CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has successfully rejuvenated the Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) of the MiG-29 fighter aircraft, ensuring optimal performance and safety during high-altitude operations. This project was initiated in November 2023 at the request of the Indian Navy, which was led by Dr Vijay Bokade, Head, Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry Division, alongside Dr Prashant Niphadkar and research students.

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%, confirmed 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.

Dr Bokade expressed his pride in the project, “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 long-term functionality of the OBOGS units.

The project has set a new benchmark for leveraging indigenous research to address critical defensive technological challenges. The rejuvenation efforts have been implemented for the Indian Navy, with aircraft successfully operating at high altitudes. CSIR-NCL has also developed its own process technology for synthesising oxygen-enriching zeolites. The process of incorporating them into the MiG-29 aircraft is underway.