Biodiesel used to power hydroplane
A dramatic illustration of the potential of biodiesel came with its use to power a Boeing U-787 hydroplane in a demonstration on 2 August.
The U-787 was tested repeatedly at the annual Chevrolet Cup, each with a greater proportion of biofuel, culminating in the 100% blend being used in a run on Sunday. Hydroplane driver Chip Hanauer reported no drop in performance as the percentage of biofuel was increased.
The tests were conducted under normal operating conditions including rapid acceleration and deceleration and tight cornering.
The feedstock for the biofuel comprised 85% camelina, 14% jatropha and 1% algae. This is a ‘drop-in’ replacement developed by Seattle’s Targeted Growth. This same biofuel mixture helped to power the test flight of a Japan Airlines Boeing 747-300 in January.
‘This hydroplane demonstration run is another successful step in our efforts to showcase the potential for sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from air travel without sacrificing safety, performance and efficiency,’ said Mike Garrett, director of aircraft performance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The U-787 was tested repeatedly at the annual Chevrolet Cup, each with a greater proportion of biofuel, culminating in the 100% blend being used in a run on Sunday. Hydroplane driver Chip Hanauer reported no drop in performance as the percentage of biofuel was increased.
The tests were conducted under normal operating conditions including rapid acceleration and deceleration and tight cornering.
The feedstock for the biofuel comprised 85% camelina, 14% jatropha and 1% algae. This is a ‘drop-in’ replacement developed by Seattle’s Targeted Growth. This same biofuel mixture helped to power the test flight of a Japan Airlines Boeing 747-300 in January.
‘This hydroplane demonstration run is another successful step in our efforts to showcase the potential for sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from air travel without sacrificing safety, performance and efficiency,’ said Mike Garrett, director of aircraft performance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
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