The Royal Air Force (RAF) has used sustainable aviation fuel blended with regular jet fuel to achieve the first sustainable aviation fuel blend air-to-air refuelling of a Typhoon and C-130 Hercules aircraft.

A RAF Voyager delivered the fuel to the Typhoon and Hercules.

The Voyager was previously used in successful initial trials in November 2022 where it flew on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel.

Safe and effective mission

The leftover fuel from the Voyager trial was mixed with regular fuel at around 46-48 per cent.

The RAF worked with Air BP to re-certify the fuel and achieve the required standards needed for a safe and effective mission.

No detriment to performance

Squadron Leader Evans, RAF supply project manager, said: “We have learnt a great deal during this trial and now have confidence in our ability to use blends of Sustainable Aviation Fuel now and in the future.

“The trial proved there is no detriment to performance as we strive towards reduced emissions targets.”

A first for the Typhoon and Hercules

He added: “This was a first for both Typhoon and the Hercules and we believe that we are the first Air Force to conduct an Air-to-Air refuel operation with a sustainable aviation fuel bend at this level (46-48 per cent).

“We are hugely grateful to Air BP for their expertise in assisting us with the re-manufacture and re-certification process to enable this successful result.”

Image: RAF

Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter