Chandigarh, Mar, 05
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the Tejas fighter aircraft. This is a critical component for survival of pilots during flying.
Developed by DRDO’s Defence Bio-Engineering and Electro Medical Laboratory, the OBOGS-ILSS is a cutting-edge system designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, eliminating dependence on traditional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems.
The Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) has 90 per cent indigenous content. With appropriate modifications, the system can also be adapted for use in the MiG-29K and other aircraft.
The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on the Tejas’ Prototype Vehicle-3 aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)/Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), meeting the required aeromedical standards in varied flight conditions, including altitudes of up to 50,000 feet above mean sea level and High-G maneuvers, a defence spokesperson said.
Performance evaluations covered critical aspects such as oxygen concentration, demand breathing, availability of 100 per cent oxygen, aerobatic maneuvers at required altitudes for full functional testing of anti-G valve, breathing oxygen system (BOS) performance during taxi, take off, cruise, G-turns, rejoin approach and landing.
Following flight clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the system successfully met all specified parameters.
Beyond OBOGS, the ILSS integrates 10 line replaceable units, including the low-pressure breathing regulator, BOS, emergency oxygen system, oxygen sensor, anti-G valve, and other advanced components. This would ensure real-time oxygen generation, enhancing the pilot’s endurance and operational effectiveness.
The system has been manufactured by Larsen and Toubro as a development-cum-production partner. The Aeronautical Development Agency, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Flight Test Center, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and the Indian Air Force are collaborative partners in the project.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat have congratulated DRDO, IAF, public sector undertakings and industry partners on this achievement.
