CUMI Inks MoU With DRDO’s RCI Laboratory For Ceramic Radome Technology

Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a pioneering organisation in the field of material sciences and part of the 120-year-old Murugappa Group today announced that it has signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT)  with DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Laboratory for technology to manufacture “Ceramic Radomes (GELCAST Process) Technology” used in missile systems. 

The LAToT was handed over at AERO INDIA 2023 in Bengaluru on 15 February 2023 in the presence of Honourable Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

 What is Ceramic Radome Technology?

Ceramic Radome Technology is considered state of an art missile technology world-over. Since missiles undergo extremely high surface temperatures while traveling through the atmosphere, ceramic is considered an optimal radome material. The design of ceramic radomes for defence activities requires deep expertise and stringent testing at every stage to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier laboratory of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO spearheading R&D in a wide range of Avionics Systems for diversified defence and aerospace applications.

 “It has been exciting to witness India’s growing prowess in the defence manufacturing sector, which is a major goal of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or ‘Make in India’ initiative. With our strong legacy of being in the material sciences industry for almost 70 years, CUMI is honoured to play a part in shaping India’s destiny by contributing to a strong and self-reliant defence sector. Our operations are completely made in India - from mineral sourcing and processing to research and testing, CUMI is completely localized with 100 percent end-to-end integration in the country. We are grateful to the team at DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat Laboratory  for the opportunity and look forward to a continued association,” said Subbu Venkatachalam, Head of Marketing, Carborundum Universal Limited. 

What is CUMI's objective?

CUMI’s focus for the Aerospace and Defence industry has been on making a material difference in safety and protection for man and machine across terrains. CUMI ceramics design, manufacture and test for the highest standards of reliability and safety for critical situations in defence, and CUMI engineers have the acumen and ability to design and manufacture customized solutions to cater for special defence needs. CUMI’s lightweight ceramic ballistic solutions engineered with Alumina, Zirconia-Toughened Alumina and Silicon Carbide, are ergonomic and customisable into various sizes and shapes for use in bulletproof vests. 

CUMI’s high-performance lightweight ceramic materials enable the highest levels of ballistic and blast-proof protection for armoured vehicles. In addition, CUMI is one of the first companies to produce the ‘wonder material’ graphene for aerospace & defence applications in India. CUMI also brings cutting-edge composite technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including CFRP tubes, panels, and customised composite structural parts for drones.

About Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier laboratory of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO spearheading R&D in a wide range of Avionics Systems for diversified defence and aerospace applications.

RCI is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out research and development in the technologies of Control Engineering, Inertial Navigation, Imaging Infrared seekers, RF Seekers & Systems, On-board Computers and Mission Software. RCI has established state-of-the-art test facilities including Hardware-in-Loop Simulation, Environmental Test facilities and Electro-Magnetic Interference/Compatibility/Pulse (EMI/EMC/EMP) facilities and System Integration facilities supported by a strong Reliability and Quality Assurance team. Over the last three decades, RCI has pioneered the development of many advanced technologies and has grown into a major aerospace laboratory.

 About Carborundum Universal Limited

Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), established as a tripartite joint venture in 1954, is a leading materials sciences engineering solutions provider. CUMI’s consolidated revenue is Rs. 3300 crores and PAT of Rs. 333 crores for the financial year 2022. CUMI, part of the 120-year-old Murugappa Group, is listed on the NSE and BSE. CUMI is a Mines to Market Company whose integrated operations include mining, power generation, fusion, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. 

CUMI has over 5,500 employees worldwide who collaborate, innovate and develop high-quality material solutions and world-class services in abrasives, electro minerals, ceramics, refractories and energy storage materials, serving customers in diverse industries including engineering, fabrication, auto and auto components, infrastructure, steel, glass, power generation and distribution, mining and aerospace. CUMI has a wide geographical presence spanning six continents and exports products to over 50 countries.