DRDO completes high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter ejection system at 800 km/h, watch video
The test achieved a controlled speed of 800 km/h, confirming canopy separation, ejection sequencing and recovery of all aircrew. It was carried out in collaboration with Aviation Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
According to the Ministry of Defense, “This complex dynamic test places India among the elite countries with advanced in-house escape system testing capability.”
Dynamic ejection tests are much more challenging than static evaluations, such as net tests or zero-zero tests, which evaluate the pilot’s ejection from a stationary aircraft. Unlike static tests, dynamic trials replicate the real-world performance of ejection seats and crew escape systems at high speeds. These trials are considered an important reference point for canopy separation mechanisms and pilot rescue aids.
The Canopy Severance System (CSS), which forms a critical component of the escape system in fighter jets, is designed to rescue pilots as quickly as possible in emergency situations both in flight and on the ground. For this test, the system carried the forward fuselage of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
The MoD stated: “A twin skid system with the forward fuselage of the LCA aircraft was propelled to precisely controlled speed through phased ignition of multiple solid-fuel rocket motors.”
The canopy embrittlement pattern, ejection sequence, and entire aircrew recovery process were simulated using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Manikin recording critical loads, moments, and accelerations representative of the pilot experience. The entire sequence was documented using onboard and ground-based imaging systems. The test was witnessed by officials from the Indian Air Force, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine and certification bodies.
Congratulating DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL and industry partners, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the test was an important milestone for India. local defensive ability towards self-reliance. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Defense R&D and Director, DRDO, also praised the team.
In a post on
DRDO set up the four kilometer Rail Rocket Sled Penta Rail Supersonic Track at TBRL in 2014. The national testing facility is among only a few of its kind worldwide. Payloads for ISRO’s manned missions support testing of critical systems, including navigation systems for missiles and aircraft, proximity fuses, weapon system fuses, parachutes for payload delivery and arrest systems for aircraft.
ISRO had earlier used the facility for Rail Rocket Sled deployment tests of Gaganyaan pilot parachutes and Apex Cover Separation parachutes in cluster configuration.
(With inputs from ANI)
