Beyond Kargil: How RF Technology Became the Game-Changer in India’s Research Landscape
- Major General (retd) M. Indrabalan, who led the search operation in Shirur, shares his experience and the challenges faced during the mission.
- RF (Radio Frequency) technology was used in the search operation.
- It is known that this technique is used in Asia, but no one has launched a signal as deep as 30 meters and collected information.
Major General (retd) M. Indrabalan on Shirur Search Operation
Major General (retd) M. Indrabalan, who led the search operation in Shirur, shares his experience and the challenges faced during the mission.
Challenges Faced in Shirur
The weather was the biggest problem in Shirur. The team worked carefully due to the possibility of another landslide. The flow rate in the river was 8 knots, making it a very dangerous situation. Heavy rain and thunder also hindered the search operation.
Techniques Used in the Search Operation
RF (Radio Frequency) technology was used in the search operation. This technology works in the frequency band 300–1000 MHz and can transmit waves underground and in water. The signal can travel up to 5-10 meters in the ground and up to 30 meters in water, returning to identify any unusual objects.
Use of Advanced Technology
This technology has not been used in India before. It is known that this technique is used in Asia, but no one has launched a signal as deep as 30 meters and collected information. No Asian country has studied at a depth greater than ten meters.
Other Tools Used in the Search Operation
Thermal imaging was used to detect any thermal signals from Arjun’s body. However, since six days had passed, the oxygen content in the cabin was only 5%, making it unlikely to detect any signals. The Navy’s sonar technology and Army’s deep search metal detector were also used.
Reason for Using RF Technology
RF technology was initially developed to detect explosive devices. The goal was to find out if explosive devices were planted when the Army went on a mission. The technology has been used before, but it was not as developed as it is now.
Previous Experience with Difficult Missions
The Kargil war was the biggest challenge Major General (retd) M. Indrabalan faced in his life. The search operation in Shirur was the most challenging mission after the Kargil war. The device used for RF testing gave very good results, providing great confidence and happiness.