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.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..