RAF and US Navy collaborate on drone project using SAF
C3 BIOTECH has been working with the UK RAF and US Navy to develop sustainable aviation fuel.
In an international collaboration between UK and US, the fuel was successfully used by the RAF to fly a four-meter drone.
The initial trial created 15 litres of fuel in laboratory conditions.
Following successful engine testing, the fixed-wing drone completed a 20-minute test flight in Wiltshire, providing valuable data that indicates the fuel performs consistently to a high standard.
This project is now in the next phase with work underway to refine the process and develop deployable manufacturing facilities.
Under Project Vermeer, the Royal Air Force has enhanced their ground-breaking work in using SAF.
Synthetic kerosene is entirely fossil fuel-free, made by mixing raw materials with high sugar levels, such as food waste, with bacteria to create an oil substance that is then converted into aviation fuel using chemicals and heat.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “This is an exciting moment for the RAF and British industry as they continue to develop pioneering solutions to help address climate change. These new approaches will maintain our world-class fighting forces whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”
Air Vice Marshal Lincoln Taylor said: “The RAF needs to ensure that we are at the forefront of technology to safeguard our own resilience and operational capability, whilst minimising our damage to the environment. Fuel scarcity and cost will only ever increase in its impact on our operations and synthetic fuels for our aircraft are one potential solution to this situation as we look to secure the objectives of the next generation RAF of tomorrow.”
In an international collaboration between UK and US, the fuel was successfully used by the RAF to fly a four-meter drone.
The initial trial created 15 litres of fuel in laboratory conditions.
Following successful engine testing, the fixed-wing drone completed a 20-minute test flight in Wiltshire, providing valuable data that indicates the fuel performs consistently to a high standard.
This project is now in the next phase with work underway to refine the process and develop deployable manufacturing facilities.
Under Project Vermeer, the Royal Air Force has enhanced their ground-breaking work in using SAF.
Synthetic kerosene is entirely fossil fuel-free, made by mixing raw materials with high sugar levels, such as food waste, with bacteria to create an oil substance that is then converted into aviation fuel using chemicals and heat.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “This is an exciting moment for the RAF and British industry as they continue to develop pioneering solutions to help address climate change. These new approaches will maintain our world-class fighting forces whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”
Air Vice Marshal Lincoln Taylor said: “The RAF needs to ensure that we are at the forefront of technology to safeguard our own resilience and operational capability, whilst minimising our damage to the environment. Fuel scarcity and cost will only ever increase in its impact on our operations and synthetic fuels for our aircraft are one potential solution to this situation as we look to secure the objectives of the next generation RAF of tomorrow.”
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