DRDO completes high-speed rocket-sled test of fighter ejection system at 800 km/h, watch video

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday successfully carried out a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.

The test achieved a controlled velocity of 800 km/h, validating canopy severance, ejection sequencing and full aircrew recovery. It was conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

According to the Ministry of Defence, "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 demanding than static evaluations such as net tests or zero-zero tests, which assess pilot ejection from a stationary aircraft. Unlike static tests, dynamic trials replicate real-world performance of ejection seats and crew-escape systems at high speeds. These trials are considered a key benchmark for canopy-severance mechanisms and pilot-rescue aids.


The Canopy Severance System (CSS), which forms a critical component of the escape system in combat aircraft, is designed to rescue pilots in the shortest possible time during both in-flight and on-ground emergencies. For this test, the system carried the forebody of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

The MoD stated, "A dual-sled system with the LCA aircraft forebody was propelled to precisely controlled velocity through phased firing of multiple solid-propellant rocket motors."

The canopy-fragilisation pattern, ejection sequence and complete aircrew-recovery process were simulated using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy that recorded critical loads, moments and accelerations representative of pilot experience. The entire sequence was documented using onboard and ground-based imaging systems. Officials from the Indian Air Force, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine and certification bodies witnessed the test.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, ADA, HAL and industry partners, calling the test a significant milestone for India's indigenous defence capability towards self-reliance. Secretary, Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat also commended the team.

In a post on X, the Defence Minister said DRDO had "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 Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh."

DRDO established the four-kilometre Rail Track Rocket Sled Penta Rail Supersonic Track at TBRL in 2014. The national test facility is among only a handful of its kind globally. It supports testing of critical systems including payloads for ISRO's manned missions, navigation systems for missiles and aircraft, proximity fuses, armament-system fuses, parachutes for payload delivery and arrester systems for aircraft.

ISRO has previously used the facility for Rail Track Rocket Sled deployment tests of the Gaganyaan pilot parachutes and Apex Cover Separation parachutes in cluster configuration.

(With inputs from ANI)