The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted its first high-speed rocket-sledge test of an indigenous fighter aircraft ejection seat. The test was carried out using the Rail Track Rocket Sledge (RTRS) facility at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation safety and defence self-reliance efforts.
The test was conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and was observed by representatives from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and its partners, stating that the achievement strengthens India’s capabilities in advanced defence technologies.
About the Test
Dynamic ejection trials, unlike static tests, simulate real-time emergency escape conditions, allowing engineers to validate canopy severance, seat performance, and crew survival systems.
For this test, a dual-sledge system mounted on the nose of an LCA aircraft was propelled using sequential ignition of multiple solid-propellant rocket motors. An anthropomorphic test dummy was used to accurately replicate human physiological response during the ejection sequence.
All critical parameters—including load, acceleration, and moment—were captured through onboard and ground-based imaging and monitoring systems.
The successful outcome demonstrates India’s growing expertise in aircraft escape technologies and represents a significant advancement towards indigenous development of pilot-safety systems.
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