Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Space Technology, Issue: DRDO Rocket-Sled Test.
Context:
DRDO recently conducted a successful high-speed rocket-ejected test of a fighter aircraft escape system, placing India among a select group of countries capable of such advanced in-house ejection system testing.
Key Takeaways:
- Collaboration: DRDO, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Location: Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
- Rocket Sled: The rocket sled is a ground-based testing system propelled by rockets on rail tracks to simulate the aerodynamic conditions of an aircraft in flight.
- Dual-Sled System: The dual-sled system allows the forebody of an aircraft to be mounted and tested under controlled velocities.
- Test Parameters: The forebody of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was propelled to a controlled velocity of 800 kmph using multiple solid propellant rocket motors.
Significance:
- Enhances pilot safety, a critical factor for air combat capability and survivability.
- Strengthens India’s self-reliance in indigenous fighter aircraft systems, especially the Light Combat Aircraft program.
- Establishes India among countries capable of high-speed dynamic ejection testing a technologically demanding domain.
- Supports future indigenous aircraft projects like LCA Mk2, AMCA, TEJAS variants, and trainer aircraft.
- Improves India’s aerospace R&D ecosystem by enabling advanced human-factor validation and safety certification.
- Reduces dependence on foreign ejection systems, lowering costs and operational vulnerabilities.
Challenges and Strategic Importance of Dynamic Ejection Testing:
Way forward:
- Upgrade and diversify testing infrastructure while expanding R&D in autonomous safety systems, AI-driven sequencing, and advanced parachutes.
- Strengthen collaboration with the IAF’s Aerospace Medicine Institute and integrate improved ejection design early into upcoming indigenous aircraft (LCA Mk2, AMCA).
- Broaden dynamic testing to include high-altitude, supersonic, and complex flight scenarios, and involve domestic industry in specialised component development.
https://www.pressreader.com/india/the-indian-express/20251206/282145002662761
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