Bengali Scientist Develops Revolutionary Blast-Resistant Armour with 10 Kg TNT Blast Resistance at 1.9 ft Distance Named After Shaheed Udham Singh

A breakthrough in defence technology has emerged from India, where Bengali scientist Professor Shantanu Bhowmik has developed an extraordinary material, the "Shaheed Udham Singh Armour." This hybrid composite is designed to resist extreme impacts, fire, and high-energy explosions, making it a game-changer for military and civilian defence. The innovation, named after the legendary revolutionary freedom fighter Udham Singh, exemplifies cutting-edge advancements in material science.

In a groundbreaking test at the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, under the Ministry of Defence, the armour demonstrated resilience against a 10 kg TNT explosion detonated at just 1.9 feet (58 cm). The test adhered to NATO's STANAG Level 4 standards, underscoring the material's ability to withstand the most extreme battlefield conditions. According to Bhowmik, the composite is engineered to absorb and neutralize the massive mechanical and thermal stresses generated during explosions, ensuring the safety of individuals and infrastructure it protects.

Eight Years of Research Culminating in Innovation

Bhowmik, a professor of aerospace engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore, spearheaded an eight-year-long research initiative to develop this composite. He collaborated with defence experts, including officers from the Indian Navy and Army, and PhD scholars at the university. This endeavour was driven by the pressing need to improve the safety of Indian soldiers and assets in increasingly volatile combat scenarios.

“Many lives could have been saved if our vehicles were equipped with blast-resistant materials like this,” said Bhowmik. His passion to minimize fatalities from roadside bombs and IED attacks shaped the development of this cutting-edge material.

Superior Engineering with Multifaceted Applications

The Shaheed Udham Singh Armour is not just a barrier—it is a carefully engineered hybrid composite capable of dispersing the force of a blast across its structure. Its lightweight design makes it suitable for a range of defence applications, including:

• Military vehicles: Protecting occupants from direct blasts and shrapnel.
• Field bunkers: Enhancing durability and safety under attack.
• Ships and naval assets: Preventing breaches from underwater explosions.
• Personal protective gear: Offering enhanced blast and fire resistance for soldiers.
• Civilian infrastructure: Securing buildings in conflict-prone zones.

A Legacy of Defence Innovations

The Shaheed Udham Singh Armour is the latest in Bhowmik’s impressive portfolio of patented composites. Each of his creations pays tribute to Indian historical figures and serves specific defence purposes:

• Netaji Subhas Armour: A lightweight bulletproof composite.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Armour: Designed to resist IED blasts.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai Armour: An ultralight fireproof material.
• Rani Chennamma Armour: A lightweight, transparent bulletproof windshield.

These innovations have undergone rigorous testing and have been approved by India's top defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Transforming Defence for the Future

The introduction of the Shaheed Udham Singh Armour has sparked excitement among defence circles, as it represents a leap forward in protecting military personnel and equipment. With its proven ability to withstand massive explosions while remaining lightweight and versatile, this composite has the potential to redefine global defence strategies.

By dedicating years of meticulous research to such innovations, Professor Shantanu Bhowmik continues to uphold a legacy of scientific brilliance, aligning technological advancements with the safety and honour of India's armed forces.