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Teen Invents Jet Safety System
27 Feb
Summary
- A 17-year-old student created a mechanical system for fighter jet ejection safety.
- The ALCAS invention automatically secures canopies during emergencies.
- The system is purely mechanical, enhancing reliability in critical situations.
A 17-year-old aeronautical engineering student from Vadodara has developed a significant mechanical system aimed at enhancing fighter jet ejection safety. Named the Auto Locking Canopy Activation System (ALCAS), the invention automatically secures a fighter jet's canopy during emergency ejections.
This innovation was inspired by a fatal crash that occurred in Rajasthan last July, which prompted the student to research ejection procedures and identify patterns of canopy-related failures.
ALCAS distinguishes itself by being a purely mechanical system, eschewing electronics that could fail in high-stress or battle-damaged conditions. It utilizes gravity-based components like pendulums and calibrated weights to ensure the canopy locks correctly during an ejection sequence, requiring no external power supply.
Having secured a Defence Utility Patent and Design Registration, Jainil Champaneria's ALCAS has also been recognized by the India Book of Records as the youngest innovator for such a specialized aviation safety device. This achievement underscores the potential for young minds to address critical real-world problems and enhance national security.
