Life Support Technologies

The topological and climatic conditions of our country demands research that serves our soldiers deployed under a range of climatic conditions from extreme cold in Siachin toextreme heat in the TharDesert. In view of the emerging challenges in the battlefield scenario, and to provide cutting-edge solutions to the Armed Forces in their diverse sphere of operations, a number of life support technologies have been developed by life sciences cluster labs.

Paratroopers need an effective Combat Free Fall (CFF) lifesupport system along with the parachute to carry out the High Altitude High Opening and High Altitude Low Opening operations. It consists of a Parachute System, Life Support System (ie. oxygen system, protective clothing and equipment) and Communication System. It provides oxygen on demand during breathing for 30-40minutes after bail-out and 60 minutes of supply for pre-breathing onboard of aircraft for 6 personnel.

On Board-Oxygen generation systems (OBOGS): provides enhanced physiology protection to aircrew of high altitude and high speed fighter aircrafts. It is designed and developed to administer required quantities of oxygen at various altitudes to pilots of fighter aircraft on long endurance missions. It consists of 10 subsystems viz Two bed OGOGS, zirconia based oxygen sensor, breathing gas management solenoid valve , Electronic Control Unit, Backup Oxygen System, Emergency Oxygen System, Quick Disconnect Coupler, Demand Oxygen Regulator, Anti G Valve, Personnel Equipment Connector etc and is successfully integrated and demonstrated for its performance in lab. India is the 4th country to have developed this technology.

Helicopter Oxygen System

Indian Air Force Helicopters are capable of flying upto 25,000 ft Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) necessitating the need for a dedicated aircrew oxygen system integrated to the helicopter. The Oxygen system is designed to meet the aircrew Oxygen requirement upto 33,000 ft AMSL. It consists of a light weight composite material Cylinder mounted with a pressure reducer valve and connected to a Dilution Demand Oxygen Regulator (DDOR) The DDOR supplies the breathing gas to the pilot through an oxygen mask attached to aircrew helmet

Submarine Escape Set protects the wearer from hypothermia and reptile bites. The suit is made out of Neoprene coated nylon fabric. Breathing apparatus prevents decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis & oxygen toxicity related to breathing underwater up to 100m.Several other products viz; Anti G Suit, Survival Jacket, Flying Clothing for Aircrew, flame Retardant Jacket, gloves etc are under development.