1.             Introduction

DRDO is dedicatedly engaged in the formulation and execution of programmes of scientific research, design and development, testing and evaluation leading to induction of state-of-art weapons and equipment which would compete and compare favourably with its contemporary systems available elsewhere in the world.  It consists of a chain of laboratories/establishments situated all over the country, pursuing assigned scientific goals with delegated powers under the policy direction provided by the headquarters in New Delhi.  DRDO also supports a substantial amount of extramural research in academic institutions and other laboratories on defence related problems through various grants-in-aid schemes and other sponsored projects.           

Truly indigenous solutions to military problems and the related technologies can be developed only if judicious investments are made in expanding and deepening the foundations of basic scientific knowledge and the technological validation of new concepts that emerge from such knowledge.  Such enlargement of the applicable knowledge base is accomplished by the exertions of, and the imagination released in, young researchers and their mentors in academic institutions.

II.          Name of scheme(s)

                1.             Extramural Research Scheme

2.             Aeronautics Research & Development Board

II.1.         Extramural Research Scheme

Objective(s)

·         Research sponsored in academic institutions under the extramural research (ER) scheme focuses on research on phenomena or observations that are not understood, and that lack of understanding is recognized as an obstacle to scientific or technological progress in the broad topic area of relevance to military R&D. The knowledge base so generated is embodied in high-quality technical manpower and in the new understanding, techniques and design-tools developed through the basic research funded. Such new knowledge can also provide pathways to significant advances in the mission-effectiveness of traditional military roles.

·         Collaterally with the expanded knowledge-base created, a primary end-result of the research that is funded under the ER program is a networked group of qualified people whose expertise resulting from the research can be drawn-upon to build an exploitable area of new technology that has potential military applicability.

·         The ER scheme also supports the instrumentality of Memoranda of Collaboration (MoC) between DRDO Laboratories & Establishments and academia. These MoC invariably involve more than on DRDO establishment and cover explorations and investigations on a range of topics within a broad subject arena that generically cross-link the research activities of the collaborating Laboratories & Establishments and the research-disciplines of the selected collaborating academic institution. Such institutional cross-linking is organic, not episodic, and is made operational in an MoC through a management structure which includes in its standing arrangements representation of directors of the collaborating DRDO institutions.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Approved Research Institutions, Universities or Colleges, Departments or Laboratories or Scientists of eminence attached to reputed industrial firms with R&D facilities both in the Government and Non-Government sector.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Ten copies of the project proposal in the prescribed format may be submitted to the director, ER&IPR.  Applications are accepted  all through the year.

V.            Areas of research support

As  explained under the head “Objectives”.

VI.           Components of grant

Special equipment, salaries, expendable materials, contingencies and overheads.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

Building up of basic facilities, personal payments to members of regular staff of the Institution.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

All proposals will be referred to the appropriate specialists of DRDO laboratories and senior professors from academic institutions.. Based on the recommendations of the experts, the proposals are put up to Director Er & IPR or Chief Controller(R&D)  The director Er & IPR issues the sanction letter for the approved proposals. The Institution/organization is required to submit 4 copies of the annual progress report of the projects in the prescribed proforma for the Director Er & IPR and other lab experts.  The decision to continue the project is taken based on the outcome of the project review meeting.

 IX.          Contact Address

II.2.      Aeronautics Research & Development Board

Objective(s)

Government has set up Aeronautics Research & Development Board to coordinate, fund and sensitize futuristic, scientific technological areas having potential application for aeronautical systems, at academic institutions and national scientific laboratories.  For this purpose, Grants-in-Aid of Rs. 5 Crores per year has been earmarked. The objectives are:

·         the Aeronautics R&D Board has instituted a Grants-in-Aid Scheme to nurture the available research talent and to develop facilities in IITs, Universities, Higher Technological Institutes, Colleges and other research centers including industry in the country for promoting research, design and development programmes in Aeronautics and Allied Sciences, keeping in view the future needs of the country with respect to aircraft, helicopters, missiles and all other air borne vehicles and their operation. 

·         besides the projects activities, the Board promotes Centres of Excellence in selected areas like Computational Fluid Dynamics, Systems Design & Engineering and Composite Structures Technology. Some more centers are under consideration.

·         the Board also promotes Seminars, Presentation of papers in India & abroad, Writing of   books, and promoting airmindedness in School children.

III.           Who can submit a proposal

Approved Research Institutions, Universities or Colleges, Departments or Laboratories or individuals attached to reputed industrial firms with R&D facilities both in the Government and Non-Government sector.

IV.           When and how to submit a proposal

Twenty copies of the proposal in the prescribed form may be sent any time during the year.

V.            Areas of research support

Projects or schemes of value to aircraft, helicopters, missiles and all other airborne vehicles including their operation would be supported.  The Aeronautics R&D Board shall also entertain applications for sanction of grants-in-aid for build up of basic facilities/infrastructure and for conducting seminar, symposia, short courses, deputation/training of manpower, intensive short courses of current interest to Aeronautics and missiles, award of flying scholarships & other promotional activities within the country.

VI.           Components of grant

Research staff, special equipment, consumables, stores, chemicals, contingencies, travel within the country.

VII.         Items not allowed out of grant

Personal payment to members of regular staff of school, colleges, institutions, travel abroad and employment of consultants are not permissible except when specifically authorized for conducting short courses/seminar supported by the Board.

VIII.        Mechanism of implementation and monitoring

The scheme is coordinated through a number of specialist panels duly constituted by the Chairman AR&DB to cover the different disciplines viz.,

·         Aerodynamics Panel

·         Structures Panel

·         Propulsion Panel

·         Operation Problems Panel

·         Human Engineering Panel

·         Material & Processes Panel

·         Aircraft Systems Panel

·         Aerospace Information Panel

·         Manpower Development Panel

·         Aerospace Manufacturing & Value Engineering

IX.           Contact Address