DRDO completes high-altitude trials of indigenous OBOGS-based life support system for LCA Tejas
DRDO's Bengaluru-based Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL) successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System-based Integrated Life Support System for the LCA Tejas on 4 March 2025.
Summary
The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based DRDO lab, successfully carried out high-altitude trials of the indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)-based Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas on 4 March 2025. The system generates and regulates breathable oxygen for pilots in flight, removing the need for liquid oxygen cylinders. It was tested on the LCA Prototype Vehicle-3 at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and in high-G manoeuvres, after flight clearance from CEMILAC. The ILSS integrates 10 line replaceable units, has 90% indigenous content and was manufactured by L&T as development-cum-production partner. With modifications it can also be used in the MiG-29K and other aircraft.
Key facts
- Date
- 4 March 2025
- Lab
- DEBEL, DRDO, Bengaluru
- System
- OBOGS-based Integrated Life Support System
- Test aircraft
- LCA Prototype Vehicle-3; up to 50,000 ft
- Manufacturer
- L&T (development-cum-production partner)
- Indigenous content
- 90%
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which DRDO laboratory conducted the high-altitude trials of the indigenous OBOGS-based Integrated Life Support System for LCA Tejas on 4 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — DEBEL, Bengaluru
The trials were conducted by the Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru.
In the context of the life support system tested on LCA Tejas in March 2025, what does 'OBOGS' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — On-Board Oxygen Generating System
OBOGS is the On-Board Oxygen Generating System, which produces breathable oxygen in flight instead of relying on liquid oxygen cylinders.
Which company manufactured the Integrated Life Support System for LCA Tejas as DRDO's development-cum-production partner?
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Correct answer: B — Larsen & Toubro
The system was manufactured by L&T as the development-cum-production partner.
Consider the following statements about the Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) tested for LCA Tejas in March 2025: 1. It was tested at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet above mean sea level. 2. It has about 60% indigenous content. 3. With modifications, it can be adapted for the MiG-29K. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the ILSS has 90% indigenous content.