Production of ejection parachutes made especially for the TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft has begun at India’s Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) in Kanpur. An important turning point in India’s attempts to become self-sufficient in military manufacture, especially in the aerospace industry, has been reached with this development.
The manufacturing of these parachutes improves national defence capabilities by removing the Indian Air Force’s dependency on imported systems from the US and Europe. The new parachutes are designed to safely evacuate pilots up to 50,000 feet in height and at speeds greater than 2,205 km/h.
At about ₹8 lakhs apiece, the native parachutes are almost half as expensive as their international counterparts.
They satisfy global safety and dependability standards in spite of their cheaper cost.
Engineers at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created the parachutists’ design.
The first facility in Asia to manufacture such superior pilot parachutes for cutting-edge fighter jets is Ordnance Parachute facility (OPF).
To guarantee the safe ejection of pilots in emergency situations, the Indian Air Force has up to now depended on parachutes from the US and Europe. The Tejas pilots will no longer have to rely on imported technology, though, thanks to the recent development.
One significant step in the direction of gender inclusion is OPF’s establishment of a parachute production workshop, which has given 65 women jobs.
In addition to enhancing India’s defence capabilities, this effort supports the government’s drive for increased independence in vital areas. It is anticipated to be essential in lowering reliance on foreign technology and guaranteeing pilot safety in emergency scenarios.
India’s dedication to strengthening its domestic military manufacturing capabilities and encouraging innovation in the industry is demonstrated by the project’s successful completion.
