Previously located in Ratanada Palace (now a DRTC[clarification needed] training centre), it was moved to the New Technical Complex. It is responsible for the development and manufacture of electronics and materials required for modern warfare and weapon systems. Its main research fields are materials and electronics. Its mission is development of radio communication systems, data links, satellite communication systems, millimeter wave communication systems.
The DRDO lab created the Short Range Chaff Rocket (SRCR), Medium Range Chaff Rocket (MRCR), and Long Range Chaff Rocket (LRCR) in 2021 to satisfy the qualitative chaff requirements of the Indian Navy. All three types were tested by the Indian Navy on Indian Naval ships in the Arabian Sea, and the results were deemed acceptable. The Navy ships fire chaff rockets to confuse the guidance system of incoming radar tracking missiles. The chaff is made up of several tiny fibers coated with zinc or aluminum.[1][2] To obtain the technology, the Indian Navy partnered with DRDO in 2022.[3]
Chaff material and chaff cartridge-118/I
Together with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defense Laboratory created the advanced chaff material and chaff cartridge-118/I in 2021 to satisfy the Indian Air Force's quality standards. Following the successful completion of user trials, the IAF began the process of introducing this technology. To ensure the safety of the fighter aircraft, very little DRDO-developed chaff material needs to be used in the air as a decoy to divert incoming missiles. In order to meet the IAF's yearly rolling requirement, the technology has been passed to the private sector for large-scale production.[4][5][6] To obtain the technology, the IAF partnered with DRDO in 2022.[3]
Radar Absorbing Paint
The Defence Laboratory created Polyurethane based Radar Absorbing Paint (RAP) in 2023 to help military aircraft become more stealthy against hostile radars by lowering their radar signature. The results of using the RAP on IAF platforms, such as the Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets, were positive.[7] It is designed to be applied to strategic targets for radar cross section reduction utilizing magnetic functional filler material. RAP's polyurethane resin structure offers exceptional resilience to weathering and can survive extremely high and low temperatures. To achieve the best radar absorption capabilities, a magnetic functional filler material of a certain size and shape has been added to the resin matrix in the suitable ratio. The proposed paint can be applied to both land-based and airborne strategic targets.[8]Carbon nanotubes and other materials are used in RAP to produce a coating that has a broad frequency range of electromagnetic wave absorption.[9]
More than 90% microwave absorption, room temperature drying and curing for field use, thermal stability at both high and low temperatures, and resistance to hydraulic oil, water, and air turbine fuel are all demonstrated by the RAP. It can be applied to Al/Al alloy and carbon-fiber reinforced polymercomposite surfaces without compromising their structural qualities, and it can survive thermal shock cycling and aerodynamic vibration.[8] It will be used in HAL Tejas Mk2.[10]
Inflatable Aircraft Decoy (InfADec)
Defense Laboratory has created an inflatable aircraft decoy of the air retainable kind, which lessens the need for constant air blower operation. Compared to rubber-coated fabric-based decoys, the InfADec is made of plastic-coated fabric is lighter and easier for two to three people to manage. For the inflatable decoy to run continuously for several days, an automated air pressure control system was also created. InfADec creates air-retainable lightweight fabric patterns using specially engineered coated fabric structures with low air permeability. To make handling and deployment easier, modular architecture was used. Additionally, the inflatable modules were made using suitable fabric sealing technology. To achieve the necessary size and shape, the necessary cross-sectional members were supplied. The deployment area was equipped with a movable iron support structure. It takes 10 to 12 minutes to inflate or deflate, and it may hold its shape for up to 8 hours without the need for additional air.[11]
Industry collaboration
Defence Laboratory supported Economic Explosives Limited in setting up an advanced technology plant that would reduce reliance on imports while producing 118 mm, 50 mm, and 26 mm Chaff payloads for Dassault Mirage 2000, Mikoyan MiG-29, SEPECAT Jaguar, and all helicopters in use by the armed forces. On 4 August 2024, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, officially opened the manufacturing plant.[12]
Technology transfers
In 2024, DRDO transferred the technology for the Microwave Obscurant Chaff (MOC), which was developed by Defence Laboratory, to the Indian Navy.[13] The MOC conceals radar signals and generates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, which reduces detection by radars.[13]
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