in the world during the period 1982-2004. During this same period, India ranks an overall second behind the United States in the research output on Thorium. Analysis shows that majority of the authors involved in thorium research publications appear to be from India.

Illustration of a Molten salt Reactor

Research and development of thorium-based nuclear reactors, primarily the Liquid fluoride thorium reactor, (LFTR), MSR design, has been or is now being done in the U.S., U.K.,Germany, Brazil, India, China, France, the Czech Republic, Japan, Russia, Canada, Israel and the Netherlands.

According to Siegfried Hecker, a former director (1986–1997) of the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the U.S., "India has the most technically ambitious and innovative nuclear energy program in the world. The extent and functionality of its nuclear experimental facilities is matched only by Russia and is far ahead of the United States".

Back to circa 2015, India is back to counting on foreign suppliers for expensive Uranium fuel and reactors. And this is certainly the wrong direction taken by the policy makers on account of these following vital facts:

Thorium offers a form of energy that is stable, abundant, inexpensive, powerful, safe, continuous, domestically-sourced, non-polluting during both extraction and consumption, transportable, and for which India has at least a thousand-year reserve.

India's Research on Prototype Fast Thorium Breeder Reactor (PFTBR)

At present, there are no internal fertile blankets or fissile breeding zones in power reactors operating in the world. Thorium-based fuels and fuel cycles have been used in the past and are being developed in a few countries but are yet to be commercialized. However, BARC's Prototype Fast Thorium Breeder Reactor (PFTBR) is claimed to be the first design that truly exploits the concept of "breeding" in a reactor that uses thorium. The handful of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) in the world today - including the one India is building in Kalpakkam near Chennai, use plutonium as fuel. These breeders have to wait until enough plutonium to be accumulated through reprocessing of spent fuel discharged by thermal power reactors that run on Uranium. In February 2014, BARC presented its latest design for a "next-generation nuclear reactor" that will burn thorium as its fuel. The target date to commission the system is envisioned for 2016 and it would be a completely automated design which means it would not require any operator to run the reactor for more than two months. The commissioning of PFTBR would make India the most advanced country in thorium research. The concept has won praise from nuclear experts elsewhere. According to former BARC Director P.K. Iyengar, this new design is one way of utilizing thorium and circumventing the delays in building plutonium for India's FBRs. (Text based on reports from Times of India, Circa 2007)

Switching from Uranium to Thorium

India has chalked out a three-stage program to reduce its reliance on imported uranium seeks to make more substantial use of thorium, of which India holds 25% of the world’s total reserves. Although Th-232 is not fissile, it will absorb slow neutrons to produce fissile U-233 when placed in a reactor. (See the sidebar "Now you’re cooking with Thorium" in "Developing the next generation of reactors," POWER, April 2008.) A thorium-powered reactor would be based on a closed fuel cycle.

The first stage consists of setting up pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs). Already 17 PHWRs with an installed capacity of 4,000 MW are in operation, and five reactors with an installed capacity of 2,660 MW are under construction. "The choice of PHWRs in the first stage is driven by the fact that in PHWRs, on account of the use of heavy water as moderator and on-power refueling, more neutrons are available to convert U-238 to Pu than in the case of Light Water Reactors (LWRs)," Anil Kakodkar, chair of India’s Atomic Energy Commission, said at a public lecture in Bangalore last year.

The second phase will start with the deployment of domestically designed fast breeder reactors (FBRs) fueled with mixed oxide, and then — when all "necessary technologies" have been developed and demonstrated — metallic fuel – based FBRs, Kakodkar said. These are expected to convert uranium – 238 into plutonium, increasing power generation to 300 GW for about 70 years.

The third stage will involve the gradual transition to thorium-based systems, likely through an advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR) being developed at the Mumbai-based Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). The uranium-233 required for third-stage breeder reactors will be obtained by the irradiation of thorium in PHWRs and FBRs. "Studies indicate that once the FBR capacity reaches about 200 GW, thorium-based fuel can be introduced progressively in the FBRs to initiate the third stage, where U-233 bred in these reactors is to be used in the thorium-based reactors," Kakodkar said.

Construction of a 500-MWe prototype FBR — the first in India — is already in full swing at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu (Figure 10). All research and developmental work by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) has been completed on the R35 billion ($680 million) reactor. The project, a joint venture between Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam, the Nuclear Power Corp. of India, and the IGCAR (which are all federal enterprises) — is expected to begin generating power sometime in 2010.

Types of thorium-based reactors

There are seven types of reactors that can be designed to use thorium as a nuclear fuel. The first five of these have all entered into operational service at some point. The last two are still conceptual, although currently in development by many countries:

Heavy water reactors (PHWRs)
High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTRs)
Boiling (light) water reactors (BWRs)
Pressurized (Light) water reactors (PWRs)
Fast neutron reactors (FNRs)
Molten salt reactors (MSRs, LFTRs)

Salient Features of Thorium Fuel and its Reactors

Thorium is Stable (fertile, not fissile)

Half life of 1.39x1010 years
Stable in natural state
Can be handled with care in solid form. Shavings or powder can self-combust in air.
For energy purposes, we will be dealing with thorium as a liquid fluoride.

Thorium is Powerful

Thorium, by itself, is virtually non-radioactive. It must be bombarded by neutrons to jump-start it. The fissionable result is 233U, which gives off 198 MeV or 82.0 TJ/kg.

Per nucleus fission, the thorium fuel cycle is virtually as powerful as that of uranium.

Thorium is Abundant

More common in the earth's crust than gold, mercury, tungsten, and tin.
More plentiful than uranium by 3.73 times.
Can be found in uranium mine tailings and coal power plant ash piles
India has 319,000 tons of Thorium

Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR)

Allow for continuous feed for higher fuel utilization
Simplify chemical separation
Provides self-regulation, i.e. higher temperature expands liquid which dilutes concentration, which lowers neutron absorption and fission, which lowers temperature
Make xenon gas removal easy, thereby maintaining high efficiency
Can process today's nuclear waste materials

Fluorides

Chemically stable
Combine with fission products and transuranics
High temperature operation brings high efficiency
No water cooling, control rods, or elaboratecontainment facility needed
Salt plug safety mechanism

Thorium

Very high percentage of a single isotope leads to single isotope fission, thereby a smaller set of fission products/waste.
Thorium's high thermal neutron cross section (~90%) implies fewer higher mass actinides.
Thorium fission products have less neutron absorption leading to significantly greater efficiency.
Chemically separable on the fly from its fissile material (233U).
Thorium fluoride has low water solubility.

Current Reactor Safety

No spent fuel rods. instead molten fuel continuously consumed
No melt down Instead passive cooling
No water Instead molten salt for heat transfer and gas turbines for electricity generation
No high pressure. Instead the reactor runs at high temperature, making the turbines more efficient
No containment facility
In the unlikely event of a fuel spill, the fuel turns solid.
Low water soluble compounds, i.e. no ground water contamination if promptly addressed
Overheated salt self-corrects itself to lower temperature
Freeze plug for automatic and/or quick shutdown
No water for steam explosion
No O2 or other gases in the system to assist explosions
Low pressure environment can't explode & spread fuel
Must add fuel to keep reactor running
No spent fuel stockpile to maintain/protect
Radioactivity confined to reactor. chemical separators, 1st heat exchanger, & drain tank

Can Thorium be used directly for a bomb?

Thorium is naturally stable. It is no good for a bomb in its elemental state. It is also stable in fluorides and other compounds.

Could a LFTR reactor be used as a bomb?

If you could somehow overload the reactor, the temperature would rise, the freeze plug would melt, and the fluoride would flow to an external reservoir where it would solidify because the geometry would not support fission. You would need a LFTR like environment to unfreeze it and re-stimulate fission to an extreme

Can one take radioactive material out of a LFTR and use it for a dirty bomb?

Yes, but these materials are extremely hot and giving off gamma rays that, nearby, could disable all electronics and kill a person within 72 hours. To then use this material, you would have to build a special reactor/bomb, a task about half the size of the Manhatten Project.

Will LFTR sites need security?

Yes. Even if only for the waste that must be controlled.

Waste Management comparison – Uranium Vs Thorium

Mine waste generation - Thorium solid waste advantage for this set of steps: 3667 to 1.
Operation waste generation - Thorium solid waste advantage: 363 to 1

Reactor Waste Products per GigaWyr

Uranium Fuel Cycle

250 tons inc. 1.75 t 235U
215 tons of depleted 238U inc. 0.6t 235U waste + 35t enrich U inc. 1.15t 235U
Yields 33.4t 238U & 0.3t 235U & 1t fission products & 0.3t plutonium
Products include Pu-238, 239 (50%), 240, 241, 242 and 0.1% Americium, neptunium, curium

Thorium Fuel Cycle

1 ton Thorium at start
83% of fission products are stable in 10 years
17% of fission products are stored for 300-350 years
Zero thorium at end
0.0001 ton of plutonium
Thorium products need sequestering on the order of 350 years versus 350,000 years for the plutonium products.

LFTR Design Advantages

Built-in passive safety, proven, scaleable, site agile, manufacturable, carbonless, domestically sourced, potential export product, small footprint, transportable, manageable waste, abundant electrical power source, enrichment free, available fuel already, no mineral exploration needed, 1000+ year fuel reserve, can consume existing nuclear waste stockpiles, proliferation resistant, resilient to natural diasters, performance tunable/load following, on/off capable, low-cost fuel, waterless, higher electricity conversion efficiency, centralized quality control.

Resilient to natural disasters could use further explanation. LFTRs are scalable in size. For general utility, the optimal size maybe modules about the size of cargo containers. These are relatively small and coud be built to shake as a unit during an earthquake. The relatively small size reduces the torque along any given axis.

If the LFTR ends up under water, the control electronics will probably burn out. But if all fails, the fuel will solidify as it cools.

LFTR development and production

Cost of 400MWe LFTR equal to Airbus A380 passenger jet
LFTR modules can be built in factories
Both have 400MW gas turbines
Both are low pressure vessels ~10psi
Production quantities may be similar. They do one a week
Purchase price ~$320 million

As you can see from the above statistics, Thorium is the Internet of Energy and can fulfill most of our energy requirement of the future.

Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd: Military Vehicle Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 21:56:00 +0000

Adding advantage, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) is now fore sighting its presence into diversified Military Protective Vehicle Programs. The Kalyani group companies traditionally have been a pioneer in manufacturing of Axles, Aggregates & Drive line technology for Defence combat vehicles worldwide. Combining this with its deep foray into Engineering & Manufacturing knowledge and the flexibility to blend with new technology, KSSL along with its global partners is positioning itself in various Military protected vehicle programs of Indian Army.

Light Armored vehicle (LAM)
Light Strike Vehicle (LSV)
Mine Protected Vehicles (MPV)
Armor Personal Carrier (APC)

LIGHT ARMOURED MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE (LAM):

BFL LAM is based on modular flexible new design, which Integrates V-Âhull, blast-Âprotection technology with a mountable Protective suit, that allows multiple configurations for different mission
The new vehicle is being designed keeping the recent requirement of the ground forces, for all-terrain light armored vehicle
The BFL 3.2 is completely indigenously designed vehicle to retain good mobility with adequately protection from the common IED threats currently encountered in the Indian naxalite effected areas. It combines an integrated blast and ballistic protection system, for crew capsule The vehicle is designed with exceptional cross country ability to maneuver in tight and short jungle terrains & also urban environments.
Prototypes are being completed with one due to undergo further blast tests
It is designed with a Gross vehicle weight of 8.0 tons, with a sufficient payload for 2+ 4 crew battle loads. The patrol version accommodates six soldiers (2+4),with the weapon carrier carries 2+2 while the logistical variant seats a crew of two
The vehicle is in house designed and armor protection in consultation with leading Composite manufacturers across the globe
The crew compartments seats are designed to be interchangeable in term of directions and positioning to suit the mission , In patrol vehicle there is seating for two crew and four dismounts. vehicle has a large rear doors, two top hatches and overheads between the cabin and passenger compartment are provided ,The vehicle electronic equipment are properly positioned for smooth mobility .
The crew pod comes with an option for a tilting mechanism attached to the hull by hinges which are kept in place with pins. To carryout maintenance the wiring loom from the pod is disconnected together with the steering connection and the crew pod is then tilted to pull it over by another support vehicle, so as to have full access to all automotive parts.

Specifications
Length	4500mm
Width	1850mm
Height	1800mm
Track	1670mm
Ground Clearance	340mm
Approach Angle	60 degree
Departure Angle	68 degree
GVWR	8000 kg
Armament	A 7.62 or 12.7 mm can be mounted on the roof of the vehicle
Armor Protection	Mine Blast and Ballistic protection. For Protection add on kit is available
Range	600 kmph
Options available	a.Modern war fighter catering to multiple mission profiles b.Troop movement c.Surveillance d.Command and Control e.Reconnaissance & Liaison f.Electronic Warfare

LIGHT STRIKE VEHICLE (LSV):

The LSV uses modular armor packs to adjust its level of protection to its mission requirements.
The LSV is available in twin seat combinations of 4/5seats.
The armour protection is upgradeable by the replacement of armour packs within the vehicle's external skin. The basic add-on armour pack provides ballistic protection against small arms fire and a heavier kit provides protection against ambush.
LSV can be fitted & equipped with RCWS weapons stations which can be armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
The LMV is available in two different wheelbases, 3.2 m (126.0 in) and 3.5 m (137.8 in).[2] A two door, two seater is also available.
Available in 4x4, the LSV is design is on military off-the-shelf chassis, combined with a ballistic steel protected crew cell. This cell incorporates the driver's cab and cargo, which are communicating, offering more than 13 m^3 of volume in the standard 4x4 version, and can be increased to 16 m^3 for the ambulance version.
The LMV has been designed to meet the stringent demands of military operations at the same time as providing a high level of ride and crew comfort

Variants

LMV Ambulance
LMV Command Post
LMV SF

Technical Data

Armament

The BFL LSV can be fitted with a remote controlled weapon station armed with weapons up to 12.7 mm in caliber, shelter, box-type or even pick-up style bodies can be mounted behind a smaller two-seat cab.

Design and protection

The BFL LSV can be fitted with modular armour, which gives a protection against ballistic threats, favoring crew protection versus vehicle integrity. The LSV is designed to provide the crew with the maximum possible safety against anmmunition threats. The ground clearance has been maximized, moving away the origin of the explosion. The high payload of the LSV can be exploited for installed add-on armour kits. The basic kits provides ballistic protection against light weapons fire, while the heavier kit can protect the crew from ambushes.

Propulsion

The LMV utilizes a conventional C-section chassis but with longitudinal reinforcements and tubular cross-members to give the required torsional rigidity. At present two wheelbase lengths are available, the standard 3.2 m and the extended 3.5 m, these giving overall lengths of 4.704 and 5.504 m respectively. The LSV is motorized with a 140 KW(HP) power engine coupled to an automatic or a mechanical gearbox with with 6 forward gears and 1 reverse.

Accessories

The cab is fitted with two front adjustable and suspended seats, plus three suspended seats at the rear. A winch is mounted to the front of the vehicle. The LSV vehicle has been designed with a compact profile that allows one vehicle to be carried inside a CH-47 helicopter, while a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft can carry two systems internally.

Specifications
Length	<5000mm
Width	<2250mm
Height	<2250mm
Track	3200mm - 3500mm
Ground Clearance	300mm
Approach & Departure Angle	35 degree
Gradeability	60 %
GVWR	4500 kg
Armament	A 7.62 or 12.7 mm can be mounted on the roof of the vehicle
Armor Protection	Ballistic protection & Floor Protection Options for add on Armor kit is available
Range	500 kmph
Options available	a.Modern war fighter catering to multiple mission profiles b.Troop movement c.Surveillance d.Command and Control e.Reconnaissance & Liaison f.Electronic Warfare

APC-ARMOR PERSONNEL CARRIER-CLASS II:

A multi-role armored wheeled vehicle developed with cutting edge technology in response to the challenges posed to the mechanized infantry forces taking into account the versatile current and future operational environments and customer requirements, APC also assist in Transporting Infantry troops rapidly and safely under combined protection against bullet and mine threat as well as NBC weapons.
The BFL-APC is different from its other models, which are primarily based on truck platforms. Instead, is a monocoque hull design consisting of armor steel. The armor steel can withstand to NATO standards to STANAG Level III , in withstanding 5.56 and 7.62 mm bullets. A new torsion bar suspension system has been designed for this model. Currently, the engine is six-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine being used Gears consist of six forward and one reverse.
The driver sits on the right of the vehicle while the vehicle commander is on the left. Communications equipment and GPS with night vision equipment included. Emergency exits are present on both sides of the APC, as well as a mounted video camera at the rear of the vehicle.
The ADD ON base steel armor of the crew cell provides a high level of ballistic protection and this can be further enhanced through the use of appliqua © protection to meet the predicted threat

Family of Vehicles

APC (Armored Personnel Carrier)
IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle)
ARV (Armored Recovery Vehicle)
ACV (Armored Command Vehicle)
AAV (Armored Ambulance Vehicle

Overall Characteristics

High mobility and maneuverability
Excellent cross-country performance
High level of commonality and modularity with FOV by modular design
Long operational range
Various types of armament adaptation due to large payload
All round armor protection
Observation and fire fighting capabilities in all direction
Simple systems with high reliability
Easy operation and maintenance
Low noise and vibration in the crew compartment
Versatile operational equipmentâ€™s (CTIS, ABS, Air conditioning, Winch) Mobility
High performance power pack and 100% locking differentials
All wheel independent suspension and disc brakes
Ground pressure adjustment according to terrain conditions with CTIS
All tires equipped with run flat elements
Deployable by air, sea and land transport

Fire Power

The BFL APC roof structure with cupola is so designed that can accept a variety of weapons & its mounts depending on customer requirements, including 7,62mm or 12,7mm machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher. The RWS is controlled remotely from inside the APC via joystick. Bulletproof shutters can be opened and closed from inside the vehicle when needed as an option.

Power Pack

Highly reliable and compact power pack system enabling ground hopping for preventive check
Hydrostatic fan drive system with automatic speed control
High efficiency of corrugated fin and tube type of aluminum radiator and intercoole
Vetronics system providing with electronic engine control and diagnostic monitoring

Independent Suspension & Axle System

Type: Independent double wishbone with coil spring & shock absorber
Providing high mobility on various types of terrain by eliminating any influence of wheels among each other

Protection

Large tyres fitted with run-flat inserts optimize absorption of blast energy, whilst deflector plates lining the wheel, arches maximize energy dissipation. All occupants are provided with specially designed shock dampened seats which are suspended on special mounts, avoiding direct transmission of blast shock to the crew.

Specifications
Vehicle Type	6x6x4 Wheeled, Armor Personal Carrier
Engine Power to Weight Ratio	194Kw, V-6,4 Cylinder,Torque-755Nm at 1800 Min rpm
Gear Box	Min 6 Forward and one reverse gear
Turret	360 Degree Rotating Turret on roof with closed hatch and universal gun mount for 7.62 MMG
Protection Level	Stanag Level III 7.62mm x 51 NATO ball/ 5.56mm x 45 NATO SS 109 Add â€“ on armor concept for optional upgrades
Tyres	14.0" x 20.0" All terrain run flat tyres, run minimum 50 kms after HIT
Ground clearance	400 MM
Payload	1500 KG
GVW	Max 20 Ton
Maximum Vertical Obstacle	600mm
Maximum Side Inclination	30%
Maximum Slope	60%
Maximum Fording	1 Mtr.
Maximum Turning Radius	9.80 Mtr
Fuel capacity	370 ltr/ Diesel
Frame	Hull based , chasis less, minimum four hatches for emergency exit
Troops Carrying Capacity	Minimum 10 persons (Including driver)
Quality Assurance	Internationally accepted quality assurance certificate for the protection level
Other Features	All major components like fuel tank, gear boxes, air tanks, transfer case, engine etc are housed inside hull.

APC-ARMOR PERSONNEL CARRIER-CLASS I:

BF-ELBIT APC is based on Rugged & proven Military Truck vehicle platform
"Fully integrated protection" is the key to the BF-ELBIT APC formula ,which is combined with a cutting edge bespoke automotive & armoring solution, which can offer high levels of protection up to B 7 ,& mine/blast protection ,up to 8kg TNT Explosives, The BF-ELBIT APC is go anywhere with supreme cross-country performance , as well as provides the protection required to operate in an urban environment
BF-ELBIT APC , comes fitted with ,Armored replaceable windows ,Run flats, All terrain tyres, Self-recovery winch, Rotating turret with Weapon mounting station
The BF-ELBIT APC is equipped with Rugged military engine coupled with semi-automatic gearbox and differential locking system, permanent all-wheel drive with automatic tyre pressure regulation (optional),The APC family can effortlessly take on slope and ride alongside slopes and driven upto range of more than 700 km without refueling .
All crew members are provided with specially designed shock dampened seats which are suspended on special mounts avoiding direct transmission of blast shock to the crew.

Features:

Air Conditioning
Up-Armoring
Winch up to 15 T capacity
Material Handling Crane
NBC
Emergency Power Steering
ABS

Specifications
Vehicle Type	Wheeled, Mine Protective Vehicle
Engine	Power to Weight Ratio - 17 HP / Ton, 224 hp @ 2400 rpm, 825 Nm torque @ 1400 â€“ 1700 rpm, Euro 3 or Euro 4
Turret	360 Degree Rotating Turret on roof with closed hatch and universal gun mount for 7.62 MMG or GPMG
Protection Level	Full STANAG 4569 L2 including multi hit 7.62mm x 51 NATO ball 5.56mm x 45 NATO SS 109 5.56mm x 45 NATO M 193 7.62mm x 39 API BZ Add â€“ on armor concept for optional upgrades
Mine Blast Protection	Mine Triple anti â€“ tank mine (21kg TNT) under any wheel Double anti â€“ tank mine (14kg TNT) under hull IED protection â€“ 14 kg TNT + 500 gr shrapnel @ 3 meters side blast Tested by TNO independent lab
Mobility	Minimum 4X4 with cross country mobility with differential lock,
Tyres	All terrain run flat tyres, run minimum 50 kms after HIT, with minimum 2 spare tyres
Ground clearance	340 mm
Payload	1500 KG
GVW	Maximum 30 Ton
Gradeability	70%
Fuel	Diesel
Frame	Hull based , chassis less, minimum two hatches for emergency exit, door at the driverâ€™s side and with rear door.
Troops Carrying Capacity	Minimum 12 persons (Including driver)
Quality Assurance	Internationally accepted quality assurance certificate for the protection level which certify that the Armoured plates used in the vehicle is manufactured by certified company.
Other Features	All major components like fuel tank, gear boxes, air tanks, transfer case, engine etc are housed inside hull.

MINE PROTECTIVE VEHICLES:

BFL-ELBIT.. MPV is based on an indigenously designed and integrated, mobility chassis; This not only provides outstanding mobility but also allows the customer to exploit modular logistic support system also. BFL ensures spare parts availability and allows automotive support to be on hand worldwide, contributing to the reduction of life-cycle costs. Fully developed in India, the MPV design exploits the technical expertise of two of the major companies involved in Armoured vehicles production, Elbit systems & BFL . An agreement was signed between the two companies, enabling BFL to respond to specific national/international capability requirements. Thus, BFL are leading the development on a 4x4 platform in the 13 T, class category to meet FORCEs requirements. 4 x 4 versions of MPV have already undergone very extensive trials in INDIA and abroad, and have proved to be an excellent match for the particular demands of the users.

Variants:

The BFL MPV-designed platform, due to its flexibility, can be declined in several other versions, while maintaining the level of protection of basic configuration. Some of the possibilities already under development are: - Explosive Ordnance Devices Disposal (EODD) - Electronic Warfare (EW-RCIED); - Command Post (CP);
BF-ELBIT M P V - (A Perfect Mine Protection vehicle), is based on Rugged & proven MAN vehicle platform ,by creating the maximum distance and protection between the seat of a crew members and expected mine explosion . Front wheel base, to the rear wheels, is protected with Armor â€œVâ€ shape hull and is free of welding joints ,so that if a heavy mine detonates under the wheel , the burst of explosion is diverted outwards, thus minimizing the damage to the crew cabin.
Fully integrated protection" is the key to the BF-ELBIT MPV formula ,which is combined with a cutting edge bespoke automotive solution, which can offer high levels of protection up to B 7 ,& mine/blast protection ,up to 14kg and 21 kg TNT Explosives,

The BF-ELBIT MPV is go anywhere with supreme cross-country performance , as well as provides the protection required to operate in an urban environment BF-ELBIT MPV will be a highly effective and â€™useable ™ solution for operations against Naxalite . BF-ELBIT MPV, comes fitted with ,Armored replaceable windows ,Run flats, All terrain tyres, Self-recovery winch, Rotating turret with Weapon mounting station,
The BF-ELBIT MPV is equipped with MAN engine coupled with semi-automatic gearbox and differential locking system, permanent all-wheel drive with automatic tyre pressure regulation (optional),The MPV family can effortlessly take on slope of up to 60% and ride alongside slopes up to 30% at a range of more than 700 km without refueling .
All crew members are provided with specially designed shock dampened seats which are suspended on special mounts avoiding direct transmission of blast shock to the crew.

Specifications
Vehicle Type	Wheeled, Mine Protective Vehicle
Engine	Power to Weight Ratio - 17 HP / Ton, 224 hp @ 2400 rpm, 825 Nm torque @ 1400 â€“ 1700 rpm, Euro 3 or Euro 4
Turret	360 Degree Rotating Turret on roof with closed hatch and universal gun mount for 7.62 MMG or GPMG
Protection Level	Full STANAG 4569 L2 including multi hit 7.62mm x 51 NATO ball 5.56mm x 45 NATO SS 109 5.56mm x 45 NATO M 193 7.62mm x 39 API BZ Add â€“ on armor concept for optional upgrades
Mine Blast Protection	Mine Triple anti â€“ tank mine (21kg TNT) under any wheel Double anti â€“ tank mine (14kg TNT) under hull IED protection â€“ 14 kg TNT + 500 gr shrapnel @ 3 meters side blast Tested by TNO independent lab
Mobility	Minimum 4X4 with cross country mobility with differential lock,
Tyres	All terrain run flat tyres, run minimum 50 kms after HIT, with minimum 2 spare tyres
Ground clearance	340 mm
Payload	1500 KG
GVW	Maximum 30 Ton
Gradeability	70%
Fuel	Diesel
Frame	Hull based , chassis less, minimum two hatches for emergency exit, door at the driverâ€™s side and with rear door.
Troops Carrying Capacity	Minimum 12 persons (Including driver)
Quality Assurance	Internationally accepted quality assurance certificate for the protection level which certify that the Armoured plates used in the vehicle is manufactured by certified company.
Other Features	All major components like fuel tank, gear boxes, air tanks, transfer case, engine etc are housed inside hull.

The BFL MPV roof structure is so designed that can accept a variety of weapons & its mounts depending on customer requirements, including 7,62mm or 12,7mm machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher.

Protection

The crew compartment is based on the "MONOCOQUE" concept, providing a high level of survivability to the occupants against ballistic and mine threats. Besides its high levels of protection, MPV also possesses one of the best volumes. The base steep armor of the crew cell, provides a high level of ballistic protection. The base steel armor of the crew cell provides a high level of ballistic protection and this can be further enhanced through the use of appliquÃ© protection to meet the predicted threat. Protection against mine and IED attacks as per STANAG 4569 is provided, both through the dew-sing of the hull, with its large stand-off, under body deflector plates and blast energy management system, especially incorporated in the SEATS & FLOORS and through a series of design features which has be tested and approved by international agencies .

Propulsion

The MPV- 4x4 is equipped with the MAN engines coupled with semiautomatic gearbox and differential-locking system, permanent all-wheel drive with automatic tyre-pressure regulation and run-flat tyres. The MPV family can effortlessly take on slopes of up to 60% and ride alongside slopes up to 30% - at a range of more than 700 km, or 430 miles, without refueling.

Accessories

Large tyres fitted with run-flat inserts optimize absorption of blast energy, whilst deflector plates lining the wheel arches maximize energy dissipation. All occupants are provided with specially designed shock dampened seats which are suspended on special mounts, avoiding direct transmission of blast shock to the crew.

The Best Defence Analysts on Indian Television

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 08:04:00 +0000

MAROOF RAZA GILANI:

A vehement proponent of India's sovereignty and national interests, Raza is the undisputed strategic affairs face on the news service channel Times Now. His electric presence, impeccable demeanor, extraordinary acumen, probity and dexterity which he imparts to debates is remarkable. He is one of the few defense analysts on Indian television who is unbiased, incisive and does not hesitate to articulate his achromatic opinions on any topic or situations. In truth, he is no less a star than his friend and the best anchor in the news service business Arnab Goswami, both form a indomitable team to smash hypocritical politicians and arm-chair experts at will. Arnab also has the tendency to routinely goad him when required. He is renowned to mete out his best but polite reserves on the miserable panelists from Pakistan.

Maroof has the distinction of appearing on almost all of India’s leading television channels as an expert on military and security matters. He is a former Indian Army officer, with experience in counter-insurgency operations. He graduated from St Stephen's College, Delhi, has an M.A. in War Studies from King's College, London, and an M.Phil in International Relations from Cambridge University.

He has authored two books and most recently, he has edited a book on Indian terrorism challenges titled "Confronting Terrorism". He is this author's first and automatic choice as the number one analyst who should be in the National Security Advisor's office.

Major General G D Bakshi

Maj Gen (Dr) GD Bakshi, SM, VSM (retd) is a distinguished army man, his no holds barred vitriol against politicians and panelists of all hew and color is the most entertaining to watch on television. His diatribe is so fierce that most anchors are reluctant to give him ample time to speak. His views are rather unilateral mainly due to his defense background. He has seen the worst of action and worst of the terrorist caboodle during his lifetime.

He is a combat veteran of many skirmishes on the LC and Counter-Terrorist operations in J & K and Punjab. He commanded his battalion in active operations in Kargil and was awarded the Vishist Seva Medal. Later he commanded a brigade in Counter-Terrorist operations in the very rugged mountains of Kishtwar and was awarded the Sena Medal for his distinguished services. He subsequently commanded the reputed Romeo Force during intensive Counter-Terrorist operations in the Rajouri-Punch Districts of J&K in the wake of Op Sarp Vinash and succeeded in pacifying the area.

He has served tenures at highly prestigious institutions, he is also a prolific writer on military and non-military matters and has published 24 books and over 110 papers in many prestigious research journals. Like Maroof he is particularly severe on Pakistani panelists.

Commodore C Uday Bhaskar

The commodore appears very rarely on television but when he does, he elicits maximum attention from his viewers, such is the power of his dissertations when it comes to matters of national security and interest. He presents the more mellow adaptation of a defence analyst on TV. He is one of India's leading experts and outspoken critics on security and strategic affairs.

Commodore C Uday Bhaskar, is currently a Senior Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), New Delhi and he retired from the Indian Navy in early 2007 after 37 years service. He is concurrently a contributing Editor at the South Asia Monitor and a Lowy Institute for International Policy & Reuters columnist.

He is a columnist, editor, and contributor of numerous research-articles on nuclear and international security issues to reputed journals in India and abroad, He has written edited books on nuclear, naval/maritime and international security related issues; and has contributed several research articles to journals in India and abroad. His most notable book is Emerging India: Security and Foreign policy perspectives.

G Parthasarathy

The sombre and dapper G Parthasarathy is the refined composition of India's defence analysts. Being a former member of the foreign service helps him to gauge the pulse of a government and its varied mechanizations. During the UPA regime he justifiably took a hawkish line as he was vociferously critical on the waning diffidence that was creeping into India's foreign relations constituents which had grave ramifications on India's national security & interest. He was the first to smell the potential booby trap that former defence minister A K Antony might lay when it came to defence equipment acquisitions. He knew that the former defence minister had a penchant to adhere to his "squeaky clean" image even at the expense of the national security. True to what he anticipated, A K Antony's diffidence and veritable decision making & policy paralysis eventually relegated the precedence of acquiring vital defence equipment for the armed forces.

Gopalaswami Parthasarathy was a former diplomat who retired from active Service in 2000. Prior to his entry to the Indian Foreign Service Parthasarathy was a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army (1963-1968). He has served as Ambassador of India to Myanmar, 1992-95, High Commissioner of India to Australia 1995-98, High Commissioner of India to Pakistan 1998-2000 and High Commissioner of India, Cyprus 1990-92. He also served in Indian Missions abroad as Second/First Secretary, Embassy of India, Moscow (1969-1973), Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania (1974-1976), Counsellor, (Political and Press), Embassy of India, Washington D.C., (1978- 1981); and Consul General of India, Karachi (1982-1985).

His main areas of interest are developments in India’s neighbourhood and issues of economic integration, energy and national security and terrorism. Ambassador Parthasarathy is a widely read Columnist, writing for a number of newspapers and news agencies in India and abroad on foreign policy and national security issues.

Selecting the Right Mix of Combat Aircraft

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:05:00 +0000

We have been hearing for a long time about various different combat aircrafts and also more recently about the LCA Tejas since its second initial operational clearance. Considering the wealth of information available on all of these combat aircrafts, it is but natural to make a comparison of all of these combat aircrafts.

The combat aircrafts that are being considered for this comparison are JAS 39 Gripen, F-15 Eagle, F-16, F/A-18E Super Hornet, F-35 Stealth, Euro Fighter, Dassault Rafale, Mig-29, Su-30, Su-35, T-50 FGFA, J-10 and the LCA.

The aircrafts are categorized based on their maximum take-off weight as Light-Combat, Top Line Combat, or Medium Role Combat.

The pricing and configuration is taken at the maximum potential of these aircraft

Let us first look at the Light Combat variants. The first ranking goes to the JAS39 Gripen aircraft from Sweden as it has the same or less maximum take-off weight as the other two contenders, the LCA and the Chinese J10. But it has a better range of operations and combat radius and offers a more potent configuration of weapon systems.

For example the Gripen can easily shoot down the LCA and the J10 from 180 miles and deliver a load of missiles more than 500 miles away. Considering it has a combat radius of 432 miles, it can easily do its job and get away. Though the price of the Gripen is twice that of the LCA or the J10, a small squadron of these high tech aircraft with less number of pilots can take care twice or thrice the number of LCA / J-10 squadrons.

The Indian Air Force is right in demanding a more potent LCA than its present form to take on the Light Combat role. If the LCA MKII or MKIII can have a more powerful and fuel efficient engine, it can have a better range and carry more long range weapons like the Brahmos ASM and longer range AAMs at a reasonable price.

Let us now consider the Top Line combat aircrafts that also includes the still under development stealth aircraft by Russia and India as also the F-35 Stealth Fighter that the US and its allies are equipping themselves with.

The F-35 is clearly the winner here primarily because of its advanced stealth capabilities and design as also it offers the maximum weapon load of 8100 KGS giving it the flexibility of equipping itself with a range of long range AAMs and ASMs and delivering it with a sufficiently comfortable combat range thus ensuring survivability. This combat aircraft can only be challenged by the joint Russian/Indian T-50 equipped with longer range missiles and a longer combat radius. Which means the T-50 may well be able to detect the F-35 at closer range and engage it and then be able to fire missiles from a longer distance and turn around and get away. The F-35 on the other hand with its more stealthy features may get behind the T-50 and fire the first shot.

The second rung of Top Line combat aircraft constitutes the Su-30MKI, Su-35 and the F15 Eagle.

The Su-30MKI is far superior to the Su-35 in weapon and range capabilities and hence can defeat the Su-35 that the Chinese have purchased from the Russians on this count. The Su-30MKI has better long range weapons and once equipped with the supersonic Brahmos will make it a fearful weapon platform. The Su-35 on the other hand is faster than the Su-30 and hence could take down the Su-30 in close combat. The Russian Su-35 has stealth coatings that also make it difficult to be detected by radars.

The F-15 Eagle is still the King of the skies and is faster than the Su-30MKI or the Su-35 as well has a higher operating ceiling which means it can go higher than both combat aircraft and shoot them down using its look down radar and long range missiles. However, the Su-30MKI may be able to detect the F-15 at longer ranges and fire the first shot at it. When it comes to close range combat, both aircrafts are equally matched though the Su-30MKI has an edge though everything depends on the pilots. The F-15 has more rounds of ammunition than the Su-30MKI or the Su-35.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the odd man out here. With a shorter combat radius and slower speeds, this combat aircraft will need to go with a fully loaded weapons suite to neutralize the Su-30MKI or the Su-35. Both the adversaries can shoot down the F/A-18 using the look down mode as they have a higher operating ceiling and the Su-30MKI may carry longer range missiles though US combat aircrafts are known to have a higher kill ratio versus Russian fighters.

The last category of combat aircraft here is the Medium Role Combat aircraft that the Indian Air force recently went for in selecting the French made Rafale combat aircraft.

From the above table it is quite clear that this decision was a wise decision as the Rafale has the best combat range and weapon configuration. However, it remains to be seen what the IAF versions of Rafale are equipped with. Certainly they will be French AAM or American AAM missies and not longer range Russian or Indian missiles.

It is also doubt if the Rafale will be able to integrate the supersonic Brahmos cruise missile. So though selecting the Rafale is a wise decision in terms of quality it may be the most expensive choice here. The Rafale has more weapon payload capacity than even the Top-Line combat aircrafts and hence can carry more bombs and missiles than the Su-30MKI theoretically.

However, it is slower than then all the other aircrafts in this category, namely the F-16, EuroFighter and the Mig-29. The F-16 though offers a good match to the Rafale in terms of missiles and bombs it can carry; it may be shot down by the Rafale using its long combat radius and if equipped with long range AAMs. The EuroFighter on the other hand has the highest service ceiling as it can hover at 70,000 feet and use its look down radar to shoot down the other contenders which can reach not more than 60,000 feet. The EuroFighter comes with the same potent long range American missiles as the F-16 and therefore is a better challenger to the American fighter than the Rafale.

The Rafale on the other hand can deliver the maximum punch in the ground attack role and may need the support of Su-30MKI to counter the F-16s or the EuroFighters.

The Mig-29 is in the lower rung of this combat category mainly due to the lower configuration of its weapon loads. In close combat, it can still out maneuver the F-16 or even the Rafale so long as it is not shot down from longer ranges. Here also, the F-16 has more ammo than all the other competitors and close combat could be really close and depend greatly on the caliber of the pilots.

The final analysis is that for any Air Force when taking a decision on selecting the right combat aircraft is certainly as challenging as using them in real combat. The ideal combination would be as follows:

Two to Four Squadrons of F-35 or T-50 FGFA each with 20 combat aircrafts and 5 Training aircrafts. That is a total of 45 F-35 or 90 T-50 FGFA Stealth aircrafts to make the first strike and take out the enemy’s air defenses will cost $7Billion(F-35).

This will be followed by 5 squadrons of Rafale each equipped with 20 combat aircrafts and 10 additional Training versions totaling 110 Rafale combat aircrafts to vanquish the enemy by destroying airfields and defense infrastructure by delivering 10 tons of destruction by each aircraft costing $14 billion.

The Rafale will be supported by 10 squadrons of Su-30MKIs with a total of 250 combat aircrafts costing another $14 billion.

Finally once the Air Force has achieved air superiority, it can deploy 10 squadrons of LCA-Tejas MKII or MKIII totaling 250 Tejas of different versions costing in total $8 billion.

As the Indian Air force has already purchased the Su-30MKI combat aircrafts, it needs to for 2-4 squadrons (F-35/T-50) of stealth fighters, 5 squadrons of Rafale and 10 squadrons of LCA-Tejas costing not more than $30 billion over a 10-15 year period.

On the other hand, we are going ahead inking a deal for $20 billion or even more as also $25 billion T-50 deal and add to the cost of acquiring LCA-Tejas fighters taking the total spend to over $50 billion. That is an additional $20 billion over the actual requirement as shown earlier.

Instead of going for the $25 billion T-50 Russian project that may never satisfy our needs, it would be prudent to talk to the Americans and get 2 squadrons of the far more advanced F-35 which are available for purchase. Using these advanced aircrafts can help us develop a stealthy model of the LCA which anyways has American Engines and technology. This will cost less than the ever delayed T-50 project over the long term.

Once the stealthy version of the LCA is developed, we may be able to advance considerably as in the case of the missiles and space launch vehicles in developer even top line combat aircrafts in the future. Especially considering we are allowing 49% of FDI in defense and running the Make in India campaign so effectively.

This will ensure we are not at the whims and fancies of external suppliers such as the US, France and Russia for our defense.

Ancient Indian Science of Aeronautics

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:21:00 +0000

Artistic Representation of RUKMAVimana

Introduction

In the ancient Vedas, there are many descriptions of flying machines called Vimana. The Indian epic, the Mahabharata is a long and complex work. It mentions specifics to mature Indian aerospace technologies, however references to flying machines are common in most of the Indian ancient texts.

The western school of anthropology considers human civilization emerged out of Africa. Genetic studies show that primates diverged from other mammals about 85 million years ago, in the Late Cretaceous period, and the earliest fossils appear in the Paleocene, around 55 million years ago. Abrahamic religions follow Exclusivism” or “Particularism” with a view that one religion is uniquely and supremely true and all other religions are false, followed by an authoritative advocation of Genesis creation narrative and reject vehemently the scientific theory of evolution. On the other hand, Hinduism advocates evolution the ten avatars of Vishnu is manifestation and attestation of this line of thought.

Hinduism’s understanding of time is as grandiose as time itself. While Abrahamic religions, base their cosmologies on familiar units such as few hundreds or thousands of years, the Hindu concept of time embraces billions and trillions of years. The Puranas describe time units from the infinitesimal truti, lasting 1/1,000,0000 of a second to a mahamantavara of 311 trillion years. Hindu sages describe time as cyclic, an endless procession of creation, preservation and dissolution. Scientists such as Carl Sagan have expressed amazement at the accuracy of space and time descriptions given by the ancient rishis and saints, who fathomed the secrets of the universe through their mystically awakened senses.

The study of human evolution involves many scientific disciplines, including physical anthropology, primatology, archaeology, paleontology, evolutionary psychology, embryology and the most modern theories, genetics. It is a "modern superstition" to assume that the move towards knowledge is something linear. Our knowledge on ancient science and technology is rather inadequate. But the Vedas definitive structure and explanation of such technologies several eons before the egression of modern thought is revolutionary and needs rigorous investigation.

Let us examine some of the antecedents of this fascinating branch of science:

The Yajur Veda, 10:19

"O royal skilled engineer, construct sea-boats, propelled on water by our experts, and airplanes, moving and flying upward, after the clouds that reside in the mid-region, that fly as the boats move on the sea, that fly high over and below the watery clouds. Be thou, thereby, prosperous in this world created by the Omnipresent God, and flier in both air and lightning."

The Yajur Veda, 6:21

"Through astronomy, geography, and geology, go thou to all the different countries of the world under the sun. Mayest thou attain through good preaching to statesmanship and artisanship, through medical science obtain knowledge of all medicinal plants, through hydrostatics learn the different uses of water, through electricity understand the working of ever lustrous lightening. Carry out my instructions willingly."

The Atharva Veda, 20:41.1-3

"The atomic energy fissions the ninety-nine elements, covering its path by the bombardments of neutrons without let or hindrance. Desirous of stalking the head, ie. The chief part of the swift power, hidden in the mass of molecular adjustments of the elements, this atomic energy approaches it in the very act of fissioning it by the above-noted bombardment. Herein, verily the scientists know the similar hidden striking force of the rays of the sun working in the orbit of the moon." (Source: Searching for Vedic India - By Devamitra Swami p. 155 - 157)

The Rig Veda, the oldest known documents in history describes some of these means of transport:

Jalayan - is a vehicle designed to move both in air and in water ... (Rig Veda 6.58.3)

Kaara - is a vehicle designed to move both on land and in the water ... (Rig Veda 9.14.1)

Tritala - is a vehicle designed to move in the three elements ... (Rig Veda 3.14.1)

Trichakra Ratha - is a vehicle with three engines designed to move in the air ... (Rig Veda 4.36.1)

Vaayu Ratha - is a vehicle driven by an air motor ... (Rig Veda 5.41.6)

Vidyut Ratha - a vehicle driven by a motor potentissimoè (Rig Veda 3.14.1).

Kathasaritsagara refers to highly talented woodworkers called Rajyadhara and Pranadhara. The former was so skilled in mechanical contrivances that he could make ocean crossing chariots. And the latter manufactured a flying chariot to carry a thousand passengers in the air. These chariots were stated to be as fast as thought itself. (Source: India Through The Ages: History, Art Culture and Religion - By G. Kuppuram p. 532-533)

Puranic notes on the ancient flying machines

The Arthasastra of Kautilya (3zo century BC) mentions among the businessmen and technocrats, the Saubhikas or pilots conducting vehicles in the sky. Saubha was the name of the city of King Harishchandra and the root of "Saubika" means a person able to fly or who knows how to fly an aircraft. The essay uses Kautilya another significant word 'Akasa Yodhinah " whose translation is: People trained for air combat warfare. The existence of aerial chariots, in any form, was well known that found a place among the royal edicts of the Emperor Asoka who was executed during his reign from 256 BC.

One excellent example is the 3,000 year old Vymanika Shastra, meaning “The Science of Aeronautics”. It has been translated by G.R. Josyer, director of the International Academy of Sanskrit research in Mysore, India. The translation, “Aeronautics, a Manuscript From the Prehistoric Past”, was published in book form by Coronation press, Mysore, in 1973. The Vaimanika Shastra, refers to other 97 authoritative works of which at least 20 of these books, explaining the mechanisms of flying machines, unfortunately these texts are now untraceable. The Yuktikalpataru of Bhoja, includes a note on the flying machines in verses 48-50. Samarangana sootradhara of King Bhojaraja unveils the use of mercury in engines for aviation use very distinctly. Briefly explaining the operation of this type of engine, western researchers, quoting this treatise, mention this as a heating device placed underneath to cause ignition, triggering the potent energy in mercury to drive the whirlwind in motion. This produces highly intense impulse catapulting the flying machine into air instantaneously. This confirmed by a comment the work dated 1870 AD, which belongs to the University of Sanskrit in Calcutta. We are therefore in possession of manuscript material that demonstrates the existence of Vimana or airplanes in ancient India which followed the western route, towards the Arabian Sea, Africa, Atlantic Ocean, Latin America, etc., And these were only the shortest routes. It is likely that the ships had followed the same route by sea, but most of the cargo ships, however, were to follow longer route through the Pacific Ocean, Indonesia, Polynesia, Latin America because of winds and equatorial currents which made navigation easier.

And if the ancient Indians could boast of a form of travel across the sky, this means that the Nazca lines in Peru acquire an added significance. So not only the scriptural references of aircraft and their shipping routes, but also the places would be landing in the tangled outlines of the figures of the Pampas of Nazca. Maria Reiche, a German scientist, studied with dedication these seriously, preserved them from destruction and published them to the world. It is likely that the huge figures that are visible from the air would help the old pilots (Saubhikas).

There are many clues in the texts in Sanskrit on Vimana carrying kings and dignitaries to pataldesa. The Ramayana describes the flight of Ravana by Varunalaya (Borneo) in Rasatala (Peru). Proffessor D K Kanjilal describes the history of the Matsya Purana (Chapter 129) and Vimana in Ancient India in the following words: "Behind the veil of legend and scientific truth comes out that three airports were built and used by the demons. One in a stationary orbit, another moving in the sky and one was permanently on the earth's surface. These were similar to the modern space stations within a particular time by a fixed latitude and longitude. The arrow of Siva (mentioned in the text), refers to a blazing missile fired from an orbiting satellite that goes to hit a spaceship that fell into the Indian Ocean. The remains of an ancient prosperous civilization destroyed in battles only flicker through these legends. " These notes confirm the use of some kind of flying vehicle known as Vimana relating to a mechanical invention. These facts require more than a passing thought.

Scientific composition of Vimanas

In the Yantra Sarvasva, sage Maharshi Bhardwaj describes vimana, or aerial aircrafts, as being of three classes:

Those that travel from place to place;
Those that travel from one country to another;
Those that travel between planets.

According to Rahasyagnyodhikaaree - Sutra 2, "The pilot is one who knows the secrets" There were 32 secrets the pilot needed to learn from competent preceptors and only such a person was fit to be entrusted with an aeroplane, and no others:

There are 32 secrets of the working of the Vimaana. He must know the structure of the aeroplane, know the means of its take off and ascent to the sky, know how to drive it and how to halt it when necessary, how to maneuver it and make it perform spectacular feats in the sky without crashing. Those secrets are given in "Rahashya Lahari" and other works by Lalla and other masters and are described as thus:

"The pilot should have had training in maantrica and taantrica, kritaka and antaraalaka, goodha or hidden, drishya and adrishya or seen and unseen, paroksha and aparoksha, contraction and expansion, changing shape, look frightening, look pleasing, become luminous or enveloped in darkness, deluge or pralaya, vimukha, taara, stun by thunderstorm din, jump, move zig-zag like serpent, chaapala, face all sides, hear distant sounds, take pictures, know enemy maneuver, know direction of enemy approach, stabdhaka or paralyse, and karshana or exercise magnetic pull.

Some of these secrets are:

1. Goodha: As explained in 'Vaayutatva-Prakarana', by harnessing the powers, Yaasaa, Viyaasaa, Prayaasaa in the 8th atmospheric layer covering the earth, to attract the dark content of the solar ray, and use it to hide the Vimana from the enemy.

2. Drishya: By collision of the electric power and wind power in the atmosphere, a glow is created, whose reflection is to be caught in the Vishwa-Kriya-drapana or mirror at the front of the Vimana, and by its manipulation produce a Maaya-Vimana or camouflaged Vimana.

3. Vimukha: As mentioned in "Rig-hridaya", by projecting the force of Kubera, Vimukha and Vyshawaanara poison powder through the third tube of the roudree mirror and turning the switch of the air mechanism, produce wholesale insensibility and coma.

4. Roopaakarshana: By means of the photographic yantra in the Vimana to obtain a television view of things inside an enemy's plane.

5. Stabdhak: By projecting apasmaara poison fume smoke through the tube on the north side on the Vimana, and discharging it with stambhana yantra, people in enemy planes will be made unconscious.

6. Chaapla: On sighting an enemy plane, by turning the switch in the force center in the middle section of the Vimana, a 4087 revolutions an hour atmospheric wave speed will be generated, and shake up the enemy plane.

7. Parashabda Graahaka: As explained in the "Sowdaaminee Kalaa: or science of electronics, by means of the sound capturing yantra in the Vimana, to hear the talks and sound in enemy planes flying in the sky.

According to Shownaka, the regions of the sky are 5, named, Rekhaapathaha, Mandala, Kakshaya, Shakti and Kendra. In these 5 atmospheric regions, there are 5,19,800 air ways traversed by Vimanas of the Seven Lokas or worlds, known as Bhooloka, Bhuvarloka, Suvarloka, Maholoka, Janoloka, Tapoloka and Satyaloka. Dhundinaatha and "Valalmeeki Ganita" state that Rekha has 7,03,00,800 air routes. Mandala has 20,08,00200 air routes, Kakshya has 2,09,00,300 air routes, Shakti has 10,01,300 air routes, and Kendra has 30,08,200 air routes.

It discusses what kind of food to eat, clothing to wear, metals for vimanas, purification of metals, deals with mirrors and lenses which are required to be installed in the vimaanas, mechanical contrivances or yantras and protecting and different types of vimaanas.

Aeronautical Society of India referring to the Vymanika Shashtra states that a glass-like material based on technology found in an ancient Sanskrit text that could ultimately be used in a stealth bomber (the material cannot be detected by radar) has been developed by a research scholar of Benaras Hindu University. Prof M A Lakshmithathachar, Director of the Academy of Sanskrit Research in Melkote, near Mandya.

The tests conducted with the material showed radars could not detect it.

“The unique material cannot be traced by radar and so a plane coated with it cannot be detected using radar,” he said.

This was first reported by the Deccan Herald long back. What happened to this research is anybody’s guess. So this proves that at least some of the Indian scientists did seriously undertake research on Ancient Indian Aerospace Technology.

Types of Vimanas

Maharshi Bharadwaaja: SHAKUNA VIMANA

Maharshi Bharadwaaja: SUNDARA VIMANA

Maharshi Bharadwaaja: RUKMA VIMANA

Maharshi Bharadwaaja: TRIPURA VIMANA

Conclusion

Ancient Indian civilization was superior and advanced with possible contacts with extraterrestrial visitors and the flying devices called 'Vimanas'. Ancient Indian texts may underline their possible connections with today's aerospace technology.

Erich von Däniken a Swiss author discusses the Ramayana and the vimanas in Chapter 6 of his bestseller book "Chariots of the Gods" suggesting that they were "space vehicles". To support his hypothesis, he offers a quotation which he says is from an 1889 translation of the Mahabharata by C. Roy: "Bhima flew with his Vimana on an enormous ray which was as brilliant as the sun and made a noise like the thunder of a storm.

Dismissing Vimanas as a creation of mythology would be a fallacy, we need to study and investigate the veracity of the ancient texts which eventually could prove to be shocking. In the modern context UFO's have become a consternation between the believable and the absurd. It is also purported that advanced nations had access to secret alien technology which have been used to develop sophisticated weapons, the Roswell incident (1947) and the Crash at Corona (1992) are illustrious examples of this theory, although there is no clear evidence that a UFO crashed at Roswell or Corona, believers firmly believe that one did, and that the truth has been concealed as a result of a government conspiracy. It is noteworthy to mention here that the Vedic literatures of ancient India draws overwhelming attention to gods and heroes fighting in the skies using piloted vehicles with weapons of mass destruction.

Main Source>> VYMAANIKA-SHAASTRA by Maharshi Bharadwaaja (Propounded by Venerable SUBBARAYA SHASTRY) Printed at CORONATION PRESS, MYSORE (1973)

SHOCK WAVES IN DRDO: Perform or Perish is the New Mantra

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 21:57:00 +0000

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Former DRDO Chief Dr. Avinash Chander

The government's decision to sack Chief Controller of DRDO Dr. Avinash Chander has shaken the defence establishment and sent shock waves through the Defence Public Sector units (DPSU's), it even caught Dr. Chander offguard. The all important DPSU's which is in a way the secondary line of defence of the nation following the armed forces, have been literally hijacking the development and manufacture of defence related equipment in the country. There is a severe lack accountability in these organisations and DPSU's have never been put through a stringent science audit. Over the past several decades there has been virtually nothing noteworthy the DPSU's have contributed to strengthen the nations security against two potent adversaries on either side of our borders. Our safety & security can only be attributed to the resolve and bravery of our armed forces who have been stacked against all odds over the years in the defense of the nation.

Lt Gen Harwant Singh (retd), in a scathing report said "DRDO in stand-alone mode has achieved little and will not be able to meet the future needs of the armed forces. It has shown little skill and capability in the field of even reverse engineering of comparatively simple equipment. This is legacy of the Nehruvian policies of entrusting all this to the public sector (DRDO in this case). Since then vested interests have opposed any change in this moribund policy".

So why did the government sack Dr. Avinash Chander?

Was he inefficient as an administrator
Did he indulgence in corruption?
Was he advocating cronyism or nepotism in his administrative capacities?

It is an emphatic no? On the other hand, it is a perceptible and overt message to all concerned that this government means business when it comes to critical results and does not brook any compromises or delays! Besides, such an earth shattering event has never occurred in the history of any defense public sector units in the country. There is a unvarying notion that government run agencies are holy cows which cannot be touched by any departmental agency or for that matter execution of extemporary government termination of personnel is an inconceivable notion, has been shattered by this singular action. Simple, this dispensation is unlike any other the country has seen, it is marked by a strong intent and purpose and principally it gives great emphasis on national security and national interest. It is notable to mention that this decision was not executed by any powerful bureaucrat or under-secretary in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) but by the nation's Defence Minister himself, of course the green signal must have come from the PM who must have authorized the exit of the chief controller. In short, the sacking of the DRDO chief had a strong corporate typecast flavor to it, perform or perish.

LCA Tejas Naval Prototype NP-1

The death knell was sounded in August 2014, the PM had sent a strong feeler to the DRDO, attacking its “chalta hai” (laid-back or lackadaisical) culture, asking it to complete projects before or on time to put India ahead in the world. The Prime Minister also added “The world will not wait for us. We have to run ahead of time. That is why whatever we do, we should try hard to do it before time. It should not be so that a project is conceived in 1992 and in 2014 (we say) it will take some more time. The world will go ahead.”

DRDO has faced criticism for the past several years for delays and cost over-runs in crucial projects for the armed forces. Though Dr. Chander was one of the most prominent scientists in the country and the developments indicate that the government was not happy with the performance of the DRDO and Avinash Chander as its chief. Mr. Chander is one of the key scientists behind the Agni missile project including the 5,500 km-range Agni-V ICBM that had given the country a credible nuclear-capable deterrent against China.

A report by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence presented in Parliament on December 22, 2014, had criticised DRDO for chronic inefficiency and delays in executing numerous programs. The committee said "projects are not executed according to their schedule, and inordinate delays in execution of almost all the projects [are] common phenomena".

Some of the critical projects that have been subject to endless delays include: (Please note that this is not an exhaustive list but an indicative one)

Nearly 70% of our defense equipment is imported and this includes even low-technology items
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter, a much delayed project was conceived in 1990 and the LCA-Tejas has taken more than two decades to evolve as a credible fighting system and it is still limping toward its crucial Final Operational Clearance (FOC) which has been pushed for the umpteenth time to December 2015.
In the same vein the Naval version of the fighter has seen inordinate delays owing to downright shortsightedness on the part of ADA in its design, development and implementation phases.
The failure of the Kaveri engine is a great setback to DRDO, however developing an afterburning turbofan engine is a very sophisticated technology to master, even developed countries like France struggled to develop a new turbofan engine. Snecma a seasoned player and prominent engine developer with several decades of experience of various engine types, took more than 15 years to perfect its M88 engine for the Rafale. DRDO should have set realistic targets with regard to the Kaveri engine and because of this lack of foresight the program had to be eventually cancelled, though the engine is still being used for other applications.
The failure of DRDO to provide reliable and effective modern guns to the armed forces
Arjun Main Battle Tank program, the delay cannot be entirely blamed on DRDO, the Army has shown great animosity for the indigenous tank program and favored imports (there is so much money to be made in imports) more clamantly, the army due to its misplaced idiosyncrasies has been back pedaling on the induction of sizable volumes of the tank since it had set unrealistic targets for DRDO. However, DRDO has also delayed on the technologies that had to be developed in its development.
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) & Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) ballistic missile defense system has gone into deep slumber mode. The last AAD test was conducted in November 2012 and the PDV in April 2014.
Intermediate Jet Trainer IJT-SITARA delayed due to design blunders (HAL Stakeholder)
Development, testing and induction of Arjun MK-2 & MK-3
K-4,K-5 & K-15 Series of Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) test and induction
Delay in testing and induction of NAG anti tank guided missile (ATGM) for the Army, to compensate for the delay India is procuring Spike ATGM missiles from Israel
Rustom-II UAV test and induction
India's concept super secret AURA stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (Stealth Bomber) prototyping to be completed
Completion of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) System
155mm Gun test and induction
INS Arihant test and induction
AMCA test and induction
Astra MK-1 & MK-2 test and induction
Induction of Long Range Surface to Air Missile BARAK-8 in collaboration with Israel yet to be inducted
Multi-Caliber Gun test and induction
Advanced Sub Machine Gun test and induction
F-INSAS test and induction
Future infantry fighting Vehicle for the Army test and induction
HTT-40 Trainer test and induction (HAL Stakeholder)
Light Combat Helicopter test and induction (HAL Stakeholder)
12 tone Class Utility Helicopter test and induction (HAL Stakeholder)
Light Utility Helicopter development, testing and induction (HAL Stakeholder)

Unless the government takes concrete steps to resolve issues that exists in DRDO and the status quo broken, the Prime Minister’s expectations of India developing high-end defence equipment and becoming self reliant in this field will only remain a pipe dream.

AGNI V - Top 10 Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 13:26:00 +0000

Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). DRDO had limited the range to only 5,000 km during both the test it has conducted. However, it is understood that the range is "classified" or "understated" for national security reasons, but the Chinese have confirmed that the missile is capable of achieving an expected range of over 8,000 km which clearly bracket it in the ICBM class.

Here are the top 10 facts on the Agni-V Missile:

1) India broke into the exclusive ICBM club of six countries including the United States, Russia, United Kingdom, China and France after launching two successful test flights of Agni-V. Touted as one of the deadliest missile systems in the world by defense analysts across the world, Agni-V achieved single-digit accuracy in its second test which is rare for even missiles of advanced nations.

2) The Agni series of missiles, including Agni-V, is crucial for India’s defence vis-a-vis China since Beijing has upped the ante in recent times by deploying missiles in Tibet Autonomous Region bordering India.

3) Tipped to be a game changer, Agni-V will extend India’s reach all over Asia, parts of Africa and parts of Europe.

4) Once fired, it cannot be stopped. It travels faster than a bullet and can carry 1,000 kilograms of nuclear weapons. Agni-V incorporates advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer systems for navigation and guidance.

5) With a range of 5,000 km, Agni-V, once validated and inducted into the armed forces after more tests, Agni-V will be India’s longest-range missile to carry a nuclear warhead. It will have the capacity to carry a nuclear warhead weighing over a ton.

6) Agni-V has Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) capability with each missile capable of carrying 2–10 separate nuclear warheads. This means that each warhead can be assigned to a different target, alternatively, two or more warheads can be assigned to one target.

7) Agni-V can be configured to launch small satellites and can be used later even a anti satellite weapon.

8) This 50 ton missile is quite easy to store and can be transported swiftly by road, rail or water because of its canister based launch system.

9) Seventeen metres tall, Agni-V’s three-stages are powered by solid propellants. The first rocket engine takes it to a height of about 40 kilometers The second stage pushes it to about 150 kilometres. The third stage takes it to about 300 kilometres above the Earth. The missile finally reaches a height of about 800 kilometres.

10) The Agni-V is a three stage solid fueled system with sophisticated composite motor casing in the second and third stage. In many aspects, the Agni-V carries forward the Agni-II pedigree. With composites used extensively to reduce weight, and a third stage added Agni-V can fly significantly more to intercontinental ranges.

AGNI-VI: Intercontinental Ballistic Boost

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:09:00 +0000

India boasts of an excellent non-proliferation record and that it has engaged intermittently with the international community on such issues, the US had openly endorsed India's ICBM development ambitions since it stood in dark contrast to states racing to acquire advanced ballistic missile technologies harmful to US interests. The lack of US condemnation of India's missile test demonstrates that the US is comfortable with the Indian program in the nuclear and missile fields and appreciates India's need to meet the emerging strategic challenge posed by rising China. Besides, it is also entirely imperative that India breaks away out of the regional context as the country's sphere of influence is growing and it needs the capability to match its sphere of global influence.

The Government of India had not considered the development of an ICBM with a range of 10,000 km or more. However, speculations of an ongoing program for a longer range ICBM resurfaced in 2011. Some reports since the late 1990s claimed that the ICBM is already code named "Surya". It is also known that the government had not given serious weight to the necessity for an ICBM. Since India is not a signatory to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Indian missile program is not limited by any treaty commitment to cap the development of long range ICBM. There have been also occasional hypothesis that, despite India being a non-signatory to MTCR, there is a voluntary moratorium on developing missiles beyond the range of 5,000 km probably owing to US & NATO pressure.

The important AGNI-VI Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) which is expected to feature Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) capabilities has not been approved by the government. The scams & policy paralysis stricken erstwhile UPA government dillydallied its approval which was one among the many it procrastinated with regard to projects of national security & importance.

Despite this impediment DRDO has decided on the missile specifications and enhanced capabilities and proceeding as per plan, once the ongoing Agni-V program concludes DRDO is confident that the present dispensation will sanction the program and allocate funds. In addition, there has been considerable speculation worldwide about this futuristic cutting-edge missile development program after the clinical success of the AGNI-V.

Agni-VI will be a three-stage, solid fuel ICBM which will carry a massive three-tonne warhead, thrice the weight of current Agni missiles have carried so far. This will enable the missile to launch multiple nuclear warheads with each warhead striking a different target alternatively, separated by hundreds of kilometers, two or more warheads can be assigned to one target and can perform evasive maneuvers while hurtling down towards its target, confusing enemy air defence systems that will try to intercept them mid-air. MIRVs ensure a credible second strike capability even with few missiles.

DRDO technicians in Hyderabad integrating AGNI Missiles

Technological Challenges

Multiple Warhead Technology

DRDO is at an advanced stage of integrating warhead technologies, but one notable challenge is building a booster rocket that can propel a three-tonne payload to targets 10,000 kilometres away. The payload weight is comparably more than what a GSLV can launch. The missile should be able to deploy decoys and chaffs to evade air defense systems.

Weapons Delivery

Analyzing a ballistic trajectory is a simple physics problem, but there is big difference betweem analysis and implementation. Recording the necessary data, rapidly analyzing it, combined with ever changing variables, to determine the precise moment to release a warhead so that it hits a specific target 8-10 thousand miles away, is not a simple task. Therefore, dispersing nuclear warheads is another major technological challenge.

Miniaturization

Miniaturization of nuclear and thermonuclear weapons as has been obtained to fit the nose cone spatial shape of Agni-VI missile.

Support Structures

Mobility

Agni-VI must be compact and road mobile, this can be achieved by building the first stage with composites , which is expected to weigh around 40-tons. This is a technical challenge but DRDO has the capability in lightweight composites. The road mobile Agni-VI would also have stringent limits on its length since it must be carried on a standard size trailer that can move from one part of the country to another, turn on narrow roads, cross bridges and climb heights. As the payload weight increases, it will require more advanced technologies to keep the missile's length to technically acceptable limits.

Weight & Dimension

Harnessing maximum performance from smaller rockets also becomes especially important in submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) version, which cannot be no longer than 13 metres so as to fit into the cramped confines of a submarines. This holds true to even the K-4 "Sagarika" SLBM for the country's Arihant-Class, Chakra-Class Nuclear-Propelled ballistic missile attack submarines (SSBNs).

Conclusion

Until April 2012, the existence of an ICBM program was unclear and was never officially acknowledged by the DRDO. However, in the DRDO newsletter of May 2011, while describing the achievements of a recently promoted scientist, it revealed that he headed a program code named A6, which will be an ICBM with a range in between 6,000-10,000 km and like some versions of its precursor Agni V, it will be capable of underwater launch with MIRV.

“ Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems)

Shri Avinash Chander, Distinguished Scientist, Programme Director, SFD and Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory has been appointed as Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems) wef 3 May 2011. He is an eminent scientist in the field of Missiles and is the Chief Designer of Long-range missile system, with specific contribution in Agni programme management, mission design, guidance, navigation, simulation and terminal guidance. He has unique achievement of delivering and deploying three long-range Agni missile weapon systems viz, A1, A2 and A3.

It is evident from history that there exists a close concurrence between a space and a missile program as was the case with both Soviet Union and America, China and India have also pursued the same path. The interchangeability of several technologies between the two entities suit there sustained development, but the more pronounced beneficiary is undeniably the missile programs. Though the Indian missile program has matured to world-class levels it is mastering some of the aforementioned technologies that will make MIRV integration as a holistic system.

METAL BEHEMOTHS: The Best Battle Tanks in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:00:00 +0000

As a young man, apart from worshiping exotic super cars, battle tanks were my other stellar indulgence. The 1971 Indo-Pakistan introduced me to actual tank warfare, when I got to hear about the battle of Longewala which was fought between assaulting Pakistani forces and Indian defenders at the border post of Longewala, in the Thar Desert of the Rajasthan, India. It exposed me to the fact that possessing the best tanks in the world was not good enough to win battles. The Battle was fought between India and Pakistan, in which just 120 Indian Soldiers with 1 jeep mounted M40 recoilless rifle held the fort against 2,000 invading Pakistani forces backed by 45 tanks and 1 mobile infantry brigade. Despite being so heavily out-numbered, the Indian soldiers held their ground throughout the night and with the help of the Air Force, were able to completely rout the aggressors.

The Battle of Longewala is considered by many military historians as one of the greatest field battles ever fought (including all wars until 1971) principally because the mighty odds the Indian Army confronted. This legendary valor of our armed forces held me in awe for decades right up to the recent Kargil war with Pakistan which was contrary to the battle of Longewala was fought using mainly field guns. And so I thought it was high time I wrote a piece dedicated to these awesome heavyweights, before we dwell into what the current crop has to offer let us look into a brief history of these behemoths.

BRIEF HISTORY

British Mark V Tank

It is frequently claimed that Richard Lovell Edgeworth created a caterpillar track in 1770 which he patented as a "machine, that should carry and lay down its own road". His own account in his autobiography is of a horse-drawn wooden carriage on eight retractable legs, capable of lifting itself over high walls. The Mark V was originally invented in World War I as a means of infantry support, tanks quickly evolved over the ensuing decades to become a distinct and fearsome weapon of war.

French Renault FT-17

The Renault FT was a French light tank that was among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. The FT was the first production tank to have its armament within a fully rotating turret. It had a crew compartment at the front, engine compartment at the back, and main armament in a revolving turret, which became and remains to this day the standard tank layout. Over 3,000 tanks were manufactured during the year 1918.

German A7V

Germany fielded very few tanks during World War I, and started development only after encountering British tanks. The A7V, the only type made, was introduced in March 1918 and only 20 were produced. However, captured British Mk IVs formed the bulk of Germany's tank forces during WW I; about 35 were in service at any one time. Plans to expand the tank program were under way when the War ended.

THE TOP LIST

France: AMX Leclerc

Named in honor of General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, the General had been the commander of an Armored Division during the Second World War.

Designed during 1983, the Leclerc is in the same league as other NATO tanks and is certainly one of the top three best modern MBT’s but it is also renowned for being the most expensive tank in history. The Leclerc is all about speed. Its the lightest modern NATO tank weighting 56tons, as it has a much smaller hull and turret, giving it an added bonus of excellent Strategic mobility. It carries a SACM V8X-1500 4-stroke liquid cooled V8 diesel engine, which generates 1500hp mainly due to its Hyperbar process. It is also equipped with a computerized automatic gearbox. With its light weight, the Leclerc is one very fast machine. Unlike other MBTs of its generation, the Leclerc comes with an autoloading system which reduces the crew to three and its work burden, and has an ammo capacity of 40 rounds. Its capable of carrying 1,300 litres of diesel fuel giving it a 550km fighting range. The Leclerc has a top road speed is 72 km/h and can go up 55 km/h off road thanks to its hydrogas suspension.

India: Arjun MBT

The Arjun MBT is named after the main protagonist and world’s greatest archer from the Indian epic, "The Mahabharata". Despite the countless flak it has received during its formative phases, the Arjun today remains as one of the most potent and technologically advanced MBTs in the world, this is acknowledged by several defense analysts and technology experts across the spectrum. Design of the tank began officially began in 2004 as a way of providing the Indian Army with an indigenously-designed and built tank main battle tank.

The Arjun sports a 120 mm main rifled gun with indigenously developed Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) ammunition, one 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and a 12.7 mm machine gun. The tanks is protected by the modular composite Kanchan armor that is composed of layers of composite alongside rolled homogenous steel, and a new honeycomb design of non-explosive and non-energetic reactive armor (NERA) is reportedly being tested as well. Kanchan is made by sandwiching composite panels between Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA). This helps in defeating APFDS and High Explosive Anti Tank Warhead (HEAT) rounds. Trials conducted in 2000, showcased the ability of Kanchan armour to protect the tank, even when hit at point blank range by a T-72. It also demonstrated the capability to defeat HESH and APFSDS rounds, which included the Israeli APFSDS rounds. An advanced laser warning countermeasure system and a mobile camouflage system have been developed. The new advanced camouflage system will provide multi-spectral signature management, in order to protect the vehicle against all enemy sensors and smart munitions.

Like most MBTs of its generation, the Arjun has a four-man crew, including the commander, gunner, loader and a driver. It is powered by a single MTU multi-fuel diesel engine rated at 1,400 hp, and can achieve a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).

An extensive comparative trial was conducted by the Indian Army in March 2010, in which the Arjun was pitted against the T-90. Arjun emerged a conclusive winner from its showdown with the Russian tank and it demonstrated excellent performance under various circumstances, such as driving cross-country over rugged sand dunes, detecting, observing and quickly engaging targets, accurately hitting targets – both stationary and moving, with pin pointed accuracy. It displayed accurate and quick target acquisition capability during day and night in all types of weather and shortest possible reaction time during combat engagements. An army officer remarked that the Arjun could have performed even better, had it been operated by experienced crewmen. Nevertheless, the result was heartening vindication of DRDO technological capabilities, the Arjun MBT out-gunned and outran the T-90 on every crucial parameter.

The Arjun Mark II is an advanced third generation main battle tank and an upgraded version of the Arjun main battle tank with a total of 93 upgrades, including 13 major improvements. The Mark-II version completed most user trials in 2012 and 2013 and displayed impressive performance. The new features of the modified tank received favorable responses from defense sources.

The Arjun entered service with the Indian Army in 2004. The tanks were first inducted into the 43 Armoured Regiment, Indian Army Armoured Corps while the latest induction has been into the 75 Armoured Regiment on 12 March 2011.

Italy: C1 Ariete

The C1 Ariete is the main battle tank of the Italian Army, developed by a consortium formed by Iveco-Fiat and Oto Melara (aka CIO, Consorzio Iveco Oto Melara). The chassis and engine were produced by Iveco, while the turret and fire-control system were supplied by Oto Melara. The vehicle carries the latest optical and digital-imaging and fire-control systems, enabling it to fight day and night and to fire on the move.

It is equipped with a Oto Melara 120mm smooth-bore cannon, with thermal sleeve, a fume extractor and a muzzle reference system. It fires standard Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) & High Explosive Anti Tank Warhead (HEAT) rounds and can store 42 rounds, 15 rounds in the turret and 27 in the hull.

Mounted on the front of the tank is the BAE Systems Italia manufactured RALM laser warning receiver. The system gives the tank a 360° detection of laser guided ATM and warning. It carries the standard smoke grenade dischargers (x4 either side) on the turret. It also has a standard Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense system manufactured by Sekur SpA and supported by a 7.62mm co-axially mounted machine gun, the commander has a 7.62mm machine gun mounted on his cupola, which doubles up as an anti-aircraft gun and can store 2500 rounds. The C1 uses a superior composite armor system.

UK: Challenger II

Challenger 2 is a heavily armoured, highly mobile Main Battle Tank, designed for use in the direct fire zone. Its primary role is to destroy or neutralise armour. However it has the ability to engage both hard and soft targets and can operate across a spectrum of high intensity conflict, counter insurgency and peace keeping roles.

The vehicle is equipped with an L30 120mm rifled tank gun, firing both long rod penetrator and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) ammunition natures. Secondary armaments are provided with a 7.62mm co-axial chain gun and a 7.62mm pintle mounted General Purpose Machine Gun.

Optical and thermal imager sights are provided for both the Commander and Gunner, including an independent 360 degree panoramic sight for the Commander. The sighting systems, turret and gun are fully stabilised enabling rapid target engagement when static and on the move. Mobility is provided through a 12-cylinder, 1,200hp Perkins CV12 diesel engine with a David Brown TN54 gearbox, providing six forward and two reverse gears. A double pin track with Hydrogas suspension and a Hydraulic Track Tensioner provide platform stability covering flat road surfaces through to rough cross country terrain.

South Korea: K2 Black Panther

The K2 Black Panther is an advanced main battle tank (MBT) featuring state-of-the-art technology developed by South Korea. It was developed to replace the various models of the aging M48 Patton tanks and complement the K1 series of MBTs currently fielded ones.

The South Korean Army plans to deploy about 680 Black Panthers, yet the full-scale mass-production of the tank has currently been suspended due to concerns over its transmission and main engine systems. These issues may lead to a delay of service entry until March 2014. The K2 Black Panther, estimated to cost about US$8.5 million per unit, is certified as the most expensive MBT in world by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Black Panther is armed with a Rheinmetall 120-mm/ L55 smoothbore gun. This gun is license-produced in South Korea. This is complemented by an autoloader, similar to that designed for Leclerc, it can fire up to 15 rounds a minute. The ammunition for the main gun is loaded in a 16-shell magazine, with a total ammunition capacity of 40. The K2 is equipped with an advanced fire-control system (FCS) linked to a millimeter band radar system deployed on the frontal arc of the turret, along with a traditional laser range-finder and crosswind sensor. The system is capable of a "lock-on" mode, which can acquire and track specific targets up to a range of 9.8 km using thermal optics. This allows the crew to fire accurately while moving as well as effectively engage low-flying aircraft. The FCS is also linked to an advanced gun stabilizer and trigger-delay mechanism to optimise accuracy while moving in uneven terrain.

Germany: Leopard 2

Developed by Krauss-Maffei in the early 1970s for the West German Army, the Leopard 2 entered service in 1979 to replace the older Leopard 1 models. In addition to being the MBT of a united Germany after 1989, the Leopard 2 is also one of the most widely-used tanks in the world, serving in a total of 16 armies that range from Germany and Austria, to Canada, Turkey, Singapore and Indonesia. Due to improved technology, the tank has also gone through many variations.

The primary gun on the Leopard 2 is the Rheinmetall L/44 120 mm smoothbore gun, which is capable of firing Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) warheads as well as the German DM12 multipurpose anti-tank projectile (MPAT) and the LAHAT anti-tank guided missile. It also has two 7.62mm machine guns, a coaxially-mounted one in the turret, and the other on an external anti-aircraft mount. The tank also has a stabilization system, a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging and a fire control computer.

For protection, the Leopard 2 uses spaced, multi-layered composite armor that incorporates Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA), interior spall liners and the option of slat armor on the sides to protect from Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs). The Leopard 2 is also equipped with a fire protection system that automatically dispenses halomethane foam in the event that the interior temperature rises above a certain point. It is powered by a 1,479 hp V-12 liquid-cooled twin-turbo diesel engine with a fuel capacity of 1200 liters. It has a top speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) and an operational range of 550 km (340 mi).

US: A1 Abrams

The M1A2SEP (System Enhancement Package) is the most recent and advanced version of the M1 Abrams MBTs manufactured by the United States. Weighing nearly 62 metric tons, it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service. The M1 Abrams, named after General Creighton Abrams, is a third-generation MBT Designed used in modern armored ground warfare. It's highly mobile, well-armed and heavily-armored. Three main variants of the M1 Abrams, namely, the M1, M1A1 and M1A2, have been deployed so far. The M1A2SEP, based on the M1A2, features a greatly enhanced armament, and advanced protection, electronics and reliability systems. A M1A2SEP costs about US$8 million.

It is capable of firing the Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) and High Explosive Anti Tank warhead (HEAT) rounds, as well as the M1028 anti-personnel canister cartridge. It also comes with two 7.62mm machine guns – one coaxial and one turret-mounted – and a 12.7mm machine gun mounted by the commander’s hatch.

The tank also has a full-stabilization system for the main gun an comes equipped with a laser rangefinder, crosswind sensor, a pendulum static cant sensor, thermal imaging and a firing computer. The tank’s crew is protected by a halon firefighting system similar to the Leopard 2’s, and a rear ammo compartment with blowout panels that protect the crew from its own ammo exploding.

The tank is protected by composite armor that is composed of alloys of steel, ceramics, plastic composites, and Kevlar, similar to British Chobam & Indian Kanchan armor. It may also be fitted with reactive armor over the track skirts if needed and slat armor over the rear of the tank and rear fuel cells to protect against RPGs. Beginning in 1987, M1A1 tanks also received armor packages that incorporated depleted uranium components at the front of the turret and hull.

The M1 is powered by a 1,500 hp turbine engine which is capable of running on gas or diesel with a fuel capacity of 1,900 liters and an operational range of 426 km (265 miles). It has a top speed of 72 km/h.

Lockheed Martin's new fusion reactor might change humanity forever

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:57:00 +0000

Image Credit: Eric Schulzinger/Lockheed Martin

Hidden away in the secret depths of the Skunk Works, a Lockheed Martin research team has been working quietly on a nuclear energy concept they believe has the potential to meet, if not eventually decrease, the world’s insatiable demand for power.

Dubbed the compact fusion reactor (CFR), the device is conceptually safer, cleaner and more powerful than much larger, current nuclear systems that rely on fission, the process of splitting atoms to release energy. Crucially, by being “compact,” Lockheed believes its scalable concept will also be small and practical enough for applications ranging from interplanetary spacecraft and commercial ships to city power stations. It may even revive the concept of large, nuclear-powered aircraft that virtually never require refueling—ideas of which were largely abandoned more than 50 years ago because of the dangers and complexities involved with nuclear fission reactors. The CFR test team, led by Thomas McGuire (left), is focusing on plasma containment following successful magnetized ion confinement experiments.

Yet the idea of nuclear fusion, in which atoms combine into more stable forms and release excess energy in the process, is not new. Ever since the 1920s, when it was postulated that fusion powers the stars, scientists have struggled to develop a truly practical means of harnessing this form of energy. Other research institutions, laboratories and companies around the world are also pursuing ideas for fusion power, but none have gone beyond the experimental stage. With just such a “Holy Grail” breakthrough seemingly within its grasp, and to help achieve a potentially paradigm-shifting development in global energy, Lockheed has made public its project with the aim of attracting partners, resources and additional researchers.

Although the company released limited information on the CFR in 2013, Lockheed is now providing new details of its invention. Aviation Week was given exclusive access to view the Skunk Works experiment, dubbed “T4,” first hand. Led by Thomas McGuire, an aeronautical engineer in the Skunk Work’s aptly named Revolutionary Technology Programs unit, the current experiments are focused on a containment vessel roughly the size of a business-jet engine. Connected to sensors, injectors, a turbopump to generate an internal vacuum and a huge array of batteries, the stainless steel container seems an unlikely first step toward solving a conundrum that has defeated generations of nuclear physicists—namely finding an effective way to control the fusion reaction.

“I studied this in graduate school where, under a NASA study, I was charged with how we could get to Mars quickly,” says McGuire, who earned his Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scanning the literature for fusion-based space propulsion concepts proved disappointing. “That started me on the road and [in the early 2000s], I started looking at all the ideas that had been published. I basically took those ideas and melded them into something new by taking the problems in one and trying to replace them with the benefits of others. So we have evolved it here at Lockheed into something totally new, and that’s what we are testing,” he adds.

Image Credit: Eric Schulzinger/Lockheed Martin

To understand the breakthroughs of the Lockheed concept, it is useful to know how fusion works and how methods for controlling the reaction have a fundamental impact on both the amount of energy produced and the scale of the reactor. Fusion fuel, made up of hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium, starts as a gas injected into an evacuated containment vessel. Energy is added, usually by radio-frequency heating, and the gas breaks into ions and electrons, forming plasma.

The superhot plasma is controlled by strong magnetic fields that prevent it from touching the sides of the vessel and, if the confinement is sufficiently constrained, the ions overcome their mutual repulsion, collide and fuse. The process creates helium-4, freeing neutrons that carry the released energy kinetically through the confining magnetic fields. These neutrons heat the reactor wall which, through conventional heat exchangers, can then be used to drive turbine generators.

Until now, the majority of fusion reactor systems have used a plasma control device called a tokamak, invented in the 1950s by physicists in the Soviet Union. The tokamak uses a magnetic field to hold the plasma in the shape of a torus, or ring, and maintains the reaction by inducing a current inside the plasma itself with a second set of electromagnets. The challenge with this approach is that the resulting energy generated is almost the same as the amount required to maintain the self-sustaining fusion reaction.

Neutrons released from plasma will transfer heat through reactor walls to power turbines

An advanced fusion reactor version, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), being built in Cadarache, France, is expected to generate 500 MW. However, plasma is not due to be generated until the late 2020s, and derivatives are not likely to be producing significant power until at least the 2040s.

The problem with tokamaks is that “they can only hold so much plasma, and we call that the beta limit,” McGuire says. Measured as the ratio of plasma pressure to the magnetic pressure, the beta limit of the average tokamak is low, or about “5% or so of the confining pressure,” he says. Comparing the torus to a bicycle tire, McGuire adds, “if they put too much in, eventually their confining tire will fail and burst—so to operate safely, they don’t go too close to that.” Aside from this inefficiency, the physics of the tokamak dictate huge dimensions and massive cost. The ITER, for example, will cost an estimated $50 billion and when complete will measure around 100 ft. high and weigh 23,000 tons.

The traditional Soviet tokamak design of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, a gigantic installation being built in France

The CFR will avoid these issues by tackling plasma confinement in a radically different way. Instead of constraining the plasma within tubular rings, a series of superconducting coils will generate a new magnetic-field geometry in which the plasma is held within the broader confines of the entire reaction chamber. Superconducting magnets within the coils will generate a magnetic field around the outer border of the chamber. “So for us, instead of a bike tire expanding into air, we have something more like a tube that expands into an ever-stronger wall,” McGuire says. The system is therefore regulated by a self-tuning feedback mechanism, whereby the farther out the plasma goes, the stronger the magnetic field pushes back to contain it. The CFR is expected to have a beta limit ratio of one. “We should be able to go to 100% or beyond,” he adds.

This crucial difference means that for the same size, the CFR generates more power than a tokamak by a factor of 10. This in turn means, for the same power output, the CFR can be 10 times smaller. The change in scale is a game-changer in terms of producibility and cost, explains McGuire. “It’s one of the reasons we think it is feasible for development and future economics,” he says. “Ten times smaller is the key. But on the physics side, it still has to work, and one of the reasons we think our physics will work is that we’ve been able to make an inherently stable configuration.” One of the main reasons for this stability is the positioning of the superconductor coils and shape of the magnetic field lines. “In our case, it is always in balance. So if you have less pressure, the plasma will be smaller and will always sit in this magnetic well,” he notes.

Overall, McGuire says the Lockheed design “takes the good parts of a lot of designs.” It includes the high-beta configuration, the use of magnetic field lines arranged into linear ring “cusps” to confine the plasma and “the engineering simplicity of an axisymmetric mirror,” he says. The “axisymmetric mirror” is created by positioning zones of high magnetic field near each end of the vessel so that they reflect a significant fraction of plasma particles escaping along the axis of the CFR. “We also have a recirculation that is very similar to a Polywell concept,” he adds, referring to another promising avenue of fusion power research. A Polywell fusion reactor uses electromagnets to generate a magnetic field that traps electrons, creating a negative voltage, which then attracts positive ions. The resulting acceleration of the ions toward the negative center results in a collision and fusion.

The team acknowledges that the project is in its earliest stages, and many key challenges remain before a viable prototype can be built. However, McGuire expects swift progress. The Skunk Works mind-set and “the pace that people work at here is ridiculously fast,” he says. “We would like to get to a prototype in five generations. If we can meet our plan of doing a design-build-test generation every year, that will put us at about five years, and we’ve already shown we can do that in the lab.” The prototype would demonstrate ignition conditions and the ability to run for upward of 10 sec. in a steady state after the injectors, which will be used to ignite the plasma, are turned off. “So it wouldn’t be at full power, like a working concept reactor, but basically just showing that all the physics works,” McGuire says.

Rings containing superconducting magnets will confine the plasma inside the reaction chamber

An initial production version could follow five years after that. “That will be a much bigger effort,” he says, suggesting that transition to full-scale manufacturing will necessarily involve materials and heat-transfer specialists as well as gas-turbine makers. The early reactors will be designed to generate around 100 MW and fit into transportable units measuring 23 X 43 ft. “That’s the size we are thinking of now. You could put it on a semi-trailer, similar to a small gas turbine, put it on a pad, hook it up and can be running in a few weeks,” McGuire says. The concept makes use of the existing power infrastructures to enable the CFR to be easily adapted into the current grid. The 100-MW unit would provide sufficient power for up to 80,000 homes in a power-hungry U.S. city and is also “enough to run a ship,” he notes.

Lockheed estimates that less than 25 kg (55 lb.) of fuel would be required to run an entire year of operations. The fuel itself is also plentiful. Deuterium is produced from sea water and is therefore considered unlimited, while tritium is “bred” from lithium. “We already mine enough lithium to supply a worldwide fleet of reactors, so with tritium you never have too much built up, and that’s what keeps it safe. Tritium would be a health risk if there were enough released, but it is safe enough in small quantities. You don’t need very much to run a reactor because it is a million times more powerful than a chemical reaction,” McGuire notes.

Although the first-generation reactors will have radioactive parts at the ends of their lives, such as some steel elements in the shell, McGuire says the contamination situation “is an order of magnitude better” than that of contemporary fission systems. “There is no long-lived radiation. Fission reactors’ stuff will be there forever, but with fusion materials, after 100 years then you are good.” Contamination levels for fusion will improve with additional materials research, he believes. “It’s been a chicken-and-egg situation. Until we’ve had a good working fusion system, there has not been money to go off and do the hard-core materials research,” McGuire says. “So we believe the first generation is good enough to go out and do, and then it will only improve in time.” Old CFR steel shell parts can be disposed of with “a shallow burial in the desert, similar to medical waste today. That’s a major difference to today’s fission systems.”

Operational benefits include no risks of suffering a meltdown. “There is a very minimal amount of radioactive tritium—it’s on the order of grams—so the potential release is very minimal. In addition, there is not enough to be a risk of proliferation. Tritium is used in nuclear weapons but in a much larger inventory than would be involved here, and that’s because you are continually making just enough to feed back in [to maintain the reaction],” he adds.

Preliminary simulations and experimental results “have been very promising and positive,” McGuire says. “The latest is a magnetized ion confinement experiment, and preliminary measurements show the behavior looks like it is working correctly. We are starting with the plasma confinement, and that’s where we are putting most of our effort. One of the reasons we are becoming more vocal with our project is that we are building up our team as we start to tackle the other big problems. We need help and we want other people involved. It’s a global enterprise, and we are happy to be leaders in it.”

What is Nuclear Fusion

The sun is the best example of the power of nuclear fusion - generating enough heat to cause two atomic ions to collide and generate energy a million times more powerful than chemical reactions

Nuclear fusion involves combining two atoms together into a single, larger atom. It happens naturally in stars and, unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms apart, it does not release radioactive particles, making it safe and clean.

Nuclear fusion is the holy grail of energy. It's clean and limitless and provides an alternative to fossil fuels and coal. It also produces a lot of power, 100 megawatts, enough to power a small city. However, we haven't used nuclear fusion yet because no one has built an efficient reactor that doesn't require more power going into it than coming out.

Lockheed states that it has figured out that problem, though. Tom McGuire, the head of Lockheed's fusion power project, and his team spent four years working on fusion but is now taking their findings public for future partnerships.

However, the company is holding the secret of their breakthrough close.

"Our compact fusion concept combines several alternative magnetic confinement approaches, taking the best parts of each, and offers a 90 percent size reduction over previous concepts," says the company in a statement. Of course, Lockheed's fusion reactor is still just a concept, but the company feels confident that they will have a small working prototype within a year.

Lockheed's team isn't the only group working on nuclear fusion. A team of scientists from the University of Washington built a small prototype of their fusion concept, which, once taken to full-scale, will produce the same output as a coal factory but at a lower cost.

Lockheed is probably most interested in government contracts, and their nuclear fusion could provide unlimited power to military vehicles, such as ships and submarines, which currently rely on nuclear fission reactors that need replacing every few years.

However, nuclear fusion isn't just a good source of energy on Earth. It could also provide power for future spacecrafts, allowing space vehicles to travel farther. Current rockets need a lot of fuel, so much so that we can't travel long distances without running out. A fusion-powered engine could change everything, making long distance space travel faster and easier. Nuclear fusion power is probably our best bet for traveling to Mars and beyond. (Adapted via Lockheed-Martin / Aviation Week / Sploid / Techtimes)

Stealthy Class - The World’s Best Navy Corvettes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 22:02:00 +0000

INS KAMORTA Indian Navy's Stealth Corvette

A Corvette is a small warship. It is traditionally the smallest class of vessel considered to be a proper warship. The warship class above is that of frigate and historically below a sloop-of-war. The modern types of ship below a Corvette are coastal patrol craft and fast attack craft. In modern terms, a corvette is typically between 500 and 2,000 tons although recent designs may approach 3,000 tons, which might instead be considered a small Frigate.

Small and agile but still bigger than a standard coastal patrol boat, Corvettes such as the Kamorta, Visby, Braunschweig and SIGMA, play a significant role in some of the world’s strongest naval forces.

IDN lists the world's best Corvettes based on range of multi-mission capabilities, armaments and maneuverability.

Kamorta Class Stealth Corvette

The Kamorta class Corvettes are the next-generation Anti-Submarine Warfare vessels being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), for the Indian Navy. Primarily designed for ASW missions, the Corvettes can also conduct anti-surface and anti-air warfare missions. Three Corvettes in the class are scheduled to be commissioned between 2014 and 2017. The first vessel was commissioned on 23 August, 2014 and Visakhapatnam Naval Base will be its the home port.

The Kamorta class integrates a composite superstructure and stealth technology for reducing infrared and radar signatures, noise levels, and magnetic outputs. It is armed with 3M-54 Klub anti-ship cruise missiles, Barak surface-to-air missiles, a 76mm super rapid gun, two AK-630M close-in weapon systems, two RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launchers, and two triple torpedo tubes.

The stern helicopter deck of the Kamorta supports the operations of a Ka-28PL or Naval HAL Dhruv helicopter. The four Pielstick 12 PA6 STC engines, each rated at 3,888kW, provide a maximum speed of 25kt and range of 3,450nmi at 18kt speed.

INS Kadmatt is the second of four anti-submarine warfare corvettes built for the Indian Navy under Project 28. The ship was launched on 26 October 2011.

Visby Class Corvette

The Visby-class advanced stealth Corvettes were built by Kockums at the Karlskrona Shipyard, for the Royal Swedish Navy. The class includes five versatile vessels designed for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures and maritime patrol.

Each vessel is armed with a Bofors 57mm Mk 3 general purpose gun, eight Saab RBS15 surface-to-surface missiles, four Saab 40cm ASW torpedoes, ASW rockets and mine rails.

The combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion integrates four TF50A gas turbines for medium and high-speed operation, and two MTU diesel engines for low-speed manoeuvring. The CODOG engines drive two KaMeWa waterjet propellers offering a better hydro-acoustic signature and manoeuvrability while emitting lesser noise. The propulsion system ensures a maximum speed of over 35kt and a range of 2,500nmi at 15kt.

K130 Braunschweig Class

The K130 Braunschweig Class of the German Navy is a series of five modern Corvettes built by the ARGE K130 consortium comprising Blohm + Voss, Nordseewerke and Fr. Lürssen Werft. The multi-mission Corvettes are deployed for surface surveillance, anti-surface warfare and littoral missions.

The K130 class offers reduced radar and infrared (IR) signatures, and is fitted with automated weapons and defence systems, sensors and communication systems. Its deck can accommodate one medium-sized helicopter.

Helicopters with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems are widely deployed by naval forces as a means to counter submarines at long ranges.

The armament fit is composed of RBS 15MK3 surface-to-surface missiles, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) surface-to-air missiles, Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun, and two MLG 27mm auto cannons. The Corvette is powered by two MTU 20V 1163 TB 93 diesel engines driving two controllable-pitch propellers providing a maximum speed of more than 26kt.

SIGMA Class Corvette

The SIGMA class Corvettes are built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding according to the Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach (SIGMA) concept. Four SIGMA-class vessels were delivered to the Indonesian Navy during 2007-2009.

The SIGMA class features a modular design giving the operator optimum flexibility at reduced costs. The Corvettes feature advanced combat and communication suite, a large helicopter deck and accommodation facilities for 80 personnel. The primary missions of the SIGMA-class include Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol, deterrence, Search and Rescue (SAR), and anti-submarine warfare.

The Corvettes can be armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles, TETRAL air-to-air missiles, a 76mm super rapid gun, two 20mmm guns, and two B515 triple torpedo launchers. Two diesel engines driving two shafts with controllable pitch propellers provide the vessels a maximum speed of 28kt and range of 3,000nmi at 18kt.

Milgem Class

The Milgem Class Corvettes of the Turkish Navy are fitted with indigenously-developed weapons and C4SI systems to conduct maritime patrol, anti-surface warfare, ASW and anti-air warfare missions in littoral waters.

The first two ships in class, TCG Heybeliada (F-511) and TCG Büyükada (F-512), were built by Istanbul Naval Shipyard, and commissioned into the Turkish Navy by 2013. The Corvettes incorporate stealth technology and signature-reduction features. Each vessel is fitted with a 76mm gun, two Stabilised Machine Gun Platforms (STAMPs), eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles, rolling airframe missile (RAM) for point defence and Mk.32 triple launchers.

The MILGEM class is equipped with MTU combined diesel and gas (CODAG)-type propulsion system. The propulsion power for sailing at cruising speeds is provided by the diesel engines, while two gas turbines provide the power required for higher speeds of up to 29kt.

Steregushchy Class Corvette

The Project 20380 Steregushchy is a class of very large multi-role Corvettes built by Severnaya Verf shipyard and Amur Shipbuilding Plant for the Russian Navy. The ships can conduct coastal patrol, escort and ASW missions.

The Steregushchy-class incorporates stealthy design for reduced radar, acoustic, infra-red and magnetic signatures. It is armed with Kh-35 missiles, 3M-54 Klub missiles, two Kashtan close-in weapon systems, an Arsenal A-190 100mm naval gun, two AK-630M guns and two quadruple torpedo tubes. "The propulsion system enables the vessel to attain a top speed of 27kt and a range of 4,000nmi at 14kt speed."

The combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system of the Steregushchy-class integrates four 16D49 diesel engines. The propulsion system enables the vessel to attain a top speed of 27kt and a range of 4,000nmi at 14kt speed. The Tiger Class, an export variant of the Steregushchy-class, was also ordered by the Algerian Navy.

Buyan Class Corvette

The Buyan Class is a series of Corvettes built by Almaz shipyard for the Russian Navy. Buyan-M, a modified missile version of the Buyan Class, is also under construction at the shipyard. The vessels are used for EEZ patrol and can be deployed in shallow waters and river mouths to land troops in support of ground-based missions.

The Buyan Class incorporates stealth features to reduce the radar cross section. The open architecture of the vessel allows for the integration of modular systems according to the future requirements. The Corvettes are armed with Igla or Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles, A-215 Grad-M naval multiple launch rocket system, a single A-190 100mm cannon and two AK-306 30mm close-in weapon systems.

The twin screw combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) propulsion system integrates two Zvezda M520 radial diesel engines coupled with two pump-jet propulsors. The power-plant provides a top speed of 28kt and range of 1,500nmi (2,778km).

Baynunah Class Corvette

The Baynunah is a new class of multi-mission Corvettes built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) for the United Arab Emirates Navy. The ships are designed to perform multiple missions including coastal patrol and surveillance, mine countermeasures, and anti-air and anti-surface warfare.

The advanced weapons and sensor technology used in the vessel make the Baynunah one of the best Corvette classes in the world. The ship has a stealthy design to minimise radar cross-section and can be fitted with Exocet anti-ship missiles, Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSMs), Mk49 Mod3 21-cell RAM launcher, a 76mm main gun and two Rheinmetall MLG 27 guns.

The Baynunah-class features a stern helicopter deck and hangar for a medium-sized helicopter. The vessels are powered by four MTU diesel engines driving Kamewa waterjets. The propulsion system ensures a top speed of more than 30kt.

Khareef Class Corvettes

The Khareef Class Corvettes are being built by BAE Systems Maritime - Naval Ships, for the Royal Navy of Oman. The Corvettes can perform coastal patrols, maritime disaster relief, SAR and deterrence missions.

The innovative hull design with stealth features allows the Khareef class to perform undetected operations near enemy zones. The flexible platform design also enables integration of equipment and systems as well as armaments supported by a comprehensive weapons management system. The ship features a flight deck and hangar for small to medium sized aircraft of 12t-class.

The Corvette will be capable for Protection of maritime areas of interest including EEZ, Extended surveillance patrols Deterrent operations during times of tension, Fully interoperable with joint and coalition operations, Special operations, Search and rescue and Maritime disaster relief operations.

FREMM Class Multipurpose Corvette

The FREMM (European Multipurpose Frigate) is a class of frigate designed by DCNS/Armaris and Fincantieri for the navies of France and Italy. The lead ship of the class, Aquitaine, was commissioned in November 2012 by the French Navy. In France the class is known as the Aquitaine-Class, while in Italy they are known as the Bergamini-Class. To date the only export has been one anti-submarine variant delivered to Morocco in 2014, Greece & Canada are also prospective customers of the Corvette.

Three original variants of the FREMM were proposed; an anti-submarine variant and a general-purpose variant to replace the existing classes of frigates within the French and Italian navies. A third anti-air warfare variant of FREMM was proposed by DCNS in repose to French requirements for a new air-defence frigate, the new variant became known as FREDA ("FREgates de Défense Aériennes").

FREDA design features a more powerful version of the Thales Herakles passive electronically scanned array radar and 32 cells of SYLVER A50 in place of the 16 cells of A43 and 16 cells of A70. The SYLVER A50 would allow it to fire the 120 km-range Aster 30 missile; the towed array sonar would not be fitted.

The Corvettes are armed with a 76mm Oto Melara Cannon, two 30mm MSI DS30M cannons, MM-40 Block III Exocet anti-ship missiles and MBDA VL Mica surface-to-air missiles to defend against both surface and air threats. Two MTU Series 4000 diesel engines provide the vessel with a maximum speed of 25kt and a range of 4,500 miles.

Type 056 Corvette (Jiangdao)

The Type 056 is a new stealth Corvette-class under construction at Wuchan, Huangpu, Hudong-Zhongua and Liaonan shipyards, for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It is the first Chinese modular warship capable of serving as an offshore patrol vessel or a multi-role frigate.

The Type 056 Corvette features a stealthy hull design constituting sloped surface and trimmed superstructure clutter. The armament fit includes YJ-83 sea-skimming anti-ship cruise missiles, FL-3000N short-range missile system, a 76mm main gun, two remotely operated cannons and two triple torpedo tubes. The helicopter deck at the stern can accommodate a Z-9 class helicopter. The Type 056 is powered two diesels driving two shafts. The propulsion system ensures an estimated top speed of more than 28kt. (Adapted via NT & Wikipedia)

TATA MOTORS Defence Vehicles Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 18:27:00 +0000

TATA motors has developed a combination of defence related vehicles over the years, they have showcased a new concept the Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle (MBPV) at Defexpo 2012. It is a highly mobile combat vehicle for closed confined areas such as airports, railway stations and other such infrastructure. TATA has developed several categories of vehicles for different applications for the defense forces such as the TATA 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier, the Tata Light Armoured Vehicle, the Tata Mobile Bunker and the Tata 6x6 7kl Refueler and displayed a range of other concept vehicles. Let us look at them in detail.

TATA Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle (MBPV)

Defining a new level of protected mobility during indoor combat, TATA Motors showcased its ‘Nano’ for the defence forces, the MBPV. While the design may not be captivating, it is quite functional. Besides being bulletproof, all sides including the floor have angles to deflect bullets and roll-off grenades. The electric-powered vehicle can last up to six hours in an intermittent operation with a top speed of 20km/h, making it silent yet agile. With maximum payload capacity of 200kg it can carry two personnel with their equipment. The pivot turning and gradeability of 20 degrees enables it to go over slopes and climb stairs as well.

The MBPV has been designed keeping indoor combat in mind, with special features like bullet resistant panels for protection, compact dimensions, with 4-wheel assisted turning for easy movement within indoor confines and high power-to-weight ratio for fast & agile movement, during combat. Firing ports have also been incorporated for retaliatory action. Moreover, it has an added capability of climbing stairs as well.

With a gross weight of 1,100kg, it has good all-round visibility and firing ports all around. It will be tested by the elite commando forces before it’s put into operation. It has been jointly developed by Tata and VRDE-DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

Undoubtedly, the MBPV is one of the most practical yet effective anti-terrorist vehicles and Tata Motors plans to add to its array of vehicles for the defence services.

TATA 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier

The TATA 12 X 12 Prahaar Missile Carrier is an indigenously developed high mobility, all-terrain and all-wheel drive vehicle. The Tata LPTA 5252-12 X12 vehicle has been jointly designed with R&DE–DRDO, particularly for missile launcher-cum-carrier applications, including integration of Prahar, BrahMos and Nirbhay missiles.

It has state-of-the-art electronic controlled heavy duty engine and automatic transmission along with high mobility features. Although it is normally operable in 12x8 mode, the vehicle can operate in 12x10 and 12x12 modes too, depending upon the requirements of the terrain.

Some of the highlights of the vehicle are:

Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS)
Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS)
Auxiliary Gear box with high and low speed mode
Differential locks system

Vehicle specification of the Tata 12x12 Prahaar Missile Carrier:

Application

• Prahaar Missile System Carrier and Launcher Platform

• Brahmos Missile carrier

Mobility

• Power to weight ratio of 10.1 Hp/Ton

• 525 Hp @ 1800 rpm BSIII

• 2000 Nm @ 1200 RPM

• Automatic Transmission system with 7 forward and one reverse gear

• Gradability of 30 deg under full payload

• Max Speed of 80 kmph in top gear

• Ditch crossing ability of 2000 mm

• Vertical Step climbing ability of 600 mm

• Fordability of 1200 mm with stop and 1400 mm with pass

• Ground clearance of 400 mm

• Payload of 33 Tons

Utility

• One Platform, Many variants: Prahaar Missile system Carrier

• Launcher vehicle and command and control unit for various missile systems

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co driver plus 3 person in drivers Cabin

• HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin

TATA Light Armoured Vehicle

The Internal Homeland Security Forces and the State Police Forces, being endowed with the prime responsibility of securing the State, consistently move in and out of territories which are extremist hotbeds. It is imperative that these security forces must be able to not only defend themselves against sudden guerrilla attacks by the enemy, but must also be capable to retaliate fiercely.

The Tata Light Armoured Vehicle is intended to aid the troops in Counter Insurgency Operations as well as for patrolling the hinterland. The vehicle would be certified by CMVR regulations post armouring, which is a mandatory requirement to ply legally on Indian roads.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Light Armoured Vehicle:

Application

• Troop Carrier / Escort vehicle

• Mobile Communication system.

• Patrolling Vehicle.

Mobility

• Tata 3 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel Engine

• Max Engine output: 115 Bhp at 3050 rpm

• Max Torque: 300 Nm at 1600-2200 rpm

• Power to weight Ratio: 31.5 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 85 kmph

• Fording Depth: 300 mm

• Max Gradeability : 32 deg

• Min. turning circle diameter: 12.5 m

• Payload: 500 kg

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 3600 kg

• Power Steering

Protection

• All Sides ;- Direct hit at 90° from 10m for 7.62x51mm FMJ, 7.62x39mm Steel Core and 5.56x45mm SS109

• Roof ;- Direct hit at 45° from 10m for 7.62x51mm FMJ, 7.62x39mm Steel Core and 5.56x45mm SS109

• Floor Blast:- Blast of 02 Hand Grenades HE36 / DM51 or equivalent

• Side Blast:- 15 Kg TNT @ 3M from vehicle side

• Run flat Tyres

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 5 Configuration

• Front & middle seats – Sliding type with adjustable back and head rest

• Middle seat for 02 persons

• Rear Bench seats - Side facing 02 persons

Tata Mobile Bunker

TATA Mobile Bunker has been designed on the LPA 713, 4-wheel drive platform, to ensure fast & safe movement of troops in naxal infested states and to act as a platform for retaliatory action. The vehicle is protected against gunfire, corresponding to ballistic protection of NIJ Level III. It is a highly mobile platform and can be used as a base for various protected applications like troop carriers, ambulances and buses.

The vehicle is equipped with the following features - NIJ Level III ballistic protection on all sides and for the roof, firing ports and roof hatch for retaliatory action, excellent gradeability and high ground clearance for all terrain usage, AC unit provided for better ventilation inside the vehicle and is CMVR certified.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Mobile Bunker:

Application

• Protected Troop Carrier

• Command Post Vehicle

• Protected Ambulance

Mobility

• "B5.9 155 30 Turbocharged, air to air after cooled Diesel Engine."

• Max Engine output: 155 HP at 2500 rpm

• Max Torque: 590 Nm at 1500 rpm

• Max Speed: 80 kmph

• Max Gradeability: 31 Degrees

• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 14.3 m

• Payload: 1 T

• Hydraulic assisted power steering

Protection

• "Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunition and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack"

• Underbelly Protection against 2 HE Hand Grenades

• Glass Protection corresponding to NIJ Level III

• Crew Capacity

• Driver + 9 Configuration

• Driver and Co Driver seats front facing

TATA 6 X 6 Refueler

The Tata LPTA 2038 6x6 Refueller has been developed for the Indian Armed forces, Paramilitary, State police, DPSUs, State Government & Municipal Agencies and the Aviation industry. The vehicle has already been trial evaluated by the Indian Armed forces for various applications like Common Gun Tower, HMV with Material Handling crane, Multi Barrel Rocket launcher GRAD BM 21, etc.

The vehicle is available with both manual and automatic transmission. The vehicle has Anti-locking Braking System (ABS), Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), Auxiliary Gear box with high and low speed mode and differential locks system.

Tata Motors has developed a demountable fuel bowser on the LPTA 2038 6x6 HMV, in collaboration with M/s WEW (Germany), specifically for all terrain applications and usage by various aviation sector agencies. This application is also apt for defence purposes, as this demountable concept is specially made for fuel storage & dispensing, in varied terrains.

Vehicle specification of the Tata 6x6 Refueler:

Application

• 7 KL Refueller System

• CGT 6x6

• HMV with MHC 6x6

• GRAD BM 21 Rocket Launcher

• Tactical communication system

Mobility

• Power to weight ratio of 17.4 Hp / Ton

• 375 Hp @ 2100 RPM

• Automatic Transmission system with 7 forward and 01 reverse gears

• Manual Transmission system with 9 forward and 1 Reverse gear (Automatic transmission system optional)

• Gradeability of 25 Deg under full load

• Max Speed of 80 kmph in top gear

• Trench crossing ability of 900 mm

• Vertical step climbing ability of 500 mm

• Fordability of 500 mm

• Ground clearance of 360 mm

• Payload of 10.5 Tons

• Range of 500 km at GVW

Utility

• One platform, Many Variants : 7 KL Refueler System

• CGT 6x6

• HMV with MHC 6x6

• GRAD BM 21 Rocket Launcher

• Tactical communication system

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co Driver plus 3 Person on Drivers Cabin

• HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin.

TATA LSV – QDMCT (Quick Deployment Mobile Communication Terminal)

The Tata LSV – QDMCT is a shelter based, self-contained vehicle mounted communication system that provides wide area IP network. It provides reliable and secured IP connectivity for data, voice & video, between various nodes. Multiple communication media have been provided for both data and voice connectivity. The Tata QDMCT is designed and developed in collaboration with RCI – DRDO.

Vehicle specification of the Tata LSV

Application

• Mobile Communication Terminal

• Mobile Radar

• Mobile ATC

Mobility

• Tata 3.0 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel Engine

• Max Engine output: 115 Hp at 2500 rpm

• Max Torque: 320 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm

• Power to wt ratio: 23 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 70 kmph

• Max Gradeability: 20 Degrees

• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 14.9m

• Payload: 1.2 T

• GVW: 4.8 T

• Power Steering

Utility

• HVAC for Driver Cabin

• Provision for mounting an in-service Machine gun on bonnet.

• Fire fighting Equipment.

• Brackets/Arrangements for fitting & charging the approved GPS

• Demisting & Defrosting Device

• Provision for Personal weapons and on weapons scales of ammunition for driver & co-driver in the drivers cabin and other persons in the body of the vehicle

Crew Capacity

• Driver+1 Configuration in the Cabin

• Driver & Co Driver seats front facing

TATA 8 X 8 Water Purification System

The Mobile Water decontamination system on the LPTA 3138 8x8 has been developed in collaboration with M/s WEW (Germany). The aim to provide a solution for the drinking water contamination problem, faced by Armed Forces & Paramilitary forces, at disaster struck areas. This application is also apt for State Governments and various Municipal agencies, to tackle the issue of supplying drinking water to remote villages. This water decontamination system is capable of purifying the most impure forms of water and make it portable through Reverse Osmosis (RO) process.

Vehicle specification of the Tata 8x8 Water Purification System:

Application

• 7 KL Water Decontamination System

• Reverse Osmosis Purification Technology

• Capable of Purifying any form of impure water including one with Arsenic poisoning

Mobility

• Power to weight ratio of 13.4 Hp/Ton

• 375 Hp @ 2100 RPM

• 1548 Nm @ 1200 to 1400 RPM

• Manual Transmission system with 10 Forward and 2 reverse gears

• Gradeability of 25 Deg under full load

• Max Speed of 80 kmph in top gear

• trench crossing ability of 2000 mm

• Vertical Step climbing ability of 600 mm

• Fordability of 1200 mm with stop and 1400 mm with pass

• Ground clearance of 350 mm

• Payload of 17 Ton

• Range of 600 km at GVW

Utility

• One Platform Many Variants : 7 KL WEW Water decontamination system

• HMV 8x8 with MHC

• Command and control Unit and Launcher vehicle for Rockets

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co Driver plus 3 persons on Drivers Cabin

• World Class HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin

TATA 8 X 8 Container (Missile Carrier)

The Tata LPTA 3138 8x8 is a multi-purpose vehicle for various all terrain applications like Command & control unit, Missile carrier, MHC Radar Station, Missile firing platform, etc. The vehicle is equipped with Anti-locking Braking System (ABS), Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), Auxiliary Gear box, with high & low speed mode and differential locks system.

Tata Motors has prepared the EW Command post on LPTA 3138 8x8, in collaboration with its group company Tata Power – SED. The EW Command post is a EMP Hardened MIL Grade shelter for mobile application designed as per MIL-STD-907, MIL-STD-285 intended for Electronic Warfare application.

Vehicle specification of the Tata 8x8 Pinaka Container:

Application

• Pinaka missile system Carrier

Mobility

• Power to weight Ratio of 13.4 Hp/Ton

• 375 Hp @ 2100 RPM

• 1550 Nm @ 1300 to 1400 Rpm

• Manual transmission system with 10 forward and 3 reverse gears

• Gradeability of 30 Deg under full load

• Max Speed of 80 KMPH in top gear

• trench crossing ability of 2000 mm

• Vertical Step climbing ability of 500 mm

• Fordability of 1200 mm with stop and 1400 mm with pass

• Ground clearance of 400 mm

• Payload of 18 Tons

Utility

• One Platform Many Variants: Pinaka Missile Carrier container

• HMV 8x8 with MHC

• Command and control Unit and Launcher vehicle for Rockets

Crew Capacity and comfort level

• Driver and co Driver plus 3 Person on Drivers Cabin

• HVAC Climate controlled tiltable cabin.

TATA Safari Storme Armoured

With the strong resurgence of threat perceptions amongst high profile dignitaries, trade delegates, etc., the need arises for a mode of transport, which is very safe, but at the same time comfortable and stylish enough, for this segment of people.

The Tata Armored Safari Storme is meant for catering to VVIP movements. The Armored Safari Storme has a strengthened chassis & suspension system and enhanced braking efficiency of the vehicle to take care of the additional armoring weight. It carries a CMVR certificate and is legal to run on road. The vehicle has internal Up-Armoring and to the untrained eye, the look is ‘innocent’.

The vehicle is equipped with the following features - NIJ Level III ballistic protection on all sides and for the roof, underbelly protection against 2 HE -36 Hand Grenades, available in 4x2 as well as 4x4 variants and has ABS.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Safari Storme Armoured:

Application

• VVIP Protection

Mobility

• Tata 2.2 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel

Engine

• Max Engine output: 140 HP at 4000 rpm"

• Max Torque: 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm

• Power to weight Ratio: 41.6 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 150 kmph

• Max Gradeability: 26 Degrees

• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 12 m

• Payload: 375 Kg

• GVW: 3305 Kg

• Power Steering

Protection

• Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunation and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack

• Underbelly Protection against 2 HE Hand Grenades

• Glass Protection corresponding to NIJ Level III

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 4 Configuration

• Driver & Co Driver seats front facing

• 3 Seats in the rear

TATA Xenon Recce 4 X 4

The Xenon Recce 4x4 is meant for off road patrolling, as needed by the Armed Forces, both in India and abroad. For this purpose, it has developed separate engines, complying to both BS III, as well as Euro norms. The vehicle is equipped with the following features - Revolving LMG Turret, self recovery winch, provision for fitment of recce fitments like pick-axe, spades, Jerry Cans, etc.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Xenon Recce 4x4:

Application

• General Service vehicle for the Armed forces

• Troop Carrier

• Escort Vehicle

• Recce vehicle

Mobility

• Engine: TATA 2.2L DICOR BS III, Direct Injection Common Rail Turbo Charged Intercooled Diesel Engine.

• Max Engine output: 140 Hp at 4000 rpm.

• Power to weight Ratio: 40.2 Hp/ton

• Steering: Right hand drive with power steering

• Max speed: 120 Kmph

• Fording Depth: 200 mm

• Max gradeability: 32 deg

• Min Turning Radius: 13.5 m

• Operating Temp Range: -25 to + 50 deg Centigrade ambient

• Gross Vehicle weight: 2950 Kg

Fitments

• 360 deg revolving LMG turret with +60 deg/-20 deg elevation /depression,

• 20 liter four jerry cans, mounting outside roll cage structure, ,

• Self recovery winch at front,

• Pick axe and spade

• Tow hook at rear

• 2 kg hand held type fire extinguisher,

• Four ammunition boxes,

• Black out lamps,

• Convoy lamps,

• Map reading lamp

Crew Capacity

• Front seat – Bucket type with Seat Belts, having Front to Rear Adjustment & with Head Rests.

• Rear Bench seats - Two double seats in load body facing inwards with lap belts, foldable bottoms

TATA Mine Protected Vehicle

The Mine Protected Vehicle has been developed to protect its occupants from threats like ambushes and sudden violent attacks, using powerful explosive mines. Designed to protect against gunfire with ballistic protection of NIJ Level III, it provides essential protection to Military and Paramilitary forces.

Vehicle specification of the Tata Mine Protected Vehicle:

Application

• Escort and Patrolling Operations in Mine prone Naxal-Infested areas

Mobility

• Cummins ISBe 245HP EURO III Water cooled Compression Ignition, Turbocharged, After-cooled Diesel engine

• Max Engine output: 242 Hp @ 2500rpm

• Max Torque: 925 Nm @ 1200-1700 rpm

• Power to weight Ratio: 16 Hp/ton

• Max Speed: 80 kmph

• Max Gradeability : 30 deg

• Min. turning circle diameter: 16 m

• Payload: 1400 kg

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 14300 kg

• Power Steering

Protection

• Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunition and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack

• Glass :NIJ level III

• Firing Ports: 10 firing ports, including one port at rear

• Blast Protection: Under Hull 14kg TNT, Under Wheel 21kg TNT

Crew Capacity

• Driver + 13 Configuration

• Driver & Co Driver seats front facing

• Rest all inwards facing side suspended seats

All these vehicles can be serviced at any TATA Authorised dealers/TATA Authorised service stations (TASS) across India.

India's Quest for MIRV Technology - Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 19:28:00 +0000

Multiple Independent Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)

US is a nation is preoccupied with its national interests and priorities more than any country on this planet, and this singular protocol seems to have inspired China, to robust emulation. As a mark of its new found power status the Chinese seem to be everywhere in and around the Asia-Pacific region. This crusade of belligerence and posturing is redefining standard foreign policies processes of many countries, specifically India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines and Vietnam who seem to have certain levels of niggling region. China's has been progressively increasing its defense budget vis-a-vis development of sophisticated weapons and defense related equipment over the last few decades. The result is China has introduced an appalling assortment of arms of sundry magnitude, China is also on the cusp of deploying Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) on their ballistic missiles, a development that is likely to have profound and pervasive outcome for the region and beyond.

What is a MIRV?

US Minuteman III MIRV ICBM launch sequence: 1. The missile launches out of its silo by firing its first-stage boost motor (A). 2. About 60 seconds after launch, the 1st stage drops off and the second-stage motor (B) ignites. The missile shroud (E) is ejected. 3. About 120 seconds after launch, the third-stage motor (C) ignites and separates from the 2nd stage. 4. About 180 seconds after launch, third-stage thrust terminates and the post-boost vehicle (D) separates from the rocket. 5. The post-boost vehicle maneuvers itself and prepares for reentry vehicle (RV) deployment. 6. While the post-boost vehicle backs away, the RVs, decoys, and chaff are deployed (this may occur during ascent). 7. The RVs and chaff reenter the atmosphere at high speeds and are armed in flight. 8. The nuclear warheads detonate, either as air bursts or ground bursts.

The US during the whetting era of cold war developed a uniquely dangerous weapon able to strike anywhere in the Soviet Union at wanton. The missile an MIRV also carried decoys and chaffs to evade air defense systems. This new technology undermined the entire balance of power between the two superpowers and struck fear into hard hearts of Soviet citizens.

The military purpose of a MIRV:

Provides greater target damage for a given missile payload.
A multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warhead is a collection of nuclear weapons carried on a single intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Using a MIRV warhead, a single launch can strike several targets, or fewer targets redundantly.
With single warhead missiles, one missile must be launched for each target. By contrast with a MIRV warhead, the post-boost stage can dispense the warheads against multiple targets across a wider area. Theoretically at least, only a small portion of an adversary’s missile force would be necessary to completely eliminate one’s strategic deterrent.
MIRV is destabilizing force primarily because they give nations greater confidence to destroy the enemy's critical missile sites in a first strike action by launching multiple, lower yield warheads.
Reduces the effectiveness of an anti-ballistic missile system that relies on intercepting individual warheads. Thus, in both a military and economic sense, MIRVs render ABM systems less effective, as the costs of maintaining a workable defense against MIRVs would greatly increase, requiring multiple defensive missiles for each offensive one.
Decoy reentry vehicles can be used alongside actual warheads to minimize the chances of the actual warheads being intercepted before they reach their targets.

Why India needs MIRVs?

Agni-5 is capable of launching 4-5 multiple warheads, whose yield is unknown. Although it is not clear if the government has gone ahead and cleared the developed of MIRV system, former head of India’s DRDO, V.K. Saraswat, noted that several Agni variants could eventually be developed with this capability. Development of MIRV technology is vital to India's National Security because of potential threats from hostile adversaries, besides it will strengthen its aspirations of a complete nuclear triad and lastly it compliments India's minimum nuclear deterrence policy. Pakistan’s aggressive postures and China’s belligerence toward India in the recent past necessitates such an indispensable step. The deployment of MIRV technology will quantifying India's nuclear deterrence and enhance defence preparedness

Can India develop the Technologies involved?

The building blocks from boosters to radars, seekers and sophisticated mission control centers are currently available. DRDO had been able to develop key Radio Frequency seeker technologies for missiles, it has since indigenously perfected this technology, and digital processing during the missile's boost, mid-course and terminal phase is based on DRDO’s own software. The RF and Infra Red seekers are meant for proximity and precision engagement of targets, and both these technologies are required for the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) capability apart from other missiles as well. India is working on a new seeker technology with other countries also. Today, India is able to design and develop RF seekers, and in about a year or so, it will be independent in this key technology. Coming years would see greater Indian investment in micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), nano-sensors, nano-materials and advanced information technology tools. Such advancements would be essential for creating reliable, robust and highly accurate systems like the MIRV. This technology would enhance India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Techs

Weapon Dispersion

China developed a method for deploying multiple satellites under a contract with Motorola. The deployment method utilized a "smart dispenser" to place Iridium class communication satellites into orbit and the know-how was transferred from Lockheed Martin Corporation. Another auxiliary technology required is the availability of expendable perigee/apogee kick motors, these are small booster motors set to lift satellites into higher orbits.

However, India had developed both these technologies locally much before the Chinese cloned it. The PSLV-C20 launch in February 2013 is very significant because for the first time 7 satellites were inserted into their precise orbits using an embedded System-on-Chip (SOC) method, and the same SOC methodology is used for Agni-5 to assist its accuracy during its guidance and terminal phases. A notable point is that ISRO and DRDO have tested this key MIRV prerequisite by stealth which had clear military implications.

Miniaturization

Miniaturization of nuclear and thermonuclear weapons as has been obtained to fit the nose cone spatial shape of Agni missiles. Weapons design and testing has to be simulated in a virtual environment using Super Computers since actual testing stands frozen after Pokhran-II. It must be assumed that BARC scientists have achieved the level of miniaturization deemed adequate and suitable 20 KT fission warhead.

Re-entry Design

All missile launch planning begins with a set of requirements that has to be met to achieve mission objectives. The re-entry phase of a mission is no different. There is a very delicately balance of three, often competing, requirements:

Deceleration
Heating
Accuracy of landing or impact

Modern ballistic trajectory nuclear weapon system delivery vehicles typically utilize slender sphere-cone geometries with multiple warheads on a single delivery bus. For a given warhead and associated arming device, the designer selects the re-entry vehicle base diameter and vehicle length, which effectively determines the cone half-angle. The nose bluntness ratio is then selected based on drag and heat transfer considerations. The delivery vehicle has to sustain high high aerodynamic stress (deceleration) and heating, hence it must be made of advance materials. Although the agencies have worked extensively on aero-thermal structure and thermal protection system designs over the past decade for both its space and missile programs, its effective use on MIRV platform is yet to be ascertained.

Other prerequisites

Robust guidance and control computers with adequate computational abilities to conduct complex maths
Develop advanced and accurate inertial guidance systems such as gyroscope and accelerometers for precise and decisive targeting.

Conclusion

It is evident from history that there exists a close concurrence between space and missile programs as was the case with both the Soviet Union and America. China and India have also pursued the same path. The interchangeability of several technologies between the two entities suit there sustained development, but the more pronounced beneficiary is undeniably the missile program. Though the Indian missile program has matured to world-class levels, it is mastering some of the above technologies that will make MIRV integration as a holistic deterrent system.

by Admin

India's own Anti-Hacking Program

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 11:32:00 +0000

by Indrajit Majumdar

Firstly, there is nothing called "Hacker Free Computer Environment" in the context of any Operating System (OS) in use today. This however, does not imply that it is totally inconceivable to make our defence servers and other services hacker free. With the growing number of such incidences of Cyberwarfare / Cyberterrorism and the increasing challenges posed by innovations in convergence, keeping the network alive can be possible only with very stringent security measures designed, implemented and deployed. Any specific requirement for limiting access to services should be deliverable as part of a security policy and should address till-date and forecasted attacks

We will discuss three methods of making a client computer or server hack free which also includes the currently work-in-progress C-DAC/DRDO anti-hacking program, the remaining two are purely concepts of the authors.

The C-DAC/DRDO Anti-Hacking Program:

C-DAC an affiliated lab of DRDO has initiated a plan to develop a fully indigenous Indian OS in mid 2010 involving government institutes, agencies and the academia. The construct was to develop a new operating system (both client and server variants) from scratch which would remain immune and free from malicious activities. The highly active international hacker community have been penetrating and infesting India’s state owned servers and other quasi-government systems rather frequently in the the past few years. The estimation was to keep the API, compilers, intranet protocols, algorithims and standards of the OS secret in the notion that the hackers will not be able to penetrate the OS and run encrypted viruses, polymorphic or metamorphic code or other Trojans/Worms since the environment will be on a proprietary domain. This would keep the government systems insusceptible to malicious attacks unlike in other popular operating systems like Windows, iOS/Mac OS, UNIX, Linux or other such OS variants.

The new environment will also ward off typical approaches in attacks on connected system visible outside the intranet using network enumeration (discovering information about the intended target), vulnerability analysis (identifying potential ways of attack) and exploitation (attempting to compromise the system by employing the vulnerabilities found through vulnerability analysis). The new environment will be resistant to virus, exposure scanning, brute force attacks, password cracking, packet analysis, spoofing, root-kit infiltration, Trojans & worms and keystroke logging.

Development, testing and implementation is planned to be completed within the next two years. Testing phase will involve implementation of new network technologies and protocols. C-DAC drawing from its large pool of resources and skill sets has developed a full-duplex grid computing high speed, high bandwidth low latency network for the PARAM series of super computers called PARAMnet. The technology involves non-blocking crossbar based architecture at 2.5 Gbps full duplex bandwidth per port and distributed schedulers, the added advantage of this system enables to configure the existing protocol for any network topology. However, this exclusive technology can be scaled and modified to meet the specific security requirements.

The First Concept:

This author’s first concept involves the development of an independent Internet Protocol architecture. Let’s call it the X-Net to avoid any confusion with the current INTERNET conformation which the world is currently using of now.

The X-Net system should be a hierarchical network divided into three basic layers - Core (Level 1), Distribution (Level 2), and Target (End-User Level). Depending on the type of connectivity required by the users, geographical presence and location, connectivity should be provided across the country. It should use a consortium of bandwidth providers since no single vendor has the geographical spread necessary for creating a pan India network and connecting under served areas, the interface and feature set should be in conformance with the new design.

The design proposal is as follows:

Develop a System Area Network that provides high bandwidth, low latency communication. This design is normally used to interconnect nodes within a distributed computer system, such as a cluster. These systems are members of a common administrative domain and are usually within close physical proximity. Development should also include seamless inter-connectivity and data transmission with connecting protocols and algorithms, drivers, applications, industry grade & open source components, high-performance interface cards and high-speed scalable hubs, switches and application services for clients.
It should have very low error rates and it must scale under load.
Compatible and maturational browsers and server software that recognizes the protocols and standards.
Hardware which can implement these protocols and standards.
Wireless connectivity technology on the X-Net system will need the allocation of separate bandwidth frequencies, accompanied with new wireless hardware and software standards.
Incorporate encryption technology with new military strength algorithms with future proofing.
Keep the technology away from prying eyes by making the configuration intentionally incompatible and not connectible to the Internet.
Segregating the domain into a dual model which enables private or privilege access of sensitive and public domain access for the general public who can access data which is not sensitive in nature.

The Second Concept:

This is the most simple, most cost-effective, most easy and most secure idea of anti-hacking process which can be implemented. The solution: Abstain from connecting any storage of sensitive data on the public domain or any network. Store sensitive data in offline storage systems. The work computers used for the purpose of research and development purposes should be offline.

(Indrajit Majumdar is an avid Defence and Space enthusiast and this piece was written by him exclusively for Defence Guru India)

IRNSS Satellite Navigation System: Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:32:00 +0000

Introduction

Since the beginning of time, human beings have looked to the sky to determine their whereabouts. Traditionally, the Sun and the pattern of fixed stars have been their guides. But in the second millennium, constellations of man-made satellites have taken over as beacons to guide the way.

What is satellite navigation?

Using the fixed stars, you can determine your position anywhere on the Earth’s surface to within a few hundred meters provided the weather is fine. But navigation satellites can tell you where you are to the nearest few meters or better, whatever the weather. Enhanced instruments can even pinpoint the position of a stationary object to within a few centimeters by measuring the object’s position many thousands of times over several hours and then working out the average of the measurements. Sophisticated new receiver technology picks up signals transmitted by navigational satellites. The receiver technology is small enough to be incorporated into the electronics of a car or mobile phone, and all our lives are changing as a result.

A satellite navigation is a system of satellites that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global or regional coverage. The signals also allow the electronic receivers to calculate the current local time to high precision, which allows time synchronisation. A satellite navigation system with global coverage may be termed a global navigation satellite system or GNSS.

American Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is widely available for vehicles and smartphones. GPS was originally developed in the United States for defense related applications, way back in the 1970s, GPS services became available to civilians in the 1990s. The technology is based on the user's receiver picking up precisely timed radio signals from orbiting satellites, and calculating its distance from each source. Since the signals also communicate the position of each satellite in its orbit, the device can combine the information to pinpoint the location of the user in three dimensions. The precise time signals from the constellation of satellites - 32 in total for GPS - can also provide accurate time and synchronization data for mobile phones and networks.

Some of the major Satellite Navigation Systems are the Global Positioning System (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (Europe), Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (Japan), Doppler Orbitography and Radio-positioning Integrated by Satellite-DORIS (France) and BeiDou-2 (China).

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)

Satellite Navigation service is an emerging satellite based system with commercial and strategic applications. ISRO is committed to provide the satellite based Navigation services to meet the emerging demands of the Civil Aviation requirements and to meet the user requirements of the positioning, navigation and timing based on the independent satellite navigation system. To meet the Civil Aviation requirements, ISRO is working jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI) in establishing the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system. To meet the user requirements of the positioning, navigation and timing services based on the indigenous system, ISRO is establishing a regional satellite navigation system called Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

(a) GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN):

This is a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) implemented jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI). The main objectives of GAGAN are to provide Satellite-based Navigation services with accuracy and integrity required for civil aviation applications and to provide better Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace. The system will be interoperable with other international SBAS systems and provide seamless navigation across regional boundaries. The GAGAN Signal-In-Space (SIS) is available through GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.

(b) Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)

This is an independent Indian Satellite based positioning system for critical National applications. The main objective is to provide Reliable Position, Navigation and Timing services over India and its neighbourhood, to provide fairly good accuracy to the user.

IRNSS will provide basically two types of services:

Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
Restricted Service (RS)

Space Segment consists of seven satellites, three satellites in GEO stationary orbit (GEO) and four satellites in Geo Synchronous Orbit (GSO) orbit with inclination of 29° to the equatorial plane. All the satellites will be visible at all times in the Indian region. The first satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2013 and the total seven satellite constellation is scheduled to be in place by 2016. Ground Segment is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the IRNSS constellation. It provides the monitoring of the constellation status, computation of the orbital and clock parameters and navigation data uploading. The Ground segment comprises of TTC & Uplinking Stations, Spacecraft Control Centre, IRNSS Timing Centre, CDMA Ranging Stations, Navigation Control Centre and Data Communication Links. Space segment is compatible with single frequency receiver for Standard Positioning Service (SPS), dual frequency receiver for both SPS & RS service and a multi mode receiver compatible with other GNSS providers.

Some applications of IRNSS are:

Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation
Disaster Management
Vehicle tracking and fleet management
Integration with mobile phones
Precise Timing
Mapping and Geodetic Data Capture
Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers
Visual and voice navigation for drivers

Courtesy of IDN

DRDO looks back on Year 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 17:43:00 +0000

DRDO Tests Glide Bomb Successfully

December, 2014

A 1,000-kg glide bomb designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully tested in the Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast. The bomb was dropped by an Indian Air Force aircraft.

Defence sources said the bomb, guided by its onboard navigation system, glided for nearly 100 km before hitting the target with precision. Its flight was monitored by radars and electro-optic systems stationed at the Chandipur-Based Integrated Test Range.

CONTINUE READING------- »

Why GSLV MK-III success matters?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:11:00 +0000

India's Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) flew to an altitude of 78 miles (126 km). CARE then separated from the upper stage of the GSLV Mk-III rocket, and landed over Bay of Bengal on Dec. 18, 2014

Significance of GSLV MK-III

It is the most capable rocket ever developed by India. It can carry up to 10 metric tons, or about 22,000 pounds, of cargo into low Earth orbit and up to 4 metric tons or about 8,800 pounds into geostationary transfer orbit once it is operational.
Validated complex atmospheric ascent regime, especially aerodynamic and control features that cannot be conclusively tested on ground.
Validated new design features which includes both Hardware and Software implementation
Performance validation of S200 solid boosters which generate 1.1 million pounds of thrust, making them the second-most powerful solid-fueled rocket motors currently in service after the strap-on rockets used by Europe’s Ariane 5 launcher.
Successfully tested 2 liquid-fueled L110 clustered Vikas engines using hydrazine as fuel which ignited when the rocket is already in the air, firing for more than three minutes and ramping up to peak power of 360,000 pounds of thrust. This is the first time ISRO has tested a clustered engine configuration.
The launch marked the successful testing of the atmospheric re-entry of a crew module, which separated from the rocket 325 seconds after lift-off at an altitude of 126 km, and descended in ballistic mode, re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere (about 80 km above sea level) and splashing down into the Bay of Bengal.
1,600 degrees Celsius is the temperature that the CARE module withstood at re-entry into atmosphere, advanced heat shield technology was employed, further analysis of the data will reveal the actual temperature signature prevalent during re-entry phase.
Re-entry capability is key to sending a human into space. This is a complicated and dangerous manoeuvre; it is while re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere that the space shuttle Columbia was destroyed in 2003, killing seven astronauts, including Indian American Kalpana Chawla.
Finally, the global space industry is worth more than $ 300 billion, apart from the regular PSLV business and India has the potential to tap a substantial portion of this large pie once the GSLV matures as a reliable & credible launch platform.

CONTINUE READING------- »

Major Achievements of ISRO Year Ended 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:09:00 +0000

Introduction

The Indian Space Programme had a modest beginning with the launch of the first sounding rockets in November 1963 from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), an obscure fishing village near Thiruvananthapuram for the investigation of ionosphere using sounding rockets. The primary objective of the Indian Space Program is to achieve self-reliance in Space Technology and to evolve application program to meet the developmental needs of the country, thus ISRO was brought under the newly formed DOS in September 1972.

Since then, over the last five decades, the ever challenging task of space technology development and utilisation, has not only graduated from experimental and demonstration phases to an operation era, but also provided its potential to address the national needs. Notable progress has been made in the design, development and operation of space systems, as well as, using them for vital services like telecommunications, television broadcasting, meteorology, disaster management support and natural resources survey and management including climate variability and change.

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The 5 Deadly Deadly Guns of Modern War

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 21:40:00 +0000

While everyone oohs and aahs over nuclear weapons, submarines and stealth fighters, modern wars usually involve infantries on the ground—and they need guns

by Kyle Mizokami

Modern warfare has seen breathtaking advances in the last hundred years, as mortal competition between nations spawns successively deadlier weapons.Aircraft, missiles, tanks, submarines and other inventions, many of which did not exist in practical terms in 1914 — have quickly earned key positions in the militaries of the world. Yet there is still one invention that, although conceived more than five hundred years ago, still has a vital place on today’s battlefield: the infantry weapon and supporting arms. No matter how high tech the armed forces of the world have become, warfare since the end of the Second World War has consistently involved some form of infantry combat.

With that in mind, here are five of the most deadly guns of modern war.

AK-47:

The undisputed king of the modern battlefield is the Avtomat Kalashnikova model 47, or AK-47. Extremely reliable, the AK-47 is plentiful on Third World battlefields. From American rap music to Zimbabwe, the AK-47 has achieved icon status, and is one of the most recognizable symbols—of any kind—in the world. The AK series of rifles is currently carried by fighters of the Islamic State, Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, various factions in Libya and both sides in the Ukraine conflict.

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What is the National Interest?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 19:54:00 +0000

The “national interest” is a term commonly thrown around in political debates and policy discussions but very rarely defined. This is partly for political reasons, because no politician or activist would ever claim to be against the national interest (it’s easy to be for it when you don’t define it) and partly for practical reasons, because the national interest is a very hard thing to define.

What do YOU mean by national interest?

Many of the most seemingly intractable debates in ethics, public policy, and other areas of great importance stem from lack of clarity about terms – if my opponent and I both use the term “equality” but he means equality of result whereas I mean equality of opportunity we’re going to talk past each other. Worse, the lack of clarity hinders clear thinking about necessary compromises, turning conflicts about means into conflicts about values when they do not need to be.

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