DRDO tests fighter escape system on a high-speed rocket sled
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Asked by UPSCPrelims 20261 PYQ
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
What happened
- DRDO carried out a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of TBRL, Chandigarh [PIB].
- The test checked canopy severance, ejection sequencing and full aircrew recovery, using an LCA forebody on a dual sled and an instrumented dummy. ADA and HAL were partners [PIB].
Background
- Static checks such as the net test and the zero-zero test are simpler. A dynamic test at controlled speed is the real measure of how an ejection seat performs [PIB].
Why it matters
- PIB says this puts India among the few countries that can test escape systems in-house. That saves time and money that would otherwise go to foreign test ranges.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-12-02): DRDO carried out a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of TBRL, Chandigarh.
- PIB says this puts India among the few countries that can test escape systems in-house. That saves time and money that would otherwise go to foreign test ranges.
Quotable data pointDRDO carried out a high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of TBRL, Chandigarh.
PIB: Defence: DRDO rocket-sled test of escape system, 2 Dec 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: TBRL, zero-zero ejection, LCA.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Where is DRDO's Rail Track Rocket Sled facility used for this test located?
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Which aircraft forebody was used on the sled?
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
A "zero-zero" ejection test refers to ejection at
Answer (a) & explanation
Zero altitude, zero airspeed; PIB contrasts it with dynamic tests.
Official source: PIB: Defence: DRDO rocket-sled test of escape system, 2 Dec 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending