The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of an indigenous life support system for pilots onboard the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The Defence Ministry announced that the state-of-the-art system, designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen in-flight, eliminates dependence on traditional cylinder-based oxygen supplies. The trials were conducted on March 4.
The system can also be adapted for use in MiG-29K and other fighter aircraft with appropriate modifications.
“The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab, 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,” the Defence Ministry stated.
The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 (LCA-PV3) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), meeting stringent aeromedical standards. It was evaluated under varied flight conditions, including altitudes up to 50,000 feet above mean sea level and high-G manoeuvres.
“Following flight clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), the system successfully met all specified parameters,” the statement added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), public sector undertakings, and industry partners on the “remarkable achievement.” He emphasized that this milestone reinforces India’s commitment to cutting-edge defence technologies and aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
The system has been manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as a development-cum-production partner of DRDO, showcasing a significant collaboration between India’s premier defence research institution and the defence industry.
According to the ministry, the ILSS boasts 90% indigenous content, furthering India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.
Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, lauded the DRDO team, the IAF, and industry partners for their contributions to the successful high-altitude trials of the Indigenous ILSS for the LCA Tejas.
Team BharatShakti
