A laser¬based device for real¬time remote monitoring of wind data parameters has been developed by the Gayatri Vidya Parishad Scientific and Industrial Research Centre (GVPSIRC), which showcases the ability of Indian technocrats to turn out cutting¬edge technology solutions. Called SAMIRA (Seeing Air in Motion: Instrumentation for Remote sensing Application), the device does away with the necessity of setting up the conventional 150 m mast for monitoring wind parameters, which is required before taking a decision on the location of wind turbines. SAMIRA thus gains importance in view of the focus of the government on renewable energy sources.
According to Prof. Rao Tatavarti, Director of GVP¬SIRC, the laser¬optic solution is a portable device that can be located at remote locations and has the capacity to monitor and record all the required data. It reduces the burden of logistics involved in setting up the conventional tower with its data recorders and costs less than a tenth of the price of similar products available in the international market.
SAMIRA sets up a laser beam and studies the ‘back¬scatter’ to analyse the parameters like air density and wind speed at different levels. The laser beam is a coherent beam and the back scatter records very minor changes, enabling highly accurate recording of wind parameters,The focus of the laser beam is adjusted to different levels to enable recording the data at different levels in the atmosphere.The centre has developed the software to analyse the data.The SIRC has developed a number of cutting¬edge technologies based on laser optics for environment monitoring, vibration and condition monitoring, and for eavesdropping, among others, which could be useful for the security forces.
Su-30MKI TECHNOLOGY Russia has expressed willingness to transfer technology of 332 components of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft under the ‘Make-in-India’ program.These components, also called line replacement units (LRUs) refer to both critical and non-critical components and fall into four major heads such as Radio and Radar; Electrical & Electronics System; Mechanical System and Instrument System.
At present, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures the aircraft under licence from its Russian arms exporter, Rosoboron export. HAL has now has opened talks with the latter and the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer, Irkut Corp., to enable Indian industries to manufacture the LRUs through transfer of technology (TOT) from the relevant Russian manufacturers of the components.
Discussions between Russia and India commenced in August on further TOT for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI under the ‘Make-in- India’ program to enable greater participation from the Indian private industry in defence manufacture.As India’s holdings of Su-30MK1 aircraft with the Indian Air Force would require maintenance, repair and overhaul over their planned service life of 30 years, the requirement for LRUs will only increase.
