Boeing has provided guidance to defence customers that company-produced military aircraft can utilize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at currently approved levels of up to a 50% blend with traditional fuel.
This guidance, announced at The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), is designed to aid global militaries in their assessment of incorporating SAF into their fleets.
The global No Technical Objection (NTO) states there are no technical issues with Boeing defence aircraft operating on synthetic aviation turbine fuels, which includes SAF. The NTO applies to all Boeing-built defence aircraft and their derivatives.
“SAF is widely accepted today as a drop-in replacement that works with existing aircraft, and also provides opportunities for global interoperability as well as strategic resilience through local fuel production,” said Steve Parker, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Boeing Defense, Space and Security.
“We hope this NTO will clear the way for more widespread SAF adoption by our military customers and propel greater alignment between commercial and military fuel standards, to the benefit of all.”
Unblended SAF, or “neat” SAF, completely devoid of fossil fuels, has the potential to decrease lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 84% when compared to traditional jet fuel and presents the greatest opportunity in the industry to lower carbon emissions across all aviation sectors over the next 30 years. At present, the maximum permissible blend for SAF is 50-50 with conventional fossil fuels.
“Boeing’s announcement at RIAT that all their military aircraft can operate on a 50% blend of SAF is a welcome step in the more widespread adoption of SAF by air forces around the world,” said Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris, Royal Air Force, Director Support.
“As a result of previous work in 2020, the RAF cleared all of its military aircraft for 50% SAF. We have continued to be at the forefront of trailing the use of SAF with the data we have gathered informing the MoD’s Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy.”
He added: “As well as contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, more widespread adoption of SAF amongst our allies will enhance global interoperability, maintaining our ability to operate anywhere that the RAF is required.”
Synthetic aviation turbine fuels are produced through alternative processes from sources other than petroleum. SAF falls under the category of synthetic fuels and utilizes recycled carbon sourced from renewable materials such as waste oils, municipal solid waste, and plant residues.
“All NATO Allies are committed to ensuring secure, resilient, and sustainable energy supplies, including fuel, to Allied military forces,” said James Appathurai, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber.
“SAF will play a key role in the Alliance’s efforts to adapt to the ongoing energy transition while maintaining its military capability, effectiveness, and interoperability. NATO and industry’s readiness to increase the uptake of SAF is an important step in this direction.”
SAF is a fully approved fuel source that is fully interchangeable with conventional fuels such as Jet A or Jet A-1. Additionally, multiple SAFs have been incorporated into military fuels specifications, such as JP-8/NATO F-34 or JP-5/NATO F-44.
