News- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity.
About the Test
- The test was conducted to validate canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery.
- It marks a major achievement in India’s indigenous defence capability and places India among nations with advanced in-house escape system testing facilities.
- Test conducted by: The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Test Conducted at: The test took place at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
- Key Features
- Controlled Velocity Test: A dual-sled system with the LCA aircraft forebody was propelled to a controlled velocity of 800 km/h using multiple solid propellant rocket motors fired in phases.
- Simulation and Measurement: The test used an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy to record loads, moments, and accelerations experienced during canopy fragilisation and ejection.
- Monitoring and Validation: The entire sequence was captured through onboard and ground-based imaging systems for detailed analysis and validation.
