Date:19/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/19/stories/2006061919870400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Hyperplane project: DRDO on lookout for partners

Special Correspondent

Test flight of scramjet engine likely by 2009, says official

FLIGHT PATH: Vice-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani inaugurating the Hyderabad Aerospace Industries Association on Sunday. V.K. Saraswath, Chairman, Aeronautical Society of India, Hyderabad branch, and association president Ravinder Reddy are also seen. - Photo: Satish H

HYDERABAD: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will look for partners from the private sector and other countries to develop the ambitious hyperplane project, estimated to cost Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 crores.

DRDO Chief Controller (R&D) V.K. Saraswat told a press conference organised in connection with the launch of the Aerospace Manufacturers' Association (ASMA) at a meeting of the Aeronautical Society of India, Hyderabad branch, that the test flight of the experimental scramjet engine as part of the project was expected to be ready by 2009.

Besides, DRDO was also interested in private participation in the indigenous development of low altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), small surveillance systems and aerostats.

He said the Services were looking for UAVs. The cost of an UAV ranges from Rs. 25 lakhs to over Rs. 1 crore, depending on the instruments on board. "Our industry has necessary infrastructure and technical skills to take up such projects," he added.

Level-playing field

Since a majority of defence equipment was imported, the objective was to produce it indigenously while providing a level-playing field for the private sector. "Industries in aerospace will be considered as major players for doing this," he observed. Formation of ASMA would help build a potent aerospace industry. ASMA had sought land for setting up an aeropark at Shamshabad where 40 to 50 major industries would be located.

W. Selva Murthy, Chief Controller R &D (life sciences and human resources), DRDO, in a lecture at the meeting gave an overview of the organisation's contribution to the Indian Air Force. He said to improve a pilot's efficiency, an aptitude battery test had been handed over to the force. DRDO had also developed flying overalls and anti-G suits for pilots.

Life support system

He said an integrated life support system with on-board oxygen generator was being developed for the light combat aircraft. Its demonstration was over. It would be integrated in future LCAs. Currently only the U.S., the U.K., France and Israel had such systems.

With G-induced loss of consciousness being one of the factors for aircraft accidents, he said DRDO was developing a smart vest which would activate the auto pilot by receiving signals from the physiological pattern.

Vice Chief of the Air Staff Ajit Bhavnani spoke.