India’s Defence Research and Development Centre has successfully carried out a test of an ejection seat used in fighter aircraft. The test was conducted two days ago as part of efforts to improve safety systems for pilots flying indigenous light combat aircraft. The ejection seat helps a pilot escape during emergencies by using a rocket motor installed beneath the seat. When activated, the system lifts the pilot high into the air and then deploys a parachute for a safe landing. For this test, a high-speed rocket engine developed in India was attached to the front section of a fighter jet mounted on a special rail track in Chandigarh. As the setup moved at a speed of 800 kmph, the ejection seat was released successfully. The trial was jointly carried out by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and witnessed by officials from the Indian Air Force and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Only a few advanced nations conduct such tests, and India has now joined that list.
