Pune: The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has successfully collaborated with the Indian Air Force’s 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) to resolve a critical issue in the On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) of MiG-29 fighter jets.
This initiative represents a major step toward enhancing operational efficiency and pilot safety during high-altitude missions, furthering India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.’
The collaboration was initiated in June 2023 at the request of 11 BRD, under the leadership of Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL. The project was headed by Dr. Vijay Bokade, Head of the Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry Division, CSIR-NCL, with support from Dr. Prashant Niphadkar, Dr. Nilesh Mali, and Dr. Sachin Nandanwar.
Their primary objective was to rejuvenate the zeolite material used in OBOGS, a key component that ensures a steady oxygen supply to pilots during high-altitude operations.
Zeolite, over time, loses its efficiency due to moisture absorption, leading to suboptimal oxygen generation. To address this, CSIR-NCL developed an optimized rejuvenation process, significantly enhancing the oxygen output of the OBOGS units.
The process was then scaled up, allowing multiple MiG-29 aircraft to be equipped with refurbished OBOGS units. These units have since accumulated significant flight hours with no operational issues, marking a milestone in indigenous defence solutions.
In April 2024, CSIR-NCL facilitated the establishment of a zeolite rejuvenation facility at 11 BRD, ensuring self-sufficiency in maintenance and sustainability of OBOGS units within the Indian Air Force. Additionally, CSIR-NCL has developed indigenous zeolite materials, which are currently undergoing ground trials in collaboration with the Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
The successful qualification and certification of these indigenized zeolites will mark a major achievement in India’s defence technology ecosystem, further supporting the nation’s drive toward self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat, reinforcing the commitment of CSIR-NCL and the Indian Air Force to advancing technological innovation in military aviation.