Thunderbirds Fly On Alternative Fuel

Posted 21 May 2011
Photo by A1C James Richardson

The Thunderbirds, the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, flew two shows 20–21 May 2011 using a camelina-based hydrotreated renewable jet fuel blend for the first time. The team performed at the Joint Services Open House at Joint Base Andrews NAF Washington outside the nation’s capital. The Air Force is evaluating biomass fuels derived from seed oil from the camelina plant, beef tallow or animal fat, and various waste oils and greases The Air Force has certified biofuel as a fifty-percent blend with jet fuel in several aircraft, including the F-16 and the F-22. Air Force fleetwide certification of the biofuel mix is scheduled for completion in 2013.

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