The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system, achieving a precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
Using the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility, engineers mounted the forward fuselage section of a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) on a dual-sled configuration. The test perfectly validated critical functions canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and full aircrew recovery under extreme conditions, proving the system can safely eject a pilot even at supersonic speeds.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams, describing the achievement as a “significant milestone in enhancing aircrew safety and self-reliance in defence technology.” He praised the combined efforts of DRDO, Indian Air Force, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and industry partners.
The successful trial places India among a select group of nations capable of conducting such advanced, high-speed escape system validation using indigenous infrastructure. The technology will directly benefit the Tejas programme and future fighter aircraft projects.
