Sustainable Oils has announced that the Thunderbirds demonstration flight uses camelina-based hydrotreated renewable jet fuel (HRJ).
The fuel will power two F-16 aircraft at the Joint Services Open House. This is the first time where green fuels have been utilized as a part of Department of Defense Aerial Team event.
The Camelina is a renewable fuel feedstock that has been grown in Montana and processed using UOP’s technology. The fuel, which is an outstanding rotation crop with high oil content, meets the requirements of the Air force and decreases carbon emission by over 70%.
Sustainable Oils’ CEO, Tom Todaro stated that the Thunderbirds aircraft represents another significant milestone in the application of camelina-based biofuel. This aviation fuel performs better than other petroleum products. The company will continue to support the development of innovative and sustainable aviation fuel.
The camelina-based biofuel has been tested and certified by the Air Force as a 50% mix with standard aviation fuel. The test has been carried out in the F-22 Raptor, C-17 Globemaster III, F-15 Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II. To date, Sustainable Oils has delivered approximately 500,000 gallons of HRJ made from camelina feedstock to US military programs.