The test was conducted in collaboration with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity. The test at Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh, validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing and complete aircrew-recovery.
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Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter aircraft escape system at precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h- validating canopy severance, ejection sequencing and complete aircrew-recovery at Rail… pic.twitter.com/G19PJOV6yD
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 2, 2025
This test places India in an elite club
The test was conducted in collaboration with Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This complex dynamic test places India in an elite club of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capability.
Dynamic ejection tests are significantly more complex than static tests such as Net test or Zero-Zero test and real measure for evaluating ejection seat performance & efficacy of canopy severance system. A dual-sled system with the LCA aircraft forebody was propelled to precisely controlled velocity through phased firing of multiple solid propellant rocket motors.
Entire process was simulated using Anthropomorphic Test Dummy
The canopy fragilisation pattern, ejection sequencing and complete aircrew recovery process was simulated using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy, which recorded critical loads, moments, and accelerations that would be experienced by ejected pilots. The entire sequence was captured through onboard and ground-based imaging systems. The test was witnessed by the officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine & certification.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL and industry on the successful test. He described it as a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capability towards self-reliance.
