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Military Aviation Giant Lockheed Affirms F-35 Compatibility with Green Fuels; Question Remains if U.S. Air Force Adopts the Eco-Friendly Fuel Technology

Lockheed Martin confirms that a 50-50 mixture of Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuel and conventional jet fuel is secure for flight operations in F-35 aircraft.

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Lockheed Martin concludes that a equal combination of Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuel and...
Lockheed Martin concludes that a equal combination of Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuel and conventional jet fuel is secure for operation in F-35 aircraft.

Military Aviation Giant Lockheed Affirms F-35 Compatibility with Green Fuels; Question Remains if U.S. Air Force Adopts the Eco-Friendly Fuel Technology

Synth Jet Fuel Takes Flight in F-35s

Breakthrough news! Lockheed Martin has given the green light for Synth Aviation Turbine Fuels (SATF) to sprinkle some green in the cockpits of F-35 fighter jets, boosting the Air Force's eco-friendly and climate goals.

This announcement comes hand in hand with Norway's debut use of SATF in their F-35s. After meticulously analyzing SATF, Lockheed decided there's no technical risk, providing it doesn't make up more than half of the fuel mix with good old petrol. The 50-50 split is contingent on the "raw materials and production pathway" used.

So, what's this synth juice made of? It sources from fossil-based materials such as coal and gas, as well as renewables like agricultural leftovers and waste oil.

Lockheed believes this new fuel source will keep F-35s mission-ready by cutting the reliance on supply chains. With approvals in place, American F-35s could soar on SATF during deployments in Norway when they need to refuel.

Lockheed added that embracing SATF supports the Department of Defense's goals for energy substitution, diversification, and resilience, enhancing operational flexibility.

Norway belted SATF on their F-35s for the first time on January 14, using a 60/40 mix of standard jet fuel combined with what the Norwegian defense ministry referred to as "biofuels." Norway's defense minister, Bjørn Arild Gram, stated that the country's air force churns out a third of the defense ministry's carbon emissions. Switching to this cleaner blend will help decrease emissions and beef up fuel security, according to Gram.

Besides promoting preparedness, SATF may also help Norway achieve its climate targets while amping up military activity as per their new defense plan. Norway is set to field around 40 of its 52 F-35s by the late 2020s.

In the mid-2000s, the U.S. Air Force flung some coin into synthetic jet fuel research using the Fischer-Tropsch method and tested the outcome on a C-17 and a B-52. The Air Force pushed for this tech primarily due to skyrocketing aviation fuel prices and concerns around fuel shortages during a crisis. This exploration focused on transforming coal and other materials into aircraft fuel.

A B-52 took to the skies in September 2006, using a combo of synthetic fuel in two engines and regular fuel on the other six. Just two months later, all eight engines roared with synthetic fuel.

Unfortunately, the Air Force couldn't disclose its current synthetic fuel production capabilities right away. Even in 2021, they teamed up with private companies to conjure aviation fuels using the Fischer-Tropsch method. In its 2022 Climate Action Plan, the Air Force aimed to establish a pilot program to ensure that, by 2026, 10% of their aviation fuel at two operational sites is sustainable and priced the same as traditional fuel.

Given the annual fuel consumption of approximately 2 billion gallons, slashing per-gallon costs of fuel could signify a substantial reduction in Air Force expenditure.

Fly Green

It's worth noting:* The Air Force's adoption of SATF represents a crucial stride towards creating a greener, more sustainable military. As the military continues to investigate alternative fuels, the F-35's ability to accommodate SATF is a significant leap forward in aligning military operations with broader sustainability goals.

  1. This new fuel source, Synth Aviation Turbine Fuels (SATF), is not only eco-friendly but also efficiently aligns with the Air Force's climate goals, as demonstrated by Lockheed Martin's decision to incorporate it into F-35 fighter jets.
  2. The Department of Defense's goals for energy substitution, diversification, and resilience are being supported through the adoption of SATF, enhancing operational flexibility.
  3. SATF, derived from both fossil-based materials and renewable resources, has the potential to decrease the military's carbon emissions, as demonstrated by Norway's deployment of SATF in their F-35s.
  4. The adoption of SATF may lead to substantial financial savings for the military, as the per-gallon cost of sustainable fuels could potentially be lower than that of traditional fuel, given the Air Force's annual fuel consumption of approximately 2 billion gallons.
  5. While initially employing the Fischer-Tropsch method with the assistance of private companies, the Air Force aims to establish a pilot program ensuring that, by 2026, 10% of their aviation fuel at two operational sites is sustainable and priced the same as traditional fuel, a move toward a more environmentally responsible aviation industry.
  6. The inclusion of SATF in military operations could have a substantial impact on the military's climate-change footprint, setting a precedent for other defense industries to adopt greener, sustainable practices aligned with the broader goals of environmental-science and the industry's commitment to finance and technology advancements.

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