BEL Hands Over CBRN HAZMAT Vehicle to NDRF
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence PSU, has successfully designed and manufactured a customized Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) Vehicle for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in record time.
At a ceremony held at BEL’s Pune Unit on August 30, 2023, Mr. Atul Karwal, IPS, Director General of NDRF, and Mr. Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director of BEL, flagged off the first of the CBRN HAZMAT Vehicles.
This achievement is noteworthy as BEL was able to exceed the customer’s expectations by designing, manufacturing, and supplying this state-of-the-art system ahead of the deadline. This vehicle is another testament to BEL’s commitment to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
About the CBRN HAZMAT Vehicle
The CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear) HAZMAT Vehicle is specifically designed to detect, monitor, and respond to hazardous chemical, biological, or radiological incidents. Its primary purpose is to contain and seal the source of contamination to prevent any further release of hazardous substances.
The vehicle is equipped with an operational CBRN Shelter that is fully enclosed and over-pressurized. It features an NBC Filtration & Air Conditioning Unit, as well as an Operator Compartment with a wide range of user-friendly Chemical-Biological-Radiation-Nuclear detection and identification sensors, both portable and vehicle-mounted. A Handheld Thermal Imager provides night vision capabilities, and it is equipped with demand valve face masks for alternate breathing support during emergencies.
The vehicle serves as a platform to transport responders to the source of a leak, especially in cases where moving on foot would not be feasible during a CBRN disaster. It is integrated with an NBC Filtration System that maintains a safe environment in an NBC-contaminated area and provides fresh air for up to 6 personnel.
A state-of-the-art Control Console on board monitors the operation of various equipment. Dedicated software allows operators to evaluate live data and display it on the vehicle console and in the Command Center. The vehicle also includes Hazard Prediction Software, which takes inputs about CBRN threats, environmental data from weather sensors, and positioning data from the GPS system to provide a comprehensive scenario to the Command & Control Centre, facilitating planning for rescue operations.
The vehicle features three layers of communication – VHF, HF, and Satellite Communication – enabling seamless live audio, video, and data communication between responders, the vehicle, and the remote Command Centre.
The vehicle’s systems also capture live health data of responders to aid in rescue and replacement planning. Additionally, it contains decontamination chambers for responders re-entering the vehicle after operations.
This CBRN HAZMAT Vehicle is a testament to BEL’s commitment to developing advanced solutions that contribute to national and public safety.