BEL’s new test bed for missile, weapon systems integration

The test bed will be primarily utilized for the calibration of navigational equipment fitted in radars and launchers, radar calibration and compensation of bias between target and missile channels.

The test bed is incorporated with ‘Multiple BITE' facility for verification of performance of target tracking and guidance commands in multi-target, multi-missile scenario. The facility is established with Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder for verification of the secondary radar function along with the primary radars.

"One of the unique features of this test bed is its ability to impart training on combat operation and Standard Operating Procedure drills to the users. This will go a long way in the user getting acclimatized to the systems and its features," a BEL official said.

The new facility is spread over an area of 14 acres and it consists of nine concreted hard stands.

"It is strategically positioned to verify various interfaces between the combat elements of missile Systems under complex threat conditions, including ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) scenarios. All the elements are interfaced either in line mode or radio mode. The total war scenario can be made available for the verification of full functionality of integrated missile or weapons systems," the official added.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister told OneIndia that Defence Public Sector Undertakings will benefit the most through fast-track upgradation of their facilities.

"The test bed is another feather in the cap for BEL and it will help enable them to augment future missile projects," Dr Reddy said.

Anantapur facility will go live in 3 years: Sharma ::

Speaking to OneIndia, BEL Chairman and Managing Director S K Sharma said that the new facility coming up in Anantapur is part of the Company's expansion plans.

"It is coming up Palasmudram village in Gorantla Mandal, near Lepakshi. This is part of our expansion plans aimed at catering future missile projects. We were keen to have modern facilities for manufacturing and system integration activities," Sharma said.

He said in addition to the ongoing Akash missile project, BEL will be engaging in a number of new missile and weapon programmes in the next four to five years.

"We have started this as a Greenfield Weapon Systems facility. Later it will become as a separate unit of BEL. We hope to make the installation live in the next two to three years," Sharma said.

BEL sources said that the facility might be officially launched by the end of September.

The facility, coming up on 950 acres of land, has the proximity advantage to Kempe Gowda International Airport in Bengaluru.