Mar 29 2010
An important milestone has been achieved with the successful test flight of a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II that was powered by camelina-based jet fuel blended with conventional jet fuel in 1:1 ratio. The camelina-based fuel was produced by Sustainable Oils, a manufacturer of renewable, low carbon fuels. This is the first time that all the engines in a plane used biomass fuel blended with traditional jet fuel. On 25th March, the flight took place at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for a period of 90 minutes.
CEO of Sustainable Oils, Tom Todaro, said the successful flight is another example of the company’s high-quality camelina-based jet fuels. The camelina plant and biofuels are produced in the country, which helps not only to provide jobs in rural America but also increases revenue. It also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the country’s reliance on imported oil. This is very important for the country’s environment, security and economy, Todaro said.
Maj. Chris Seager, the test pilot, said that he was very proud to be part of a historic flight. He further said the flight was predictable and uneventful.
A contract was awarded to Sustainable Oils by the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) in October 2009 to provide camelina-based jet fuel to the Air Force. The order was for 100,000 gallons of HRJ-8 that has to be supplied from 2009 through 2010, with an option to buy another 100,000 gallons between 2010 June and 2012 December. The Air Force is planning to conduct second feasibility demonstration flight this summer using an F-15 Eagle. Another two flight tests are planned for later this year using A C-17 Globemaster III and F-22 Raptor.
Source: www.susoils.com