India
Defence Electronics Applications Lab
DEAL was founded in 1965 in Mussoorie (Uttar Pradesh); it was then known as the Himalayan Radio Propagation Unit. In 1968, the lab was shifted from Mussoorie to Dehradun (then Uttar Pradesh, now Uttarakhand) and in 1976 renamed as the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL). Since then, DEAL has expanded into a “major system laboratory” of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
DEAL has developed:
- “Jam-resistant data links for applications in real-time transmission of battlefield information for effective control of airborne platforms, target tracking and acquisition, and also in reconnaissance and surveillance using remotely piloted vehicles.”
- Microwave scanning antenna, which is part of the “terminal guidance system” used in ballistic missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
- Command transmitter for the naval version of the Trishul short-range surface-to-air missile system.
Glossary
- Ballistic missile
- A delivery vehicle powered by a liquid or solid fueled rocket that primarily travels in a ballistic (free-fall) trajectory. The flight of a ballistic missile includes three phases: 1) boost phase, where the rocket generates thrust to launch the missile into flight; 2) midcourse phase, where the missile coasts in an arc under the influence of gravity; and 3) terminal phase, in which the missile descends towards its target. Ballistic missiles can be characterized by three key parameters - range, payload, and Circular Error Probable (CEP), or targeting precision. Ballistic missiles are primarily intended for use against ground targets.
Sources
[1] Defence Research & Development Organisation, “Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory,” www.drdo.org.
[2] Dr. N.C. Birla and B.S. Murthy, eds., “Seekers, Antennas, Pyrosystems, Devices, and Electronic Subsystems,” Indian Defence Technology: Missile Systems (DRDO, Ministry of Defence, December 1998), pp. 173, 178-179.