Hyderabad: Less than a fortnight after defence minister A.K. Antony prompted DRDO to concentrate on high-end research, the scientist community here revealed on Wednesday that it was now exploring cutting-edge and super aerodynamic technologies that could allow military aircraft to simulate the flight of birds and have the ability to navigate hurricanes.
“We are looking at developing smart material that can mimic the special aerodynamic abilities of birds like the hummingbird or even bumblebees where motion is not required for a lift,” said Dr Prahlada, vice-chancellor of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology on Wednesday ahead of the International Symposium of Applied Aerodynamics and Design of Aerospace Vehicles- 2013.
In addition to biomimicry, more than 600 aerodynamicists attending the event will discuss how to develop unmanned combat aircraft, aerostat and airships and micro fluid dynamics that can revolutionise India’s defence technology.
In addition to military aerodynamics, they will also focus on developing solutions to make civilian aircraft more fuel efficient and less prone to noise, say scientists.
Eminent DRDO scientist V.G. Sekaran added that through a number of panel discussions and papers, they would be addressing cutting-edge technologies that would enable a “roadmap for futuristic hypersonic programmes in the country.”
He also acknowledged the growing importance of Hyderabad as a major hub in the defence arena. “It has the required eco-system for product development, be it research facilities, industries or universities. All our projects here are our flagship projects.” Dr Prahlada called on the industry to invest more in the aerospace sector.
