BENGALURU: Challakere is all set to make its mark at the national level, courtesy establishment of dedicated Aeronautical Test Range (ATR). Apart from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the multi-agency mega complex at Challakere in Chitradurga district will also house facilities of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Science.
The first of its kind ATR built at in Varavoo Kaval will have technical infrastructure on 4,090 acres and transit and residential
facilities on 200 acres. Covered with compound periphery wall of 8-ft spread across 20 km with a watch tower at every 2 km, the aero test range will be guarded by defence personnel.
Sources said, DRDO will start to test air-to-ground weapons, parachutes, aerostats and electric warfare flares here once it is fully operational. Till now, the materials are manufactured, integrated and tested at different places. This wastes a lot of time and money. Establishment of ATR will help in many such cases. Even private players may be allowed to use the facility.
“When we have the facility, we can also make profits from it,” said a senior DRDO official.
With the ATR’s inauguration, DRDO can start testing some of the indigenous products being developed, including the naval and trainer versions of the Light Combat Aircraft, unmanned air vehicles Rustom 1 and 2; and the Airborne Early Warning & Control Systems meant for surveillance.
Trials of Tejas MK-2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) Ghatak are also likely to be carried out at Challakere’s ATR.
“I asked DRDO chief Dr S Christopher where would be this facility 20 years down the line. He confidently said they are expecting the change in the next five years. That’s the pace at which our research really should progress,” said Jaitley in his speech.