The DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) are five specialised research laboratories located in five cities in India namely, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata. They were inaugurated on January 2, 2020, by the Prime Minister of India. As per the norms, everyone at the labs is below 35 years of age. Each of these laboratories focuses on a particular area of science.
The 5 Research Laboratories are...
- Artificial Intelligence (DYSL-AI), Bengaluru
- Cognitive Technologies (DYSL-CT), Chennai
- Smart Materials (DYSL-SM), Hyderabad
- Asymmetric Technologies (DYSL-AT), Kolkata
- Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT), Mumbai
The DYSL-CT focuses on the design and development of Cognitive Radar as well as Cognitive Radio systems. It makes use of deep neural networks and reinforcement learning techniques to achieve its goals.
As announced in the 2022 AAV seminar, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Young Scientist Laboratory programme (DYSL) has been entrusted with the development of a new class of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with a payload capacity of 50kg to carry out logistic operations at high altitudes, along the Himalayan border.
The DYSL recently made a request to its development partners for an octocopter with a carbon composite airframe weighing 80kg gross, including payload. The octocopter must transport a cargo of 50kg at sea level, and about 20kg at 15,000 feet. The drone should also be able to fly at temperatures as low as -20°C.
Challenges
It is not easy to fly a drone in a hostile environment, and controlling it at high altitudes is even more challenging due to the decreased air density. As freezing conditions deplete the batteries, the drone's flying duration gets reduced. The two important obstacles experienced while operating a drone in mountain ranges have been revealed in a study by Irina K Romanova:
Due to a lack of adequate infrastructure and the site's isolation, internet, satellite networks, radio, and other forms of communication are restricted. There may also be numerous delays due to terrible weather conditions, low bandwidth, and a number of other issues. The growth and maintenance of broadband technology are complex due to snow build-up and sub-zero temperatures.
Collision avoidance is one of the most challenging tasks when operating drones in mountain ranges. Collision detection using algorithms and sensors, and a procedure to establish what participating agents need to do to avoid collisions are generally the two main components. It is therefore essential to identify the properties of the network that the UAV is compatible with.
India’s Most Recent Drones
DRDO Imperial Eagle: A lightweight mini-UAV created by the National Aeronautical Laboratory's Aeronautical Development Establishment. The primary users comprise the National Security Guard and military services. GPS systems or Automatic Gain Control can be used to track the drone.
DRDO Rustom II: A low-endurance, medium-altitude UAV designed for the Indian military (Army, Air Force and Navy). The development of this drone was led by Dr Rostom Damania, which was inspired by NAL's LCRA (Light Canard Research Aircraft).
DRDO Ghatak: A stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) developed by DRDO as part of the AURA programme (Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft). Even though the programme is currently in its initial stages, the full-scale prototype is expected by 2025.
About The Author
Girish Linganna is a Defence & Aerospace analyst, and is the Director of ADD Engineering Components (India) Private Limited which is a Subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany with manufacturing units in Russia.
(Views expressed are the author's own & do not reflect the editorial stance of Mission Victory India)
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