Article Posted on : - Mar 29, 2012

Rustom UAV

NEW DELHI (PTI): DRDO will launch over 70 products, which can be used for civilian purposes, in the four-day DefExpo-2012, besides showcasing its arsenal of indigenously developed arms and ammunition.

While some of its well known missile systems, UAVs and soldier support systems will be displayed as usual, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will also launch products for civilian applications like swine flu and explosive detection kits.

"The Explosive Detection Kit, and Swine Flu diagnostic kit are among over 70 products and technologies developed for defence applications with potential civilian applications that have been identified for commercialisation by the DRDO," Defence Ministry officials said Wednesday.

These products have been developed under the Accelerated Technology Assessment Commercialisation (ATAC) programme in which defence technology is used by the DRDO to develop products which can be useful for civilians.

The Explosive Detection Kit (EDK), developed by Pune- based High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, can quickly detect and identify even traces of explosives. The kit is ideally suited to be carried and used everywhere, they said.

The swine flu diagnostic kit has been developed by Gwalior-based Defence Research and Development Establishment, (DRDE) and it can detect H1N1 virus within 60 minutes.

"The kit does not need sophisticated instruments and can even be used in villages where electricity is not available," the officials said.

During the exhibition, DRDO will also provide a platform to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to identify areas for collaboration in jointly developing its technologies.

In the arms and ammunition section, the defence agency will exhibit Missile Interceptor Simulator and a 3D-Virtual Reality Theatre and a number of autonomous and unmanned vehicles.

Besides the Unmanned Tracked Ground Vehicle and Remotely Operated Vehicle, DRDO will also showcase UAVs Nishant, Rustom and Netra, and Light Weight Sensor Integrated Composite Bridge.

In the radar and electronic warfare systems category, it will bring out its Long Range Solid State Electronically Scanned Active Phased Array Radar LSTAR, Disha EW system and Scorpio Jammer.

Heavy weight torpedo Varunastra, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, Prahar tactical range ballistic missile system and Arjun main battle tank will also be some of the major attractions.

The indoor exhibits include models of various missiles and electronic systems such as Nag, Akash, BrahMos, Aerostat System, AEW&C System, BMP Survival Kit (BUSK).