Hey there, folks! Exciting news coming out of Pune today! CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) in Pune has teamed up with the Indian Air Force’s 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) to tackle a major issue with the On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) of MiG-29 fighter aircraft. This collaboration is a big step towards improving safety and performance during high-altitude missions, in line with the goals of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.’
The project kicked off back in June 2023 at the request of 11 BRD, and was spearheaded by Dr. Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL. Dr. Vijay Bokade, along with Drs. Prashant Niphadkar, Nilesh Mali, and Sachin Nandanwar, led the team in rejuvenating the zeolite material used in the OBOGS units. These units are crucial for providing oxygen to pilots at high altitudes, but over time, the zeolite’s effectiveness can decrease due to moisture exposure.
But fear not, because CSIR-NCL has developed a game-changing rejuvenation process that has significantly boosted oxygen output in the OBOGS units. They’ve even scaled up the process to handle large quantities of zeolite, and multiple MiG-29 aircraft have already been equipped with these rejuvenated units. These units have been flying smoothly without any issues, showcasing the power of indigenous solutions in tackling technical challenges in defence aviation.
In April 2024, CSIR-NCL played a crucial role in setting up a rejuvenation facility at 11 BRD to ensure ongoing maintenance of OBOGS units. They’ve also created their own zeolite materials specifically for MiG-29 aircraft. Right now, CSIR-NCL and 11 BRD are working together to complete ground trials of these indigenized zeolites with the approval of the Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
Once these indigenized zeolites are qualified and certified for use in MiG-29 aircraft, it will be a major win for India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology. This achievement highlights the dedication of CSIR-NCL and the Indian Air Force to driving innovation and technological advancements to meet the nation’s defence needs. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking collaboration!
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