DRDO Tests Fighter Jet Escape System: Successful High-Speed Trial Confirms Crew Safety and Indigenous Tech

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of an indigenous fighter aircraft escape system. The trial took place at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.

This dynamic test confirms the safe and effective performance of the pilot-saving technology under simulated high-speed, real-flight conditions.

DRDO Tests Fighter Jet Escape System: Successful High-Speed Trial Confirms Crew Safety and Indigenous Tech

Validation of Critical Safety Features

The trial successfully validated three essential safety steps, ensuring pilot survival during emergencies:

1. Canopy Separation: The aircraft canopy was smoothly cut open.
2. Ejection Sequence: The entire ejection sequence was confirmed to have worked correctly.
3. Crew Recovery: The Anthropomorphic Test Dummy (used in place of a pilot) was successfully recovered.

Collaboration and Importance

• Joint Effort: The trial was a collaborative effort involving DRDO, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Global Status: This achievement places India among a small group of nations capable of indigenously testing such advanced defence safety systems.
• Testing Method: Unlike static tests, dynamic ejection trials accurately replicate the high-speed forces and conditions faced by a pilot during actual flight emergencies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, calling it a major step towards defence self-reliance. The trial was observed by officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine to aid in the final certification process for operational fighter aircraft.

Also Read

Question & Answer

Q1. DRDO successfully conducted the high-speed trial of the fighter aircraft escape system at the RTRS facility in which city?
A) New Delhi
B) Hyderabad
C) Bengaluru
D) Chandigarh
Answer: D) Chandigarh

Q2. The high-speed test was conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of which DRDO laboratory?
A) Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
B) Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
C) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE)
D) Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Answer: B) Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)

Q3. The successful test was a joint effort between DRDO, HAL, and which other agency?
A) ISRO
B) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
C) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
D) Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
Answer: B) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)

Q4. Which crucial safety feature was successfully confirmed during the high-speed rocket-sled trial?
A) Mid-air refueling stability
B) Smooth canopy separation
C) Autonomous landing system
D) Stealth capability of the airframe
Answer: B) Smooth canopy separation

Q5. What type of testing was carried out at the RTRS facility to accurately replicate real flight emergencies?
A) Static load testing
B) Wind tunnel testing
C) Dynamic ejection trials
D) Simulation modeling only
Answer: C) Dynamic ejection trials

🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests