Hey there, folks! Exciting news coming out of Pune today as the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory has successfully revamped the On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) of the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. This initiative, which kicked off in November 2023 at the behest of the Indian Navy, was spearheaded by Dr. Vijay Bokade and his team of researchers.
Now, you might be wondering what exactly the OBOGS does. Well, it’s a vital component that ensures pilots have a continuous supply of oxygen when flying at high altitudes. The system uses zeolite material to filter out nitrogen and produce pure oxygen. However, over time, moisture can impact the efficiency of the zeolites.
But fear not! The CSIR-NCL team has come to the rescue with an optimized rejuvenation process that has significantly boosted the oxygen output of the OBOGS units from 30% to a whopping 85%. Tests conducted at the Naval Aircraft Yard in Goa confirmed the success of this process, which has now been scaled up to rejuvenate around 54 kg of zeolite.
Dr. Bokade couldn’t contain his excitement, stating, “It was a moment of immense pride and excitement to witness the flight of the aircraft after zeolite rejuvenation.” The indigenous development of zeolites at CSIR-NCL ensures the continued functionality of the OBOGS units, showcasing the power of local research in solving critical defense challenges.
The rejuvenation efforts have already been put into action for the Indian Navy, with aircraft operating smoothly at high altitudes. CSIR-NCL has also developed its proprietary process technology for synthesizing oxygen-enriching zeolites, which are now being integrated into MiG-29 aircraft.
So, there you have it – a fantastic example of Indian innovation at work, ensuring the safety and performance of our fighter aircraft. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development!
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