SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

After confirming the development and maiden trial of the submarine-launched Cruise missile (SLCM) with a range of 402 earlier this year, DRDO is advancing its work on the development of a Air launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) based Variant that can be launched from Fighter jets.

The 1-ton ALCM will come minus its Solid Booster and will need to be ejected from the Pylon It will reduce weight by 300kg making it efficient to be used on any fighter type that IAF desires. DRDO already developed Two more Variant Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) that are based on the SLCM. ALCM will feature slightly different airframes that are optimised for Air Launched.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is intensifying efforts to significantly increase the indigenization content of the Kalvari class submarines, aiming to elevate it from the current 32% to an impressive 60%. Sanjeev Singhal, the Director of Finance at MDL, confirmed this ambitious plan, highlighting the progress made in indigenizing critical components and expressing the commitment to enhance India’s self-reliance in submarine construction.

MDL has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to indigenize key components of the Kalvari class submarines, a crucial step towards reducing dependency on foreign imports. Singhal revealed that out of the Major 165 equipment, 30 have already undergone successful indigenization processes. The ongoing efforts encompass a broad spectrum of components, including combat systems, integrated combat systems, attack periscope, search optronics mast, sonar and navigation equipment, communication equipment, and the essential HP air compressor.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of India is gearing up for a renewed effort in the development of a thrust vectoring nozzle (TVN) after facing setbacks in its previous attempts. Thrust vectoring technology holds immense significance in enhancing the maneuverability and performance of fighter aircraft, making it a crucial aspect of aero-engine applications.

In the late 1990s, GTRE initiated discussions with U.S. engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for the development of a thrust vectoring nozzle. However, these talks did not progress further due to the imposition of sanctions on India following its nuclear tests. Subsequently, in 2015, GTRE entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian JSC Rosoboronexport/JSC Klimov for joint development of a Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring Nozzle. Despite these efforts, the challenges persisted.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a strategic last-minute move, the American company Cummins has played a crucial role in powering India’s upcoming indigenous Zorawar light tank prototype. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in India approached Cummins to supply a 1000Hp engine for the tank, and the company swiftly responded, showcasing its commitment to supporting India’s defense capabilities. This development comes as a response to the Indian Army’s demand for 350 Light Tanks, pending successful completion of the Zorawar prototype’s Summer and Winter Trials.

Originally, the German company MTU was the first choice to provide engines for the Zorawar light tank program. MTU, renowned for supplying engines for India’s Arjun Main Battle Tanks (MBT), was well-positioned to contribute to this new endeavor. However, due to bureaucratic hurdles in securing BAFA clearance from the German Government, Cummins stepped in to fill the gap.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Aritra IITM team from the Marine Autonomous Vessels (MAV) Laboratory in the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, has emerged as the champion in the 2023 Virtual RobotX (VRX) challenge. The Virtual RobotX (VRX) challenge is an annual international competition that tests the autonomy and control systems of surface vessels in simulated challenging marine environment conditions. This year’s competition was hosted by RoboNation USA in collaboration with Open Robotics and the Office of Naval Research. The VRX challenge drew participation from 33 teams worldwide, including MIT and NSU.

The Aritra IITM team successfully secured first place for their excellent proficiency in autonomy algorithms for tasks such as station-keeping, waypoint tracking, obstacle avoidance, perception, and autonomous docking. Their innovative autonomy algorithms enabled them to navigate the challenging simulated marine environment conditions with precision and efficiency.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the second test of the NASM-SR, or Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range, a helicopter-launched anti-ship missile. The missile was tested from a SeaKing helicopter and successfully hit its target. This is a significant milestone for India’s defense program, as the NASM-SR will provide the Indian Navy with a much-needed capability to defend its coastline from enemy ships.

In addition to the NASM-SR, DRDO is also working on the development of the NASM-MR, or Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range. This missile will have a longer range than the NASM-SR and will be capable of being launched from fixed-wing fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft. DRDO is currently developing five prototypes of the NASM-MR.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a joint effort, Prasenjit Das, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Mohali, and Prof. Prodyut Das, a former Professor of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, have achieved success with the design of the D9 Hawkmoth. This electric aerobatic aircraft secured the top spot in the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Aircraft Design Contest 2023.

The D9 Hawkmoth is a two-seat, side-by-side, all-metal aerobatic electric sesquiplane that meets the stringent requirements of the Royal Aero Soc. 23 competition. The aircraft boasts a solid design with carefully considered aerodynamics, structure, and construction, earning praise for its excellent handling characteristics.