India Achieves Milestone with Successful High-Altitude Trials of Indigenous Life Support System for LCA Tejas

Bengaluru: In a significant achievement for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft on March 4, 2025.

The ILSS, a state-of-the-art system, has been designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, marking a departure from traditional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems. The system underwent comprehensive testing on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The trials, which took place at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level, successfully met stringent aeromedical standards in various flight conditions, including high-G maneuvers.

The performance evaluations assessed several critical components, including oxygen concentration, demand breathing, and the availability of 100% oxygen. The system was thoroughly tested during aerobatic maneuvers at required altitudes, taxiing, take-off, cruise, G turns, rejoin approach, and landing. With flight clearance from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), the ILSS successfully met all specified parameters, validating its readiness for operational use.

Beyond OBOGS, the ILSS integrates 10 Line Replaceable Units, including the Low-Pressure Breathing Regulator, Breathing Oxygen System (BOS), Emergency Oxygen System, Oxygen Sensor, Anti-G valve, and other advanced components. These technologies ensure real-time oxygen generation, which is expected to significantly enhance the pilot’s endurance and operational effectiveness.

Manufactured by L&T as a Development cum Production Partner, the ILSS is a product of collaboration between DRDO, HAL, and Indian defence industries. Notably, the system contains 90% indigenous content, advancing India’s goal of self-reliance in aerospace technology. The ILSS can also be adapted for use in other aircraft, such as the MiG-29K, with the appropriate modifications.

The milestone was achieved through the combined efforts of DEBEL, ADA, HAL, CEMILAC, the National Flight Test Center, the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh expressed his congratulations to DRDO, IAF, public sector undertakings, and industry partners for this remarkable achievement. He emphasized that this development reinforces India’s commitment to cutting-edge defence technologies and aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also praised the DRDO team, IAF, and industry partners for their contributions, highlighting the successful high-altitude trial of the Indigenous ILSS for the LCA Tejas as a major leap forward for India’s aerospace capabilities.