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The Royal Air Force has completed the inaugural flight test of an UAS designed to demonstrate the viability of alternative energy sources in the defence space.
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As part of Project Vermeer — a collaboration between the United Kingdom and the United States aimed at exploring fossil fuel alternatives —the Royal Air Force has successfully completed the first flight of a four-metre drone powered by synthetic fuel.
The synthetic kerosene was made by mixing raw materials with high sugar levels, this included using food waste and bacteria to create an oil substance, which is converted into aviation fuel using chemicals and heat.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the synthetic fuel is an attractive option for defence deployments, given it can be made with minimal resources.
“This is an exciting moment for the RAF and British industry as they continue to develop pioneering solutions to help address climate change,” Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said.
“These new approaches will maintain our world-class fighting forces whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”
Air Vice-Marshal Lincoln Taylor said such projects ensure the RAF is at the vanguard of technology, helping to bolster resilience and operational capability in a sustainable manner.
“Fuel scarcity and cost will only ever increase in its impact on our operations and synthetic fuels for our aircraft are one potential solution to this situation as we look to secure the objectives of the next generation RAF of tomorrow,” AVM Taylor said.
The project involved British firm C3 Biotechnologies and the US Navy, with the initial trial creating 15 litres of fuel in laboratory conditions.
The fixed-wing drone completed a 20-minute test flight in Wiltshire following successful engine testing.
“It is exciting and game-changing to work with our allies in the UK to develop a more efficient synthetic aviation fuel,” Chief of US Naval Research Rear Admiral Lorin Selby said.
“The US Navy is committed to finding innovative solutions to operational challenges, and the ability to manufacture this fuel without large infrastructure requirements would be ground-breaking for deployed forces.”
The next stage of the project is expected to include refining the process and developing deployable manufacturing facilities.
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