Considering the fact that helicopters are entirely depending on a spinning rotor to stay within the air, an MH-60S Seahawk doesn’t exactly seem the foremost likely candidate for experimental fuel . That did not appear to stop the US Navy , however, which successfully completed a test flight with a 50 / 50 blend of algae-based biofuel and Jet A (traditionally the flavour of choice for turbine-based aircraft). The mix used is called Solajet HRJ-5 Jet fuel, which does not quite have an analogous ring to it nearly as good ole Jet A — however it does happen to be in keeping with a renewable resource and managed to maintain the rotor spinning. There is no word on how much the recent fuel costs to provide or when it’d be ready for commercial use, but when all goes to plot, we may soon be using the golf green stuff for greater than just sushi rolls and miso soup.
Applauds ASTM International historic preliminary approval of algae based biofuels for aviation
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Solazyme, Inc. (NASDAQ:SZYM), a renewable oil and bioproducts company, announced today that america Navy successfully demonstrated Solazyme’s 100% algal-derived jet fuel, Solajet®HRJ-5, in an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter test flight in a 50/50 blend with petroleum-derived jet fuel. This marks the primary military aircraft to fly on an algal-based jet fuel in history. This test flight preceded the historic announcement by ASTM International that it has preliminarily approved biofuel from algae and other renewable sources to be blended with traditional jet fuel on commercial flights worldwide, with formal approval expected sometime in July.
“We applaud ASTM International and the ATA and CAAFI for his or her efforts to advance the world’s newest and most sustainable fuels for aviation. The aviation industry has demonstrated a robust leadership position in fuel supply diversification and sustainability, and today’s announcement is a big step in its efforts to commercialize advanced low-carbon biofuels,” said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme.
“Solazyme is honored to be working with america Navy and DLA-Energy in driving forward the testing and certification process for advanced biofuels. The successful flight demonstration of the Seahawk helicopter on a 50/50 blend of Solajet®HRJ-5 and petroleum-derived jet fuel marks a major milestone on this process, and reinforces the Navy’s commitment to securing our nation’s energy supply.”
Honeywell UOP was the refining partner at the jet fuel delivery, and was working with Solazyme since 2009 on multiple contracts with america military.
Up to now, Solazyme is the only real company to give the usa Navy with microbially-derived advanced aviation and marine fuel. These advanced biofuels are drop-in replacements to petroleum-based fuel, requiring no modification to engines or military logistics infrastructure. The fuels also meet Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
The Engadget Interview: BlackBerry PlayBook product manager Michael Clewley
Mozilla rumored to debut LG-made Boot to Gecko device at MWC
