The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Tuesday, successfully conducted high-altitude trials of an indigenous life support system for pilots onboard light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
The cutting-edge life support systems, with 90 per cent indigenous content, have been designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, eliminating dependence on traditional cylinder-based oxygen. As this system would ensure real-time oxygen generation, it will effectively enhance pilot endurance and operational effectiveness.
With appropriate modifications, the system, manufactured by L&T as a development-cum-production partner of the DRDO, can also be adapted for use in MiG-29K and other aircraft as well.
"The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory, a Bengaluru-based lab under the DRDO successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft on March 4," the defence ministry said.
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The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on the LCA-prototype vehicle-3 aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), meeting stringent aeromedical standards in varied flight conditions, including altitudes of up to 50,000 feet above mean sea level and high-G maneuvers.
“Performance evaluations covered critical aspects such as oxygen concentration, demand breathing, availability of 100 per cent oxygen, aerobatic maneuvers at required altitudes for full functional testing of Anti – G Valve, Breathing Oxygen System (BOS) ON during taxying, take off, cruise, G turns and rejoin approach and landing.”
Following flight clearance from Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), the system successfully met all specified parameters, the ministry said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Air Force, public sector undertakings, and industry partners on the "remarkable achievement" and said this development reinforces India's commitment to cutting-edge defence technologies and aligns with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.