DRDO successfully tests Rocket-Sled escape system at 800 km/h in Chandigarh

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday successfully conducted 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.

- TDG NETWORK

High-speed rocket-sled test of fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity.

During the test, the system achieved a controlled velocity of 800 km/h, validating key components such as canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery. The trial was carried out in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

“This complex dynamic test places India in an elite club of nations with advanced in-house escape system testing capability,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Dynamic ejection tests are significantly more challenging than static assessments, such as net tests or zero-zero tests—which require a pilot to eject from a stationary aircraft on the ground. In contrast, dynamic tests evaluate real-world performance of ejection seats and escape systems under high-speed, high-stress conditions.