IAF's AN-32 with 10 per cent of Indian bio-jet fuel takes off from Leh

Leh (Ladakh) [India], Feb 1 (ANI): Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday achieved another milestone when an AN-32 aircraft powered with a 10 per cent blend of Indian bio-jet fuel took-off from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
"This is the first time that both engines of the aircraft were powered by the bio-jet indigenous fuel. The aircraft was flight tested and its performance was validated at Chandigarh Air Base prior to undertaking the operational flight to Leh," a defence ministry release said.
Leh, at an altitude of 10,682 ft above mean sea level, is amongst one of the world's highest and most difficult operational airfields and is prone to extreme weather conditions.
Landing and taking-off is challenging due to reduced power output of the aircraft engines in the rarefied atmosphere, turbulent wind conditions and proximity of mountainous terrain.
The statement stressed that evaluating the performance of bio-jet fuel under these conditions is important from operational perspectives. It validates the capability of aero-engine to operate smoothly with bio-jet fuel at the extremities of the operational envelope.
"The tests were conducted by a team comprising of test pilots from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, Bengaluru and pilots from the operational squadrons," it said.
According to the statement, this successful test flight also demonstrates the IAF's capabilities to absorb newer technology, while sponsoring indigenisation.
The technology to produce this fuel was developed by CSIR-IIP in 2013, but could not be tested and certified for commercial use due to lack of concurrent aviation test facilities in the country.
In 2018, the IAF sponsored this project and channelised its human and material resources for the complete range of fuel testing.
Bio-jet fuel is produced from non-edible 'Tree Borne Oils', grown and procured from the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh state. IAF's efforts would assist in reducing carbon footprint and India's dependence on crude imports, the defence ministry said. (ANI)