The private showcase had catapulted Anant Defence Limited into the limelight, and with the success came the pressure to deliver on a new scale. The Indian Army's recent large contract was a testament to the trust placed in our capabilities, but it also set the stage for our next big challenge: the development of Self-Propelled Artillery, Rocket Artillery, and Anti-Aircraft Artillery systems. These minor projects, though labeled as "minor," were anything but. They represented the cutting edge of military technology, and their successful completion would solidify our reputation as a leader in the defense sector.
To tackle these projects, I decided to distribute them among three specialized teams, each handpicked for their expertise and innovation. The Self-Propelled Artillery project was assigned to Team A, known for their expertise in heavy machinery and propulsion systems. Team B, with their deep knowledge of aerodynamics and explosive ordnance, took on the Rocket Artillery project. The Anti-Aircraft Artillery project was given to Team C, a group renowned for their precision engineering and focus on defense against aerial threats.
Each team was given a strict timeline of five to six months (from May to July 2001) to complete their research and produce two fully functional prototypes. The timelines were aggressive, but this was intentional. In the world of defense technology, speed was often as crucial as innovation. Delays could mean missed opportunities or worse, falling behind our competitors in a rapidly advancing global arms race.
Understanding the magnitude of the challenge, I ensured that each team had access to all necessary resources—state-of-the-art labs, advanced simulation software, and the latest in material science. But perhaps the most significant asset at their disposal was ONE, the AI designed by Zero for public-facing operations. ONE's role was pivotal in optimizing the research and development process.
For Team A, ONE simulated various terrain conditions and combat scenarios for the Self-Propelled Artillery, allowing the engineers to refine their designs for maximum efficiency and durability. ONE's simulations could replicate the heat of a desert or the cold of a Himalayan pass, testing the artillery's performance in environments that would be impossible to recreate in the lab.
Team B benefited from ONE's advanced aerodynamics calculations, which helped in optimizing the range and accuracy of the Rocket Artillery. ONE could simulate the flight path of rockets in real-time, accounting for factors such as wind speed, altitude, and atmospheric pressure, providing instant feedback on design modifications.
Team C, tasked with the Anti-Aircraft Artillery, used ONE's predictive algorithms to enhance targeting accuracy. By analyzing thousands of data points from previous aerial engagements, ONE could anticipate enemy maneuvers, allowing the team to develop artillery that could track and destroy even the most agile aircraft.
To ensure that the teams remained on track, I instituted daily progress meetings where they could share their advancements, challenges, and insights. These meetings fostered a sense of healthy competition, with each team eager to outdo the others. Yet, collaboration was equally important. Cross-team discussions allowed engineers to exchange ideas and problem-solve collectively, breaking down the silos that often hinder innovation.
Zero, though working from behind the scenes, kept me informed of every critical development. His analytical perspective was invaluable, offering suggestions to streamline processes or highlighting potential risks that might have been overlooked by the human teams. Zero's insights often led to breakthroughs, as he could analyze data and predict outcomes with a level of precision far beyond human capability.
The path to innovation is rarely smooth, and our teams faced their share of obstacles. For Team A, the challenge was developing a propulsion system for the Self-Propelled Artillery that was both powerful and fuel-efficient. Traditional systems were either too bulky or consumed too much fuel, limiting operational range. After weeks of experimentation, a breakthrough came when they applied hybrid propulsion technology, combining electric power for short bursts and diesel for long-distance movement. This innovation allowed the artillery to move silently and quickly in short-range combat while maintaining endurance over long distances.
Team B struggled with the payload capacity of their rockets. Increasing the payload often compromised range, and reducing it limited the rockets' effectiveness. ONE suggested a novel solution: a modular payload system that could be adjusted depending on the mission requirements. This flexibility allowed the rockets to be customized in the field, providing a strategic advantage in varying combat scenarios.
Team C's biggest hurdle was ensuring that their Anti-Aircraft Artillery could track and target multiple fast-moving objects simultaneously. The traditional radar systems were inadequate, often getting confused by debris or countermeasures deployed by enemy aircraft. ONE proposed integrating a machine-learning algorithm that could differentiate between actual threats and decoys, learning from each engagement to improve accuracy over time.
As the deadline approached, the pressure intensified. The teams were working around the clock, often staying in the labs for days on end. Despite the exhaustion, morale remained high. There was a sense of purpose, a recognition that they were on the cusp of something extraordinary. The knowledge that these prototypes could redefine modern warfare was a powerful motivator.
By the end of July 2001, the teams had not only met their deadlines but exceeded expectations. Each team produced two prototypes, fully functional and tested in simulated combat scenarios.
Self-Propelled Artillery
Mobility: Capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. The hybrid propulsion system allows it to operate with an operational range of 500 km on a full tank, including a 100 km electric-only range for silent movement.
Firepower: Equipped with a 155mm howitzer capable of firing 5 rounds per minute. It has an effective firing range of 40 km, with precision-guided munitions extending the range to 60 km.
Armor: Features composite armor capable of withstanding direct hits from 125mm tank shells and RPG-7 warheads.
Rocket Artillery
Range: The system boasts a maximum range of 90 km with standard rockets and 120 km with extended-range rockets, both using solid-fuel propulsion.
Accuracy: Utilizes a modular guidance system, achieving a circular error probable (CEP) of 10 meters at maximum range, making it one of the most accurate systems in its class.
Payload: Each rocket can carry up to 250 kg of high-explosive fragmentation warheads, with the option to switch to cluster munitions or thermobaric warheads, depending on mission requirements.
Anti-Aircraft Artillery
Precision: The system can track and engage targets at speeds up to Mach 3 (approximately 3704 km/h). It can engage targets at altitudes ranging from 30 meters to 12,000 meters, with a tracking radar that has a range of 70 km.
Targeting: Capable of simultaneously engaging up to 12 targets, with an interception success rate of 95% in live-fire exercises.
Rate of Fire: The anti-aircraft guns can fire at a rate of 600 rounds per minute per barrel, with a dual-barrel configuration providing continuous fire coverage.