SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make history as it prepares to launch Vyommitra, a humanoid robot, into space. The mission’s primary objective is to assess the safety of spacecraft for future human spaceflight.

Designed and developed by ISRO’s Thiruvananthapuram unit, Vyommitra’s skull is a marvel of engineering. Weighing in at a mere 800 grams and measuring 200 mm x 220 mm, the skull is crafted from a high-strength aluminum alloy to withstand the extreme pressures and vibrations experienced during space travel.

SOURCE: AFI

Paris-based technology giant Dassault Systèmes announced today that Magic Myna, an Indian manufacturer of customized drones, has adopted the company’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud. Magic Myna is utilizing Dassault Systèmes’ applications to optimize the design and development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various applications, including healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a collaborative environment for design, simulation, and data management, enabling Magic Myna to accelerate product development cycles and improve product quality. The platform’s user-friendly interface and advanced simulation capabilities have allowed the company to develop lighter, more stable drones in a shorter amount of time.

SOURCE: AFI

A Pakistani Air Force GID Shahpar-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed in the central Punjab region on Saturday. The incident occurred during an experimental flight, according to a source within the Pakistani Ministry of Defence.

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, no injuries were reported, and damage to the surrounding area was minimal. The UAV, a modified version of the Chinese CH-3A, was being evaluated by the Pakistani Air Force.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious plans to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia by 2025 seem to have hit a roadblock. While negotiations between the two countries were once progressing steadily, recent reports suggest that the talks have cooled down significantly.

The proposed lease of a nuclear submarine was seen as a crucial step in India’s efforts to strengthen its maritime capabilities and deter potential threats. However, several factors, including geopolitical tensions and economic considerations, may have contributed to the slowdown in negotiations.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s plans to acquire 10 Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters from Russia have been put on hold due to uncertainties arising from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Indian Navy, which had been negotiating with Russia for the purchase of these helicopters at a cost of $520 million (Rs 4,354 crore), has been advised to explore alternative options or consider indigenous development in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The suspension of the negotiations comes amidst concerns about the reliability of arms supplies from Russia, given the ongoing conflict and the imposition of Western sanctions. While the Indian Navy has expressed its need for additional Ka-31 helicopters to support its growing fleet, the uncertainties surrounding the deal have forced it to reassess its options.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s nuclear weapons program is a subject of significant strategic interest, with the country’s ability to produce weapon-grade plutonium playing a critical role in its nuclear deterrence. This article estimates India’s nuclear weapons-producing capacity by analyzing the plutonium production from various reactors.

The Tarapur Atomic Power Station, comprising units 3 and 4, each with a capacity of 550 MWe, contributes to India’s plutonium production. The following calculation estimates the amount of plutonium produced:

SOURCE: AFI

The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan in 1999, was a fierce and bloody conflict. One of the most challenging aspects of the war for the Indian Air Force was the high-altitude terrain of the Kargil region. The Indian Air Force had to deploy a variety of aircraft to target Pakistani positions, including the venerable MiG-27.

The MiG-27, a Soviet-designed ground-attack aircraft, was not originally designed for high-altitude operations. Its limitations became painfully apparent during the Kargil War. Here are some of the key deficiencies of the MiG-27 that made it a challenging aircraft to operate in the high-altitude environment of Kargil.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian aerospace development faces a potential hurdle with the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, according to Professor Prodyut Das, a former professor of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. Prof. Das, known for his expertise in aerospace structures, has expressed serious concerns about the placement of the canards on the Tejas Mk2 in his blog.

Prof. Das argues that the current position of the canards on the Tejas Mk2 is “extremely disturbing” and could lead to “developmental problems.” He highlights the lack of precedent for such a configuration in any production canard fighter jet.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian defense startup, Zeus Numerix, has unveiled a groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize drone warfare. The company has developed 81mm precision kits designed specifically for UAVs, equipped with an Ejector Rack Mechanism (ERM). This innovative system has the potential to convert any conventional payload into a precision-guided bomb, effectively transforming even agricultural drones into armed platforms in times of conflict.

The ERM technology enables the integration of the 81mm precision kit onto a wide range of hexacopter UAVs. By transforming conventional payloads into guided munitions, Zeus Numerix offers a cost-effective and adaptable solution for enhancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles.