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Choosing an Aviation Research Centre Address
Choosing a suitable address for the aviation research centre (ARC) is very important. ARC is a unit of the Directorate general of security (R&AW) which deals with the research and development of security measures for the air transport industry. It is located at the National Aerospace Laboratory, Hyderabad.
Functions of the ARC
ARC was initially a temporary organisation, set up by the Government of India after the 1962 Sino-Indian war. It was tasked to provide airlift for the Special Frontier Force. In 1971, ARC became permanent. Since then, the Centre has developed into a large organisation. It operates a fleet of aircraft for secret missions, as well as aerial surveillance and border monitoring.
The centre’s aircraft include the MIG-25, a Mach 3 capable jet, as well as Russian IL-76s, Indian Chetaks, and a fleet of fixed wing transport aircraft. Its airplanes also have state-of-the-art electronic surveillance units.
The centre also operates the Lakshya, a surface/ship launched high subsonic reusable aerial target system. It was designed by the Aeronautical Developmental Establishment, Bangalore, and can be launched from the surface using a remote control. The aircraft has a six-foot long wing and a digitally controlled engine. It also includes an advanced support system.
The Centre’s research activities include a study of lifecycle greenhouse gases, noise mapping for low-noise aircraft fleets, and zero carbon aircraft propulsion systems. It also conducts applied research to develop methods for coordinating current manned aviation and drone flight operations.
The centre’s research activities are supported by the LIFT network, a network of aerospace organisations and aerodromes. Cranfield University’s Connected Places Catapult is part of the network.
References
Having an address in the world of high end air travel can be a rite of passage in and of itself. However, the complexities of travel and a lack of co-ordination have led to a plethora of aviation related woes. Fortunately, the government has its head on in this regard and it has created a suite of programs to tackle these issues. One of these programs is the Aviation Research Centre. In fact, the centre has the distinction of being India’s largest imagery intelligence organisation.
The name of the organisation is a mouthful, and it is a far cry from the octane powered hors d’oeuvre that was the original charge to India’s door in 1962. Today, the centre has a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft including a slew of aerobatic planes. Aside from its operational tempo, the organisation is also responsible for a slew of other duties including photo reconnaissance and airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations. In short, it’s the lion’s share of India’s airborne surveillance capabilities. The centre has a plethora of notable achievements to its credit.
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