ACTION PUNJAB NEWS Desk: In a dramatic incident today, the indigenous Tejas fighter jet crashed near a hostel complex in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. Despite the aircraft engulfed in flames, the pilot managed to eject safely, avoiding any casualties. The Indian Air Force promptly initiated a court of inquiry into the mishap.
A video capturing the moment of ejection revealed the fighter jet gliding at a perilously low altitude. With precision, the pilot ejected from the aircraft as it continued its descent. The footage showcases the jet traversing from right to left within the camera frame, followed by the pilot deploying the parachute and gently descending towards the ground.
#WATCH | Rajasthan | A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer today during an operational training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. pic.twitter.com/3JZf15Q8eZ
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024
As the unmanned Tejas lost altitude, it ultimately crashed onto the ground near the student’s hostel. The white parachute, symbolizing the pilot’s safe ejection, gracefully floated down. During the ejection process, the pilots endure intense g-forces, reaching magnitudes up to 20 times that of Earth’s gravity. This exerts significant physical strain and risk of severe injuries, potentially disqualifying them from future flights.
Zero-Zero ejection seats: Ensuring pilot safety in critical situations
Ejection seats serve as a lifeline for pilots, swiftly propelling them out of aircraft in emergencies and enabling a safe descent to the ground with the aid of parachutes. The Tejas aircraft relies on the renowned British-manufactured Martin Baker zero-zero ejection seats.
Designed for optimal performance even in stationary positions at significant altitudes, zero-zero ejection seats are engineered to deploy parachutes from a standstill. This capability was vividly demonstrated in the recent crash incident, where the pilot ejected safely from several feet above the ground, thanks to this advanced technology.
The zero-zero functionality was developed to offer pilots a means of escape from situations deemed irrecoverable, especially during low-altitude or low-speed flights, as well as mishaps during critical phases like takeoff and landing.
Integral to the overall ‘Egress’ system, denoting the “way to exit,” the ejection seat comprises explosives positioned beneath the seat, the canopy release mechanism, and parachutes. The angle of ejection plays a pivotal role, with the trajectory being perpendicular to the aircraft’s forward motion, ensuring the pilot is swiftly moved away from the potentially perilous situation.
Also Read: Gangster Kala Jathedi ties knot with ‘Revolver Rani’ in Delhi
Also Read: Rajasthan: IAF’s Tejas aircraft crashes near students’ hostel in Jaisalmer
Tejas Program: Enhancing fighter jet safety and capability
In a twin-seater fighter jet, the ejection sequence prioritises the safety of both pilots. The co-pilot initiates ejection first, followed by the lead pilot seated in front. This meticulous order prevents potential harm, as the air blast’s temperature during ejection reaches exceedingly high levels. This precaution ensures that if the lead pilot were to eject first, the co-pilot could risk sustaining severe burn injuries.
Tejas represents a pinnacle in Indian aviation, comprising both single-seater fighter aircraft and twin-seat trainer variants operational within the Air Force and the Indian Navy. The genesis of the Tejas program dates back to 2001, marked by the inaugural test flight of the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1). Subsequently, on March 22, 2016, the maiden flight of the Second Series Production (SP2) Tejas aircraft, configured for Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), further underscored the program’s progress.
As a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft, the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is engineered to excel in offensive air support and offer close combat assistance for ground operations. Its distinction lies in being the smallest and lightest aircraft in its class, attributed to its dimensions and the extensive utilisation of composite structures, thereby enhancing its maneuverability and performance.
Also Read: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar resigns amid BJP-JJP discord over Lok Sabha seats
Also Read: How to apply for Indian citizenship under CAA | Explained
(Inputs from agencies)
