Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex and inaugurated the advanced Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) test facility.

Highlights

    • The state-of-the-art HWT Test facility is pressure vacuum driven enclosed free jet facility having nozzle exit diameter of 1 meter and will simulate Mach No 5 to 12 (Mach represents the multiplication factor to the speed of sound). 

    • After USA and Russia, India is the third country to have such a large facility in terms of size and operating capability.

    • It is an indigenous development and an outcome of synergistic partnership with Indian industries. 

    • The facility has the capability to simulate hypersonic flow over a wide spectrum and will play a major role in the realization of highly complex futuristic aerospace and defence systems.

    • DRDO also showcased various indigenously developed systems and technologies in wide ranging areas such as 

        ◦ missiles

        ◦ avionics systems

        ◦ advanced materials

        ◦ electronic warfare

        ◦ quantum key distribution technology

        ◦ directed energy weapons

        ◦ Gallium Arsenide

        ◦ Gallium Nitride technology capabilities

        ◦ Asymmetric Technologies (DYSL-AT)- An Anti-Drone technology

        ◦ RCI demonstrated drone and innovative anti-drone technologies

    • Anti-drone technologies have multiple capabilities including neutralizing ground targets and anti-drone applications to counter stationery as well as high-speed moving targets.

    • Key features of the weapon system include secure communication link, effective recoil management system, high firing angular resolution and vision-based target detection and tracking.

    • Foundation stone was laid for Explosive Test Facility for Propellant and Explosive Systems.

    • This facility will be used for design validation and evaluation of missile sub-systems under different environmental conditions.

    • During the last 6 months, the technological achievements of DRDO include - Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV), Anti-Radiation Missile (RUDRAM), Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), Supersonic Missile Assisted Release Torpedo (SMART) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology.

About DRDO

DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services.

DRDO's pursuit of self-reliance and successful indigenous development and production of strategic systems and platforms such as Agni and Prithvi series of missiles; light combat aircraft, Tejas; multi-barrel rocket launcher, Pinaka; air defence system, Akash; a wide range of radars and electronic warfare systems; etc., have given quantum jump to India's military might, generating effective deterrence and providing crucial leverage.

DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the then already functioning Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). Today, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories which are deeply engaged in developing defence technologies covering various disciplines.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)