For the first time in history, a military aircraft flew using only sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The milestone was reached by Royal Air Force (RAF), alongside Airbus and Rolls Royce, with a DO NOT MRTT Voyager.
The unprecedented operation was carried out on 16/11 and involved an RAF Voyager, which made a 90-minute flight from the Brize Norton base, fueled only with aeronautical biofuel.
The flight of the A330 MRTT with SAF demonstrates the air force's potential for its future operational capability, ensuring the ability to contribute to the defense of the UK where and when needed. The event also marks the first 100% SAF flight of a wide body jet, paving the way for a host of possibilities for the future of military and civilian aircraft.
Biofuel is made from sustainable waste-based raw materials, in this case used cooking oil. The product reduces life cycle carbon emissions by 80% compared to conventional fuel, which lessens the RAF's reliance on global supply chains, and improves operational resiliency.
Airbus engineers worked alongside the RAF, Rolls Royce (manufacturer of the A330's Trent engines) and Airtanker, testing the aircraft's performance and handling on the ground and in the air prior to flight.
“The Royal Air Force has performed the UK's first military airlift flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel in one of its operational Voyager aircraft. They should be proud of this achievement; It is a defining moment for the RAF and an exciting development for the MoD.”, said Baroness Goldie, Minister of Defence.
"Through the RAF's pioneering spirit, experience and partnership with UK industry, British science and engineering is leading the way in improving operational resilience and building future operational capability in a climate-changing world."
As noted by aerotime, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) is also following in the footsteps of the RAF to operate with biofuel. Airbus is working to provide technical permission to begin flight testing the A400M freighter with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Plans include conducting a single-engine flight test with the SAF and a further four-engine test in 2023.
With information aerotime, Royal Air Force
