Bengali scientist Shantanu Bhowmik has developed a groundbreaking material named "Shaheed Udham Singh Armour," a high-impact resistance hybrid composite that exhibits exceptional resilience against fire, explosions, and high-impact forces. This "magic composition," as Bhowmik describes it, has the potential to revolutionize the protection of military personnel and equipment.
In a recent test conducted at the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh under the Ministry of Defence, the composite withstood the force of 10 kg of TNT detonated at a distance of just 1.9 feet. The test, adhering to NATO's STANAG Level 4 standards, highlights the material's remarkable ability to neutralize the intense impact of explosions.
Bhowmik, head of the research program and a professor of aerospace engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore, dedicated eight years to developing this composite. His work addresses the critical need for blast-proofing defence assets such as military vehicles, field bunkers, and ships, especially given the rise in attacks over the past two decades. "If our forces had blast-protected vehicles, we could have prevented the loss of so many of our soldiers," Bhowmik emphasized.
The composite's unique composition enables it to absorb and disperse energy from high-pressure blasts, preserving the integrity of the structure and ensuring the safety of those inside. It effectively neutralizes the mechanical and thermal stresses generated by explosions, offering enhanced protection to occupants.
This is not Bhowmik's first foray into defence innovation. His previous creations include a lightweight bulletproof vest and four other patented composites, each named after prominent historical figures:
- Netaji Subhas Armour: A lightweight bulletproof composite.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Armour: An IED-blast-proof composite.
- Rani Lakshmi Bai Armour: An ultralight fireproof composite.
- Rani Chennamma Armour: A lightweight transparent bulletproof windshield.
Bhowmik led a collaborative team at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, including Indian Navy and Army officers and PhD scholars, to develop this groundbreaking material.
The Shaheed Udham Singh Armour holds immense potential for various military and defence applications, including:
- Armored vehicles
- Fortifications
- Protective gear for soldiers
- Civilian infrastructure in conflict zones
