SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Defense Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully developing an advanced ejection seat parachute system for the Su-30 aircraft. This cutting-edge parachute ensures the pilot’s safe landing during emergencies, whether over land or water. To meet the futuristic requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF), DRDO is actively seeking suitable industrial partners for bulk production. The technology will be transferred to the selected partner, referred to as the vendor, to facilitate large-scale manufacturing.
With a projected requirement of approximately 350 units over the next five years, the development of the ejection seat parachute is of utmost importance. The parachute assembly comprises several vital components, each meticulously designed and fabricated for optimal performance.
- Pilot Canopy: The canopy, with an area of 60 m², is crafted using durable fabrics and various cordages. It is the primary component that enables controlled descent during the ejection process.
- Harness: The harness is carefully constructed with webbings, tapes, and essential metal parts, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for the pilot during the descent.
- Sleeve: The fabric and tapes-based sleeve serve as the container for the main parachute, protecting and facilitating its smooth deployment.
- Container: The container, also made with fabric and tapes, houses the main parachute and ensures its efficient storage and deployment.
- Connecting Loop and Pins: These crucial elements play a pivotal role in connecting different parts of the parachute assembly, ensuring seamless functionality during the ejection process.
- Stabilizer Parachute: The stabilizer parachute serves to stabilize the descent, enhancing the pilot’s safety during the emergency landing.
How the Ejection Seat Parachute Works:
The main parachute is skillfully packed inside the headrest of the ejection seat. During an emergency, the headrest is activated after a specific time delay or based on the aircraft’s speed and altitude at the time of ejection. Upon activation, the headrest is jettisoned from the seat, and locking pins are pulled out, allowing the withdrawal of the main parachute from the headrest along with the sleeve.
As the complete lines of the main parachute are withdrawn from the sleeve, the canopy portion unfurls, guided by the efficient deployment of the stabilizer parachute. A break link mechanism then facilitates the separation of the headrest, along with the cover and the canopy deployment bag, from the deployed parachute.
The pilot then descends safely to the land or sea surface, aided by the fully deployed parachute, providing a reliable and effective emergency escape system for Su-30 aircraft pilots.
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