Defence Tejas

DRDO conducts high-altitude trials of Indigenous Integrated Life Support System for LCA Tejas

by Latest UpdatesTechnology

The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based lab 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.

The OBOGS-based ILSS is a cutting-edge system designed to generate and regulate breathable oxygen for pilots during flight, eliminating dependence on traditional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems. The ILSS underwent rigorous testing on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3 aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)/ Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), meeting stringent aeromedical standards in varied flight conditions, including altitudes of up to 50,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level and high-G maneuvers.

Performance evaluations covered critical aspects such as oxygen concentration, demand breathing, availability of 100% 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. Following flight clearance from Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), the system successfully met all specified parameters. 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 system has been manufactured by L&T as a Development cum Production Partner, reflecting a significant collaboration between DRDO and Indian defence industries. Notably, the ILSS has 90% indigenous content, furthering India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology. With appropriate modifications, the system can also be adapted for use in MiG-29K and other aircraft. This milestone has been achieved through the collaborative efforts of DEBEL, ADA, HAL, CEMILAC, National Flight Test Center, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, Public Sector Undertakings, and industry partners on this remarkable achievement, emphasising that this development reinforces India’s commitment to cutting-edge defence technologies and aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also lauded the DRDO team, the IAF, and industry partners for their contributions towards the successful high-altitude trial of the Indigenous ILSS for LCA Tejas

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L&T wins (Significant*) Order for Part Construction of Two Fleet Support Ships

by Today's Fables

Precision Engineering & Systems business vertical of Larsen & Toubro has won a prestigious order for part construction of two Fleet Support Ships (FSS) from M/s Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), with Indian Navy being the end user of the vessels.

Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for design and construction of five FSS for the Navy in August 2023.

FSS are specialised naval vessels, which provide logistics and material support to the naval task force at sea. With more than 220 meter in length and approximately 45,000 tonne displacement, FSS would be amongst the largest vessels in the Indian Naval Fleet.

In line with GoI’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, these first-of-its kind vessels to be built in domestic Yards, will be concurrently constructed by both HHL and L&T shipyards to meet the challenging delivery timelines. This collaborative approach in shipbuilding will serve as a cornerstone for achieving strategic national objectives of rapidly enhancing the Indian Naval Fleet, while driving economic activity and technological advancement in India’s maritime domain.

In little over a decade from the receipt of L&T’s first defence shipbuilding order in March 2010, L&T has in-house designed, constructed and delivered more than 70 defence vessels exemplifying its ‘Make in India’ capabilities, with the remarkable achievement of delivering most of these vessels either ahead or on schedule.

L&T will construct the two Fleet Support Ships at its greenfield shipyard at Kattupalli, near Chennai on the east coast of India. It is India’s most modern shipyard, designed in-house and built to globally benchmarked technological practices.

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L&T Enhances its Renewables Portfolio: Finalises (Mega*) Orders for Solar Plants in the Middle East

by EnergyLatest Updates

The Renewables arm of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has finalised mega orders with a leading developer in the Middle East to build two Gigawatt scale Solar PV plants. The plants will have a cumulative capacity of 3.5 GW. 

The scope of the orders also includes grid interconnections encompassing pooling substations and overhead transmission lines. Detailed engineering and initial construction work are expected to commence shortly.

 

Last month, L&T announced having won a solar-cum-storage plant order in India. Now, with the fresh mega orders from the Middle East, L&T’s renewables portfolio is poised to reach 22 GWp (Gigawatt Peak) cumulative capacity, comprising solar and wind generation projects already commissioned and those in the making.

Mr T Madhava Das, Whole-time Director & Sr Executive Vice President (Utilities) – L&T, said: “The successive order wins stand testimony to our proven engineering and project management capabilities to meet the requirements in terms of plant performance, workforce mobilisation, safety, quality and timeline. We cherish this level of customer trust”. 

Commenting on the mega orders, Mr S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director – L&T, said: “The Middle East is far ahead in creating sustainable energy infrastructure and in providing a smart lifestyle. These orders are welcome additions to our green portfolio, as we build the company of the future with next-generation technologies”