27 October 2020

UK looks for ‘sustainable' aviation fuel

by Gareth Jennings

The United Kingdom is working towards operating its combat aviation fleets on more sustainable fuels than at present, with the government noting ongoing clearance efforts with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

A Merlin crew member and ground support personnel refuel the helicopter during a deployment exercise. The UK MoD is looking to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for its aircraft fleets as part of a wider UK government drive towards more sustainable fuels. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Answering a question in parliament on the use of aviation fuel, the minister of state for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Jeremy Quin, noted that the ministry is looking to reduce its environmental impact through the reduced use of standard leaded aviation gasoline (Avgas), and that alternatives are being sought.

“The Ministry of Defence is driving to reduce environmental contaminants […] where possible and, as soon as alternatives are proven to be fit for purpose and safe in use, it is our policy to seek clearances from the airframe and engine OEMs for their inclusion in the procurement process,” he said on 26 October.

Although referring specifically to piston engine fuel Avgas 100LL and its additive tetra-ethyl lead (TEL) in his answer, Quin’s comments reflect the MoD’s wider effort to introduce more sustainable fuel sources for its aviation fleets.

With aviation fuel for the UK armed forces’ fixed- and rotary-winged fleets accounting for two-thirds of all fuel use by the MoD, Strategic Command (previously known as Joint Forces Command) reported in mid-October on the progress it is making in a three year effort to develop and field ‘greener’ fuels for its aircraft.

The United Kingdom is working towards operating its combat aviation fleets on more sustainable fuels...

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