India Trials Indigenous Life Support System for LCA Tejas Jet

India’s Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL) has conducted high-altitude trials of an Integrated Life Support System for the LCA Tejas fighter jet.

The On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based system generates and regulates oxygen for pilots during flights, obviating the need for conventional liquid oxygen cylinder-based systems.

Trials took place under varied flight conditions on the LCA-Prototype Vehicle-3. They included altitudes of up to 50,000 meters (16,400 feet) 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 ON during taxiing, takeoff, cruise, G turns and rejoin approach & landing,” the Indian Ministry of Defence explained.

In addition to the OBOGS, the Integrated Life Support System features additional sub-systems for real-time oxygen generation, enhancing pilot endurance and operational effectiveness.

The subsystems include a low-pressure breathing regulator, emergency oxygen system, oxygen sensor, and an anti-G valve.

The DEBEL is a Bengaluru-based lab of the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The system has been manufactured by Indian private firm Larsen & Toubro as a production and development partner of the DRDO.

It features over 90 percent indigenous content and can be adapted for other aircraft such as the MiG-29K.