Chandigarh, India – In a significant leap towards self-reliance in defense technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system. The milestone event, which took place at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, has propelled India into an elite club of nations possessing advanced in-house escape system testing capabilities.
The test, conducted on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, validated critical aspects of a fighter pilot's emergency escape, including canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery. Reaching a precisely controlled velocity of 800 km/h, the rocket-sled trial simulated real-life conditions encountered by frontline fighter jets during critical phases of flight.
Unlike static tests, such as net tests or zero-zero tests, dynamic ejection trials offer a more realistic evaluation of ejection seat performance and the effectiveness of canopy severance systems. The DRDO's high-speed test employed a dual-sled system with the forebody of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) mounted on the sled. The system was propelled to the required velocity using phased firing of multiple solid-propellant rocket motors.
An instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy, representing a fighter pilot, was used to record critical loads, moments, and accelerations experienced during the simulated ejection sequence. Onboard and ground-based imaging systems captured the entire sequence, providing valuable data for further analysis and refinement. Officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine were present to witness the test for certification purposes.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, IAF, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and industry partners for their collaborative efforts. Singh hailed the test as a significant milestone in India's indigenous defense capability and a step forward towards self-reliance. He further emphasized that such achievements bolster India's confidence in developing complex aviation technologies indigenously.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the team for the successful demonstration.
The successful high-speed rocket-sled test underscores India's growing capabilities in aerospace engineering and its commitment to enhancing the safety and operational effectiveness of its fighter aircraft. By achieving this milestone, India has demonstrated its ability to design, develop, and test critical components of fighter aircraft escape systems, reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers and solidifying its position as a leading player in the global defense arena. The data from the trial will contribute to the further refinement and qualification of indigenous escape technologies.
