Indian Air Force successfully tests bio-jet fuel

New Delhi: An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, A-32, successfully took off from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh on January 31 using 10 per cent blend of Indian bio-jet fuel.

The fuel was developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIIR-IIP) in 2013 and certified for commercial use. But due to lack of concurrent aviation test facilities in the country it was not tested. Later, in 2018, IAF sponsored this project and channelled its resources to test the bio-fuel.

This is the first time that both engines of the aircraft were powered by the bio-jet indigenous fuel. The test was conducted by a team of pilots from Aircrafts and Systems Testing Establishment in Bengaluru. Pilots from operational squadron were also part of the test.

The Leh launchpad was chosen for the test launch as it is one the highest airfield at an altitude of 10,682 feet above the sea level. Even during normal weather conditions landing and take–off from Leh is difficult, said an IAF officer. They decided to conduct the test under these conditions to understand the operational capacity of the bio-fuel and check the performance of the aero-engine.

The bio-jet fuels used during the test are made of non-edible tree borne oils grown and produced in the tribal areas of Chattisgarh. The aircraft had earlier been tested in Chattisgarh and its performance validated prior to the Leh test launch.

Friday’s successful test demonstrates IAF’s capabilities to absorb new technology and also promote use of indigenous products. The IAF said using bio-fuel is an effort towards reducing carbon footprints and reduce India’s dependence on crude imports.