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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence, India’s Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) in Kanpur has embarked on manufacturing seat ejection parachutes specifically designed for the pilots of the Indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft. This development marks the end of India’s dependency on foreign suppliers from America and Europe for these critical safety components.

Until now, the Indian Armed Forces have relied on imports for pilot ejection parachutes, which are integral for the safety of pilots during emergency ejections from fighter jets. The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has engineered a parachute system tailored to the demanding specifications of the Tejas aircraft.

The Tejas Mark 1A can achieve speeds over 2,205 km/h and fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. The parachutes are engineered to ensure a safe descent under these conditions.

The parachute system includes components made from durable materials like steel, aluminium, and titanium alloys. The seat itself is constructed from a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite, known for its strength and lightweight properties.

The seat cushion, harness, and other parts use fire-retardant materials, enhancing the safety of the pilot during and post-ejection.

Local production is expected to be more cost-effective compared to imports, though maintaining international safety and reliability standards. The collaboration between ADRDE and OPF underlines a successful partnership within India’s defence sector. OPF, being a unit of Gliders India Limited, part of the Ministry of Defence’s public sector undertakings, is now at the forefront of this critical component’s production.

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