AN-32 Transport Aircraft

Tags: National Defence Science and Technology

To reduce its carbon footprint, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to fly a modified AN-32 transport aircraft operating on 10% blended biodiesel for 200 flight hours in the next six months.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• The aircraft flew on biodiesel mixed with aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for the first time in December 2018.

• So far, one AN-32 has flown 65 hours with 10% biofuel mixture and the performance has been quite satisfactory.

• Another aircraft, the Dornier, is undergoing ground testing after being approved by the engine's original manufacturer Honeywell to use 50% biofuel.

• The global aviation industry is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

• The indigenous bio-jet fuel was first produced in 2013 by the CSIR-IIP laboratory in Dehradun, but could not be tested for commercial use on aircraft.

• This fuel is made from Jatropha oil procured from Chhattisgarh Biodiesel Development Authority (CBDA) and then processed at CSIR-IIP, Dehradun.

About AN-32 :

• It is a twin-engine, tactical light transport aircraft designed and manufactured by Antonov Design Bureau of Ukraine for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• The AN-32 is derived from the AN-26 transport aircraft.

• The current total number of AN-32 transport aircraft operating around the world is 240.

• It can fly at a maximum speed of 530km/h and its cruise speed is 470km/h. 

• It has ten variants.