The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) is an Indian defence laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located in Visakhapatnam. Its main function is the research and development of underwater weapons and associated systems. NSTL is organized under DRDO's Directorate of Naval R&D. The present director of NSTL is Dr. Abraham Varughese and Director General(DG) is Dr Y. Sreenivas Rao, Distinguished Scientist.

History

NSTL was established on 20 August 1969 to undertake research and development of major naval systems and underwater weapons for the Indian Navy to make it self-reliant.

Areas of work

NSTL is involved in the design, development, testing, evaluation and productionization of underwater weapons and their associated weapon control systems. These include torpedoes, mines, decoys, targets, simulators, Fire Control Systems and weapon launchers. The lab is also involved in investigating hydrodynamic parameters and structural design of surface and submerged naval platforms and in evolving design criteria through model studies and simulation. NSTL is also involved in developing Warship Technologies, Stealth Technology for ships and Hydro-dynamic research services. NSTL also develops specialized materials for Marine Applications, including materials for mitigation of Radar, IR, Magnetic, Acoustic and ELFE Signatures leading to stealthier platforms.

Facilities

NSTL is equipped with laboratories and Hydrodynamic research facilities including a High Speed Towing Tank (HSTT), a Cavitation Tunnel and a Wind Tunnel. They also have Acoustic, Shock, Noise and Vibration Test Facilities that are used to measure, study and analyze the mitigation of underwater noise generated by ships and submarines.

Projects and Products