Kanpur Ordnance Factory Begins Production of Tejas Mk1A Ejection Parachutes, Ending Reliance on Foreign Suppliers

In a major boost to India's domestic defence capabilities, the Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) in Kanpur has initiated the production of ejection parachutes specifically designed for pilots of the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft. This landmark achievement ends India's reliance on foreign suppliers, primarily from the United States and Europe, for this critical safety equipment.

Previously, the Indian Armed Forces depended on imported parachutes to ensure the safe ejection of pilots during emergencies. However, the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully developed a parachute system tailored to the unique requirements of the Tejas aircraft.

The Tejas Mark 1A, capable of exceeding speeds of 2,205 km/h and reaching altitudes of 50,000 feet, necessitates a robust parachute system for safe pilot descent during emergencies.

The newly developed parachute system incorporates durable materials such as steel, aluminium, and titanium alloys, ensuring its resilience under extreme conditions. The ejection seat itself is crafted from a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite, renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

Furthermore, the parachute system prioritizes pilot safety by utilizing fire-retardant materials in the seat cushion, harness, and other components. This thoughtful design feature provides added protection to the pilot during and after ejection.

The shift towards domestic production is anticipated to yield significant cost savings compared to continued reliance on imports. While maintaining adherence to international safety and reliability standards, this initiative underscores India's commitment to self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

The collaboration between ADRDE and OPF exemplifies a successful partnership within India's defence sector, with OPF, a unit of Gliders India Limited under the Ministry of Defence's public sector undertakings, spearheading the production of this vital component.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Try developing complete ejection system.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Try developing complete ejection system.

Already developed, in trial stage.

 

[Sandeep]

Instead of just developing the parachute they should be developing the entire ejection seat and parachute. We have had many foreign ejection seats so we should reverse engineer how to design, develop and manufacture 100% indigenously.

 

[Nameless_soldier]

Instead of just developing the parachute they should be developing the entire ejection seat and parachute. We have had many foreign ejection seats so we should reverse engineer how to design, develop and manufacture 100% indigenously.

Already developed and undergoing trials birader.

 

[Senapati]

Make indigenious ejection seat for HAL IJT and Tejas aircraft incolaboration with UK or Russia make ground test and in-flight ejection trial and certify.
We have some experience and with some more support from expers it can be done in India.