SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is initiating collaboration with the private sector to develop locally manufactured submarine signalling devices. These specialized pyrotechnic signalling devices play a crucial role in submarine safety and communication, especially in distress situations or operational coordination with other vessels or aircraft.
By involving private industry, DRDO aims to leverage local manufacturing capabilities to produce high-quality, reliable signalling equipment that meets the needs of the Indian Navy and enhances the indigenization of critical defence components.
Submarines, particularly when submerged, face unique communication and identification challenges, as traditional radio and visual signalling systems are limited underwater. Pyrotechnic signals have become a preferred solution for these challenges, enabling submarines to send visible signals to surface ships and aircraft for a range of purposes, including identification, navigation assistance, manoeuvring instructions, and emergency alerts.
Typically, these pyrotechnic devices are activated at periscope depth or when the submarine is close to the surface, where they are visible to nearby vessels or aircraft. They are especially crucial for daytime or nighttime visibility during exercises or operations where the submarine must communicate without compromising its position.
The signalling devices in development will include three main types, each optimized for specific scenarios:
- Coloured Stars: These pyrotechnic signals emit bright, coloured stars in red, yellow, or green. They are primarily used to convey identification or manoeuvring intentions. The colours can be chosen based on preset codes understood by allied forces, which is particularly useful during joint exercises or multi-nation operations.
- Coloured Smoke: Used exclusively during the day, these signals release coloured smoke in red or green. This type is ideal for daylight conditions, creating a visible plume that can be detected from considerable distances, allowing surface vessels and aircraft to locate the submarine.
- White Smoke with Yellow Flame: Suitable for both day and night use, these signals produce a distinctive white smoke and yellow flame. This visibility across both light conditions makes them valuable for signalling in situations where timing and identification are critical, such as in emergencies or when the submarine is surfaced in low-visibility environments.
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