What is YDB-60?

The Indian Navy has received the first fully indigenized fuze YDB-60 for the underwater anti-submarine warfare rocket RGB-60. The fuze was manufactured by the private Indian Industry M/s Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) which is based in Nagpur.

Significance of the procurement

This marks the first time that the Indian Navy has procured an underwater ammunition fuze from an Indian private manufacturer. It is a major boost for the self-reliance of the Indian defence sector. The use of simulated dynamic trial facilities during the development and manufacturing process is also a noteworthy achievement.

Who received YDB-60?

Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, received the first consignment of the fuze from the CMD of EEL, Nagpur. The technical assistance was provided by the Indian Navy’s Directorate General of Naval Armament (DGONA) and Directorate General of Naval Armament Inspection (DGNAI).

What is a Fuze?

It is part of the weapon or ammunition that initiates its function. In torpedoes, the function is to explode. Fuze may have electronic or mechanical parts. There are different types of fuze namely artillery fuze, hand grenade fuze, aerial bomb fuze, landmine fuze, naval mine fuze, etc. Apart from this, there are time fuze, impact fuze, proximity fuze, barometric fuze, combination fuze, etc.

Initiation of the YDB-60

The demand for grants to obtain the YDB-60 fuze was placed in the Standing Committee on Defence 2014-15. The demand was placed for both Medium Range Chaff Rocket and also for the RGB-60, the anti-submarine rocket. RGB-60 has received its fuze.

What is RGB-60?

It is a rocket used to hit submarines. It is 212 mm in diameter and 1830 mm in length. The range of RGB-60 is 300m to 5,500m. It operates with a two-stage motor. It is charged with Torpex. Torpex is a mixture of RDX, aluminium, and TNT. Torpex is mainly used in underwater firings.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2023

Category: Defence Current Affairs