The Proof and Experimental
Establishment Chandipur (PXE) has been presented the ISO 9001:2000
certificate. A part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), it is the oldest Establishment engaged in Proof and Experiments
of Armaments in the Country and has been associated with all major
development of Armaments.
The sea beach of Chandipur
which is ideal for a proof range, combined with the excellent
instrument facility built up carefully over past one hundred years
has made PXE a world Class proof range. The organisation would
he having data that is priceless so far as the armament research
is concerned. The ISO certification will ensure that such data
is recorded and kept for future use as well as for use in other
DRDO laboratories.
The certificate was handed
over to Maj Gen PK Govila, Director and Commandant of the Establishment
by Shri S Chatterjee, Director, Electronic Regional Testing Laboratory,
Kolkata, Shri M Natarajan, Distinguished Scientist, Chief Controller
(ACE) of the DRDO was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Dr. Harihar
Singh Director of Armaments (DRDO), and Maj Gen US Abrol, Director,
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment, were among the
many distinguished persons who attended the ceremony.
A firing point equipped with
automatic gadgets which can record almost all ballistic parameters
both electronically and optically has been inaugurated recently.
These are required for research in the field of armament research,
development and quality control. The test firings can be controlled
and executed remotely by observing a visual display inside a blast
proof shelter.
It was on Nov 07, 1895 that
the proof Department with Headquarters at Balasore was established
with Lt. RT Moorre as the head of the establishment. Later this
establishment was renamed Proof and Experimental Establishment.
After Independence, Lt Col BN Mitra became the first Indian to
head the organisation on Jul 15, 1947. The establishment came
under the aegis of DRDO in October 1958.
The Chandipur Range made a
humble beginning with the proof testing of six inch Bag Loader
Howitzer and 12 Pounder guns. Today it can be proud to have witnessed
Important Armament projects like Arjun Tank, Indian Field Gun
and Pinaka Rocket Launcher. The receding of the sea more than
three km during the low tides makes it the most ideal natural
experimental ranges in the country.
