Computer set to transform soldiers into 'machines'

The state-of-the-art multi-functional handheld computer, 'Baaz' has completed the testing phase for induction into the army in Jammu and Kashmir.

Weighing just 875 grams, 'Baaz', whose functioning was also demonstrated to President A P J Abdul Kalam last year, was tested in the operational areas as well, top army sources told PTI on Tuesday.

It worked satisfactorily in the operational areas, they said.

This is a unique effort made by the army in collaboration with the private industry, sources said. They said it would definitely transform 21st century soldier into 'battlefield machines'.

This battle computer has an integrated global positioning system, a radio, a customised general information service and battlefield applications with a dynamic wireless local area network spread over multiple kilometres, the sources said.

The device also has a self-destruction and activation feature operated by a remote for preventing misuse by unauthorised persons, they said.

It is also possible to have bio-senor for other functions, they added.

However, its large-scale induction into the army would depend upon the cost factor, the sources added.