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NCL collaborates with IAF to address critical issue of IAF’s MiG-29 ops

NCL developed an optimised rejuvenation process, which was tested and has been successfully deployed on multiple MiG-29 aircraft.

NCL has also developed indigenous zeolite materials for MiG-29 aircraft. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Pune-based National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) and the Indian Air Force have resolved a critical problem affecting the onboard oxygen generation system of MiG-29 fighter aircraft.

The NCL team led by Vijay Bokade, Head, Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry Division, rejuvenated the zeolite material used in the Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) units which a crucial for maintaining a continuous oxygen supply to pilots, particularly during high altitude operations.

Technically, the effectiveness of zeolite vanes due to moisture exposure, and leads to sub-optimal oxygen generation thus risking the aircraft’s performance.

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To address this diminishing effect, the NCL team developed an optimised rejuvenation process, which was tested and has been successfully deployed on multiple MiG-29 aircraft.

Since April 2024, NCL has been operating an oxygen rejuvenation facility at the Indian Air Force’s 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD). NCL has also developed indigenous zeolite materials for MiG-29 aircraft.

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