Instead of procuring from US or Israel, country's defense forces will soon be self-reliant with the first indigenous off-route or anti-tank mines. These are improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which explode like a projectile while camouflaged and placed on a tripod stand.
The mine, unlike conventional mines, is not buried underground and needs no pressure when placed underneath a vehicle for activation. To be developed by the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), a Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) laboratory in Chandigarh, and the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), the mine is used in surfaces where underground burial is not possible. The project began six months ago and was reviewed by DRDO experts early this week. It is expected to be completed in another four years.
The incoming target combat vehicle shall be detected using seismic and acoustics sensors, which shall be made by the CSIO. The sensors fitted in these mines can detect seismic vibrations produced when vehicles such as tanks head towards ambush area. When acoustic and seismic sensors detect approach of a suitable target, the infra-red sensors (IR) in it are also activated. These IR sensors can send images of the target for attack. Consequently, after the target is confirmed, all these sensors trigger the warhead of the mine to project towards the target as it comes before it.
The TBRL plans to have a smart mine trap using these anti-tank mines. "Until the target does not approach, the off route mines can be kept on sleep mode, which can conserve the battery required for its operation," said Manjit Singh, director TBRL. He said, "We are working with CSIO on production of special seismic sensors, which can detect the potential target approaching us and also give a wake-up call to the operator as soon as the target approaches."
The anti-tank mine is portable and suitable for both offensive and defensive operations. The range of the off-route mine is 2 to 97 meters. The collaborators are working towards enhancing the range. The CSIO already has special sensors, being used in Delhi metro, to provide advanced earthquake warning system. "These sensors shall be improvised and worked upon for defense application," said CSIO director R K Sinha.
How it works
The mine, unlike conventional mines, is not buried underground and needs no pressure when placed underneath a vehicle for activation. To be developed by the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), a Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) laboratory in Chandigarh, and the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), the mine is used in surfaces where underground burial is not possible. The project began six months ago and was reviewed by DRDO experts early this week. It is expected to be completed in another four years.
The incoming target combat vehicle shall be detected using seismic and acoustics sensors, which shall be made by the CSIO. The sensors fitted in these mines can detect seismic vibrations produced when vehicles such as tanks head towards ambush area. When acoustic and seismic sensors detect approach of a suitable target, the infra-red sensors (IR) in it are also activated. These IR sensors can send images of the target for attack. Consequently, after the target is confirmed, all these sensors trigger the warhead of the mine to project towards the target as it comes before it.
The TBRL plans to have a smart mine trap using these anti-tank mines. "Until the target does not approach, the off route mines can be kept on sleep mode, which can conserve the battery required for its operation," said Manjit Singh, director TBRL. He said, "We are working with CSIO on production of special seismic sensors, which can detect the potential target approaching us and also give a wake-up call to the operator as soon as the target approaches."
The anti-tank mine is portable and suitable for both offensive and defensive operations. The range of the off-route mine is 2 to 97 meters. The collaborators are working towards enhancing the range. The CSIO already has special sensors, being used in Delhi metro, to provide advanced earthquake warning system. "These sensors shall be improvised and worked upon for defense application," said CSIO director R K Sinha.
How it works
- The off-route mine is placed in the range 2-97 m from the target on a tripod stand
- It does not require any pressure of a vehicle for explosion
- These mines cannot be detected easily
- Its acoustic vibration (seismic) and infra-red sensors are triggered when a combat vehicle nears the trap, the mine is activated and shoots off a projectile.
