Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system. The Ministry of Defence proudly announced on Tuesday that this crucial test validated the efficacy and safety of the pilot-ejection mechanism under the most extreme conditions.
The trial was conducted at the highly specialised Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh. At a precisely controlled speed of a staggering 800 km/h, the indigenous system underwent its rigorous evaluation.
A compelling video accompanying the ministry's social media announcement showcased the staged test, where a dummy pilot was flawlessly propelled clear of the cockpit, illustrating with dramatic clarity how the mechanism is designed to ensure safe ejection when a fighter jet encounters a life-threatening situation.
According to the Defence Ministry, the test wasn't just a "spectacle"; it "meticulously validated" three critical components essential for any modern escape system, which are the rapid and effective canopy severance, the precise ejection sequencing that orchestrates the entire process, and the all-important complete aircrew recovery phase.
Earlier in August, DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat highlighted th e India's growing prowess in the Defence sector during the convocation of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT). Kamat pointed to "Operation Sindoor," conducted in May, as a prime example, demonstrating the unparalleled effectiveness of indigenous military systems during a complex, multi-domain mission along the western borders.
"I can say with pride that Operation Sindoor’s success was powered by homegrown systems such as Akash short- and medium-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, the D4 anti-drone system, airborne early warning and control platforms, the Akashteer air defence control system, and advanced C4I systems," Kamat stated, listing a formidable array of Indian-developed technologies.
He further emphasised that institutes like DIAT are central to fostering and developing these critical indigenous capabilities.
