CSIR-NCL, IAF's 11 BRD project boosts MiG-29 efficiency

The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force's 11 base repair depot (BRD), has resolved a critical issue related to the on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS) of MiG-29 fighter aircraft, an official statement from the Pune-based research lab stated on Monday.

- HT Correspondent

PUNE:

This will help ensure optimal performance and safety during high-altitude operations.

The OBOGS unit in the MiG-29 aircraft, which provides a continuous oxygen supply to pilots at high altitudes, relies on zeolite material to selectively adsorb nitrogen and produce pure oxygen. Over time, the zeolites become less effective due to moisture exposure. CSIR-NCL's team developed an optimised rejuvenation process, which increased oxygen output in the OBOGS units from 30% to 85%, as confirmed previously by tests at the Naval Aircraft Yard, Goa. This process was scaled up to rejuvenate approximately 54 kg of zeolite, and several MiG-29 aircraft have since been successfully deployed with the rejuvenated units.