DRDO Successfully Tests High-Speed Rocket-Sled Ejection System for Fighter Aircraft

The milestone demonstration was executed in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled dynamic test of an advanced escape system for fighter aircraft, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s indigenous defence technology capabilities. The test was carried out at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.

This high-speed dynamic evaluation validated critical safety mechanisms including canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and full aircrew recovery procedures. The system was tested at controlled velocity using a dual-sled platform loaded with a forebody of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The milestone demonstration was executed in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). With this achievement, India joins a select group of countries capable of conducting such advanced in-house escape system trials—capabilities typically held by aerospace leaders like the USA, Russia, and the UK.

Unlike conventional static assessments such as Zero-Zero tests, dynamic rocket-sled trials replicate real-life operational environments and measure true ejection seat performance. The test involved phased ignition of multiple solid-fuel rocket motors to achieve precise velocity conditions essential for realistic flight escape simulations.

An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy (ATD)—designed to mimic physiological conditions of a pilot—was used to simulate ejection. It recorded vital bio-mechanical data including load forces, acceleration impact, and structural behaviour of the ejection seat. The event was documented through a comprehensive network of onboard sensors and ground-based high-speed imaging systems.

Officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, and technical certification bodies were present during the trial.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, HAL, ADA, and industry partners, calling the milestone “a major leap towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in advanced aerospace systems.” He underlined that such developments strengthen India’s combat aircraft development and pilot safety infrastructure.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also lauded the team, stating that the successful test demonstrates India’s growing technological confidence and capability in next-generation military aviation systems.

This successful trial is expected to accelerate the development and certification of indigenous ejection systems for future platforms including the LCA Mk-2, AMCA, and unmanned or optionally piloted combat systems.