Search the Internet          Tips  Sites: Finance, Investment

iQ Infotech to provide embedded software to defence units

Fakir Chand in Bangalore

iQ Infotech Ltd, the Bangalore-based leading integrated IT company, has secured orders for supplying embedded software solutions, which will be deployed in the weapon systems by defence establishments like HAL and NAL in helicopters, fighter jets, and missile launchers.

The first order the company bagged was from HAL, the Bangalore-based aeronautics major, for developing an Air Borne Presetter (ABP) and deploying it in the weapon system for launching a torpedo from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), being manufactured by the public sector enterprise (HAL) in collaboration with other defence organisations.

"We are the only IT company in Bangalore to have been short-listed for supplying such sensitive weapon systems with embedded software. The first order is valued at Rs 30 million. With HAL set to roll out more prototypes for the three defence services during the next couple of years, we expect the orders to treble, and continue once regular products starts," claimed managing director K R Srinivasan.

The other order received from the Indian Air Force (IAF) pertains to the supply of the Smart Fatigue Meter (SFM), which will be fitted in Jaguar and MiG fighter aircraft to minimise the accidents due to structural failures. "The SFM, which is under development, will also rationalise assessment of flight hours between mandatory inspection. As an embedded system, it will monitor the fatigue levels of the combat aircraft."

On account of the non-disclosure clauses in the agreements the company had entered into with various defence units, Srinivasan was reluctant to give the nature of orders secured from them, much less the value of them.

It has also supplied throat pick-up amplifier to the IAF for deploying in its Mirage jet fighters.

Leveraging the expertise of its hardware division, Systems Dimensions Ltd, the company has developed a number of software-driven strategic weapon systems (for ground and airborne) being used by the three services as well as various defence R&D centres.

"iQ infotech has also supplied to the National Aeronautics Laboratories (NAL), another leading Bangalore-based defence set-up, embedded solutions being used in the launching of Agni and Trishul missiles. The values of these systems runs into millions of rupees," an official asserted.

In a bid to capitalise on its software skills and make use of its proprietary technologies, the company is setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary in the US at Detroit, Michigan, for foraying into automotive and strategic electronics.

The company has developed an electronic utility gadget branded Safe Park, which is designed to assist drivers of automobiles and trucks in reversing their vehicles.

According to its director Subra Ganesan, the system uses ultrasonic transducers mounted on the rear of the vehicle to sense and detect any obstacle behind it before applying the reverse gear.

"The gadget gives audible indications depending upon the distance between the obstacle and the rear-end of the vehicle to enable the chauffeur take precautions. The Safe Park is built around a PIC16C62B micro controller, and runs on a car battery power supply of 12volts," he added.

iQ infotech has also designed and developed an Energy Management System (EMS) for electric cars to be launched by the Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Ltd. Claimed to be the first of its kind in the country, the EMS is an embedded software solution which will indicate the energy levels of the car and its support systems.

Another area in which the company intends to provide its expertise by way of diversification is the emerging call centers (CCs) in the US as well as in India. To tap the potential of IT-enabled services, iQ infotech has tied up with Sunrise Inc., a leading call center company at Chicago in the US, for imparting training and providing marketing tie-ups.

Money

Business News

Tell us what you think of this report