DRDO Successfully Conducts High-Altitude Trials

06 Mar 2025 CW Team

Revolutionary Life Support System for Fighter Pilots The OBOGS-based ILSS is a state-of-the-art oxygen generation and regulation system, eliminating the dependence on traditional liquid oxygen cylinders. This ensures a continuous and real-time supply of breathable oxygen, enhancing pilot endurance, safety, and operational efficiency in extreme combat conditions.

The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3, in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). It successfully functioned in diverse flight conditions, including: ? Altitudes up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level ? High-G maneuvers ? Oxygen demand breathing tests ? Full functionality validation of Anti-G Valve & Breathing Oxygen System (BOS)

The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) granted clearance for the flight tests, ensuring compliance with stringent aeromedical and operational standards.

Indigenous Manufacturing & Strategic Collaboration The ILSS integrates 10 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), including: ???? Low-Pressure Breathing Regulator ???? Emergency Oxygen System ???? Oxygen Sensor ???? Anti-G Valve

With 90% indigenous content, the system represents a major step in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Manufactured by L&T as a Development cum Production Partner, it exemplifies successful collaboration between DRDO, HAL, ADA, CEMILAC, the National Flight Test Center, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Potential Deployment Across Fighter Fleets Beyond its integration with LCA Tejas, the ILSS has the capability to be adapted for other fighter aircraft, including the MiG-29K. This development paves the way for enhanced pilot safety and efficiency across India's aerial combat platforms.

Leaders Applaud India’s Aerospace Advancements Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the IAF, and industry partners, stating that this breakthrough strengthens India’s defence capabilities and aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, also commended the successful trials, emphasising India’s commitment to cutting-edge defence technology and self-reliance in aerospace innovation. With this landmark achievement, India cements its position among global leaders in indigenous military aviation technology, ensuring superior pilot survivability and enhanced operational effectiveness in high-altitude combat missions.

The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab, has successfully completed high-altitude trials of the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft. The milestone trials were conducted on March 4, 2025, demonstrating India’s advancements in self-reliant aerospace technology. Revolutionary Life Support System for Fighter Pilots The OBOGS-based ILSS is a state-of-the-art oxygen generation and regulation system, eliminating the dependence on traditional liquid oxygen cylinders. This ensures a continuous and real-time supply of breathable oxygen, enhancing pilot endurance, safety, and operational efficiency in extreme combat conditions. The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3, in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). It successfully functioned in diverse flight conditions, including: ? Altitudes up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level ? High-G maneuvers ? Oxygen demand breathing tests ? Full functionality validation of Anti-G Valve & Breathing Oxygen System (BOS) The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) granted clearance for the flight tests, ensuring compliance with stringent aeromedical and operational standards. Indigenous Manufacturing & Strategic Collaboration The ILSS integrates 10 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), including: ???? Low-Pressure Breathing Regulator ???? Emergency Oxygen System ???? Oxygen Sensor ???? Anti-G Valve With 90% indigenous content, the system represents a major step in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Manufactured by L&T as a Development cum Production Partner, it exemplifies successful collaboration between DRDO, HAL, ADA, CEMILAC, the National Flight Test Center, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Potential Deployment Across Fighter Fleets Beyond its integration with LCA Tejas, the ILSS has the capability to be adapted for other fighter aircraft, including the MiG-29K. This development paves the way for enhanced pilot safety and efficiency across India's aerial combat platforms. Leaders Applaud India’s Aerospace Advancements Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the IAF, and industry partners, stating that this breakthrough strengthens India’s defence capabilities and aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, also commended the successful trials, emphasising India’s commitment to cutting-edge defence technology and self-reliance in aerospace innovation. With this landmark achievement, India cements its position among global leaders in indigenous military aviation technology, ensuring superior pilot survivability and enhanced operational effectiveness in high-altitude combat missions.

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