Canopy Severance System
GS PAPER III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Context: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune along with High Energy Material Research Laboratory (HEMRL) has made a state-of-the-art Canopy Severance System (CSS), which provides a safe escape path for a pilot operating an aircraft in case of an emergency.
- The escape system has been designed for the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Trainer Aircraft, HJT-36 Aircraft and HTT-40 Aircraft.
- All modern aircraft are equipped with a Canopy Severance System (CSS) for a safe passage by pre-weakening/severing the canopy to facilitate the smooth escape of the pilot in a swift manner.
About CSS:
- The Canopy Severance System (CSS) is a life-saving device that helps in the safe ejection of a fighter aircraft pilot in a time of distress.
- CSS comprises two independent subsystems.
- The first one being the In-flight Egress System (IES) for in-flight emergencies, which is integrated with the seat ejection operation and rescues the pilot in case of emergencies when the aircraft is in flight mode.
- The second one is the Ground Egress System (GES) for on-ground emergencies, which rescues the pilot in case of ground emergencies without initiating the ejection seat.
- CSS works with the two critical components, MDC for cutting canopy bubbles and Explosive transfer line (ETL) for transmission of explosive shock from one point to another without affecting surroundings.
- MDC and ETL operate with a velocity of detonation of 6000 metres per second, ensuring the cutting action of the canopy occurs in less than 5 m/sec from the time of initiation.
- Further, CSS works on the tenet of controlled propagation of detonation with the help of explosive mechanical energy.
- It consists of critical mechanical and explosive components qualified to military-grade requirements and demonstrating high reliability.
About Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
- India’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) located in Pune, Maharashtra.
- ARDE primarily focuses on research, design and development in the field of conventional armaments for the Indian Armed Forces.
- The lab has expertise in the development of small arms, rocket systems, artillery guns, air-delivered munitions, and warheads.
- ARDE has also established advanced infrastructural facilities and required technologies for the design and development of arms and artillery.
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