News Brief
Kuldeep Negi
Mar 05, 2025, 03:44 PM | Updated 03:44 PM IST
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India has taken a major step towards self-reliance in aerospace technology with the successful high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas fighter jet.
The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab, conducted the trials on Tuesday (4 March).
The system eliminates the need for traditional liquid oxygen cylinders, generating oxygen in real time to support pilots during missions.
The tests, carried out on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), proved its effectiveness at extreme altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and during high-G maneuvers.
The ILSS underwent a rigorous evaluation, checking oxygen concentration levels, demand breathing, and availability of 100 per cent oxygen.
"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) ON during taxying, Take off, Cruise, G turns and rejoin approach & landing," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
After receiving flight clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the system met all specified parameters, the ministry added.
With 90 per cent indigenous content, the system has been manufactured by L&T as a Development cum Production Partner, reflecting a significant collaboration between DRDO and Indian defence industries.
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 pilot endurance and operational effectiveness, the ministry said.
The ministry said that with appropriate modifications, the system can also be adapted for use in MiG-29K and other aircraft.
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Kuldeep is Senior Editor (Newsroom) at Swarajya. He tweets at @kaydnegi.