CHANDIGARH: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft crew escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
The dynamic test achieved a precisely controlled speed of 800 km/h, validating key elements of the escape sequence — canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the test was carried out in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
“This complex dynamic test places India among a select group of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capability,” the Ministry said.
Why the test matters
Unlike static tests such as zero–zero or net tests, dynamic ejection trials are far more challenging as they simulate real-world flight conditions, assessing the true performance of ejection seats, canopy-severance systems, and crew survival mechanisms.
For the trial, the forebody of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was mounted on a dual-sled system, powered through phased firing of solid rocket motors to achieve the required velocity.
An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy (ATD) was used to simulate a pilot, recording forces, load profiles, and accelerations encountered during ejection. The entire sequence was captured through onboard and ground-based imaging systems. Officials from the Indian Air Force, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, and certification agencies witnessed the trial.
Reactions
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, ADA, HAL, and other partners, calling the test “a significant milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and advancing self-reliance.”
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also lauded the team for achieving a critical breakthrough.
About the RTRS Facility
Commissioned in 2014, TBRL’s 4-km Rail Track Rocket Sled – Penta Rail Supersonic Track is among the few such facilities in the world. It enables high-precision testing of:
- crew escape systems
- missile and aircraft navigation systems
- proximity fuses for advanced warheads
- aircraft arrester gear
- parachutes and payload-delivery systems
The facility has also supported ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, including tests of pilot parachutes and apex cover separation systems.
