The government-owned BEML Ltd and the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a Defence research unit, have jointly set up a technology centre inside the latter's campus at Avadi, in the Chennai suburbs. The BEML Technology Centre will speed up research and development, and industry collaboration to realise Defence projects on a fast-track.

Dr V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and Secretary, Defence R&D, after inaugurating the centre told newspersons that the centre would synergise the capabilities of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEML in various projects.

Some of the projects that were jointly developed and delivered together include the launch and recovery system for the Underwater Autonomous Vehicle, and testing of torque convertor and quality assurance and quality control for Arjun Main Battle Tank, he said.

Mr Saraswat said BEML has extended its support to develop Arjun tank's sub-systems, documentation of the tank, and development of BHIM tanks. It will also extend its coordination for projects taken by CVRDE such as landing gear project.

Mr V.R.S. Natarajan, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, said that the company would depute 18 of its engineers to the centre to work on various projects. The joint initiative will help DRDO design and develop the Defence projects within a short span of time, he said.

>raja@thehindu.co.in

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