Archive · 5 Dec 2025
DRDO's Rocket-Sled Test Boosts India's Fighter Aircraft Safety
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a fighter aircraft escape system using a rocket sled.
This test was done with the help of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a special facility in Chandigarh.
The rocket sled, which moves very fast on tracks, simulated the conditions of an aircraft in flight.
The test used a part of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and reached a speed of 800 km/h.
This test is important because it helps ensure that pilots can safely escape from the aircraft in emergencies.
It also means India no longer has to rely on foreign facilities for such tests, making it more self-reliant.
The test recorded important data about the forces pilots would experience during an ejection, which will help improve safety systems.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, calling it a significant milestone for India's defence capabilities.
DRDO successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at 800 km/h.
The test was conducted in collaboration with ADA and HAL at the TBRL facility in Chandigarh.
The test simulated aerodynamic conditions of an aircraft in flight using the forebody of the indigenous LCA.
Human-like test dummies with sensors recorded physical stresses to assess pilot safety during ejection.
The successful test reduces India's dependence on foreign testing facilities and enhances self-reliance in defence capabilities.
- Who
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- What
- Conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system
- When
- December 2, 2024
- Where
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
- Why
- To evaluate the performance of ejection mechanisms and enhance pilot safety
- Organization
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Collaborators
- Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Location
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
- Test Velocity
- 800 km/h
- Test Subject
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) forebody
- Test Type
- Rocket-sled ejection test
- Significance
- Indigenous testing capability for pilot escape systems
- Cost Efficiency
- Indigenous tests cost one-fourth to one-fifth of foreign tests