JOIN USSpeaking at the Forum of Defence and Aerospace Journalists here recently, BEL Director (R&D) I V Sarma said a common control centre would be set up in New Delhi to receive input from across the country.
The systems with a 20-km range comprise electro-optic sensors, radars and common control software. This is the first phase of the project to map the entire coastal line of the country.
Information will be transmitted through BSNL lease lines and satellites will not be involved in the process. The centres would be equipped with data fusion technology to enable data integration. If two radars collect the same information, the technology integrates both at the main centre.
Software-defined radio
The BEL is in the process of developing a state-of-the-art software-defined radio. “We embarked on the project about two years ago and the army version of the product will be inducted by March 2011,” Sarma said.
The radio can function on any frequency or modulation as the software guides the majority of the functions. The arrangement also enables the product to work with any legacy radio as it can be integrated with the instrument easily. On showcasing the product during the AeroIndia Show in February, he said efforts would be made towards that end.
Naval, Air Force versions
The BEL would also come up with the naval and air force versions of the product as they require a slightly different configuration with clearances needed on the environment front. “We will have such radios for the Navy and Air Force ready by March 2012,” he said.
Sarma said he does not want to speculate on the cost of the product. The armed forces use four different types of radios for communication and the one being developed can perform the functions of all, he noted.