DRDO successfully conducts high-speed rocket sled test of fighter aircraft escape system | VIDEO
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h.
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h, validating some of the key safety parameters, including complete aircrew recovery at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the test has placed India in "an elite club of nations" with advanced in-house escape system testing capability.
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The test was conducted in collaboration with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
"Dynamic ejection tests are significantly more complex than static tests, such as the net test or the zero-zero test, and real measure for evaluating ejection seat performance and efficacy of the canopy severance system. A dual-sled system with the LCA aircraft forebody was propelled to precisely controlled velocity through phased firing of multiple solid propellant rocket motors," the ministry said in a statement.
The canopy fragilisation pattern, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery process was simulated using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy, which recorded critical loads, moments, and accelerations that would be experienced by ejected pilots. The entire sequence was captured through onboard and ground-based imaging systems.
Rajnath Singh compliments DRDO
Defence Minster Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO, IAF, Aeronautical Development Agency, and HAL on the successful test. He described it as a significant milestone for India's indigenous defence capability towards self-reliance.
"Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter aircraft escape system at precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h- validating canopy severance, ejection sequencing and complete aircrew-recovery at Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh," the defence minister's office said in a post on X.
Department of Defence R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat also congratulated the DRDO team associated with this successful demonstration.
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