New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful completion of a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system. The test ran at a controlled velocity at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh. It confirmed canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and full aircrew-recovery mechanisms.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) joined DRDO in the trial. Officials said the complex dynamic test now places India among a small group of nations with an advanced indigenous escape-system testing capability. They added that the effort also showed coordinated technical progress between DRDO and its development partners.
Advanced validation reinforces DRDO’s high-speed escape system reliability
Dynamic ejection evaluations remain more demanding than static assessments such as Net tests or Zero-Zero tests. For this demonstration, the dual-sled system carrying the LCA forebody accelerated to a controlled velocity through phased ignition of several solid-propellant rocket motors.
An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy helped assess canopy fragilisation, ejection sequencing, and the recovery sequence. The dummy recorded loads, moments, and accelerations similar to what a pilot would experience during real ejection. The entire process was recorded through onboard and ground-based imaging systems. Moreover, officials from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine & Certification observed the trial.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, ADA, HAL, and associated industry teams. He said the accomplishment marked a major step in India’s self-reliance efforts. DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V. Kamat, also praised the team for the achievement.
