Build Up to Blast Off

The Indian journey to become a missile power was enabled by a team of dare devils at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). The book traces the origin and development of India's missile related infrastructure and missiles till 1982 until Dr. Abdul Kalam arrived at the scene. The fascinating story has been narrated by the pioneers themselves and edited by Dr. Prahalada. The chapters contain descriptions of key infrastructure, key people, key programs like India's first Anti-Tank Missile, the Devil program, the Valiant Program and genesis of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme - IGMDP. The pioneers also describe the management practices developed and implemented to manage the complex programmes at shoe string budgets.