Eight Army innovations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the efforts of eight innovations by Army men that have resulted in better operational capability of the forces. Modi met the innovators at the ‘at home’ function of Army Chief General Dalbir Singh on Army Day, on Thursday. The innovations that caught the PM’s eye:

Unmanned Ground Logistics Delivery System

The multi-terrain robots operated through wireless voice command can help in logistics delivery during operations, minimising risk to life. It can detect obstacles using an ultrasonic sensor, send its position using GPS and carries out surveillance using live video feed.

Developed by Capt Nitish Kumar Singh, who was commissioned into the Army in 2009. A graduate, he is pursuing B.Tech from Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering. He is a certified ethical hacker from EC-Council (USA).

Indigenisation of components of 155mm Bofors gun

Every year 200 gun ring kits are required for the 155 mm Bofors gun. Each kit costs Rs 1,60,000. Due to unreliable supply, a need was felt to achieve self-reliance in manufacture of these kits. Indigenisation cost of the kit is Rs 55,800.

Developed by Subedar Arjun Kumar Jha, who was enrolled in 1991. Has served in active field areas of Northern and Eastern Sectors. Has been associated with Bofors gun since past 10 years.

Integration of day-and-night camera with unattended ground sensor

In order to improve overall situational awareness on the LoC, the unattended ground sensor (UGS) has been integrated with a day-night surveillance camera. The camera is actuated on generation of a signal from the sensor and live video feed is transmitted to surveillance post leading to real-time verification of enemy intrusion.

Developed by V K Sharma, who was enrolled in 2002. Although he has studied till intermediate level, Sharma has vast experience in serving in the Northern Secto.

Indigenised Sub-Systems for LORROS

LORROS or Long Range Reconnaissance and Observation System, a sensor system, provides long-range surveillance — effective in countering infiltration. Several LORROS were getting out of action due to non-availability of Protocol Converter Card. These cards were then indigenously developed by the Army Technology Centre at a cheaper cost.

Developed by Naib Subedar Girish Chandra Joshi, who got into Army in 1987, along with others. Although he has studied till intermediate level, Joshi gained in experience by serving in all sectors of the Army.

Remotely Controlled Reconnaissance Vehicle Cuts risk to human life in counter-insurgency environment. It carries out reconnaissance of the desired area of operation. Live feed of the camera is transmitted back to the surveillance station.

Developed by Lt Ashwin Nagpal, a B.Tech, who was commissioned in 2014. During training at Cadet Training Wing, he was awarded gold medal for standing first in overall merit. His project in robotics was awarded best project in Electronics Engg stream by Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Monitoring System for Armoured (Tank) Formations

It displays the current location, on digital maps, of all forward gun tanks in combat team / combat group / combat command right up to Corps headquarter. It is required for augmenting the real-time battle-field awareness system. It has three major components —   GPS receiver chip, 

  secure wireless link and 

  monitoring station.

Developed by Maj Seemala Vijay Kumar, who was commissioned in 2009. A B.Tech in Electronics and Tele-communications, he has served in J&K. Real-time tracking system for mobile patrols.Once soldiers move out for patrolling, there is a need to automatically know their exact position. The module integrates the GPS and radio set STARS V and transmits the GPS signals. This data is received at the control station and displayed on screen in real-time basis. It enables post-operation analysis at higher headquarters.

Developed by Maj Ajay Rathore, who was commissioned in 2011. A B.Tech from Military College of Telecommunication and Engineering, Mhow, he is currently serving in J&K.

System for monitoring serviceability of electrical transformers

A need was felt to develop a system to carry out real-time remote monitoring of health of the electrical transformers through Wi-Fi to avoid interruption of power supply, maximize component life and minimise repair costs. Through sensors, it helps in keeping a close eye on parameters like voltage, current, power factor and temperature.

Developed by Capt Vivek Chaudhary, commissioned in 2009. He has completed B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.