• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of an indigenous life support system for pilots onboard Tejas light combat aircraft.

• Cutting-edge life support systems have been designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, eliminating dependence on traditional cylinder-based oxygen.

• With appropriate modifications, the system can also be adapted for use in MiG-29K and other aircraft.

• The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory, a Bengaluru-based lab under the DRDO conducted trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft.

• The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on the LCA-prototype vehicle-3 aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) meeting stringent aeromedical standards in varied flight conditions, including altitudes of up to 50,000 feet above mean sea level and high-G maneuvers.

• The system has been manufactured by L&T as a development cum production partner of the DRDO, reflecting a significant collaboration between the premier defence research institution and defence industries.

• The ILSS has 90 per cent indigenous content, furthering India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)