Director
Shri V. Balamurugan, Outstanding Scientist, has taken over as Director, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) Chennai, from May 1, 2018.
Shri V. Balamurugan obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering Guindy, in 1984. Master’s degree in Industrial Metallurgy from Indian Institute of Technology. Madras in 1987, and Master’s in Business Administration in Technology Management from Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy, in 1989, He had a brief stint as Management Trainee at Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) before joining DRDO as Scientist ‘B’ in CVRDE in 1987.
Shri V. Balamurugan has more than three decades of experience in the development programme of Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) wherein he played an active role in the Pre – Production Series (PPS) of Arjun with focus on establishing the production capability and development of production agencies. He successfully engaged with major research institutions, viz., Welding Research Institute (WRI) and Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in developing production documents during this phase.
As project leader Arjun, he contributed immensely towards Transfer of Technology of Arjun to various stake holders such as Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), DGQA, EME and the Users. He also provided technical expertise and guidance during the production of hull and weapon system integration as tank and its field evaluation before issue. This resulted in free flow of production and operationalization of two regiments of Arjun Mk I. During this course, he successfully coordinated and completed various major activities such as Accelerated Usage Cum Reliability Trials (AUCRT) on two selected production tanks and Comparative Trials.Under his leadership, a third party auditing of Arjun by expert tank manufacturer from outside India, was completed successfully involving DRDO labs, HVF, DGQA and the user for both design and trials. He was instrumental in transfer of the AHSP of Arjun MBT Mk I to DGQA.
As Project Director, Arjun MBT Mk IA, he was instrumental in interacting with the users for finalisation of upgrades and ensuring fast track decision making through Arjun Core Committee. He extensively coordinated for the successful completion of DRDO and User trials of Arjun MBT Mk IA resulting in Indian Army obtaining AON from Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for two regiments of Arjun MBT Mk IA. Deemed contract has been placed by Indian Army for two regiments of Arjun MBT Mk IA.
As Additional Director (TOT) he was instrumental in coordinating and conducting of TOT for CCPT and other products. He also spearheaded formulation of trial directives and its successful conduct on various products such as Arjun MBT Mk I and Mk IA, 400hp power pack for BMP II, 1000 hp engine for T72, IAVS systems etc. As Director, he was instrumental in launching indigenisation of many subsystems of AFVs hitherto imparted under Atmanirbhar Bharath.
He is the recipient of the lab scientist of the year award, Lab Technology Group award and DRDO performance Excellence award.
He has also received Commander’s Commendation Card in recognition to his devotion to duty / distinguished service. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (India) and the Indian Institute of Welding.