Saab has conducted a series of test flights of its JAS 39 Gripen powered solely by biofuel made of rapeseed oil.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The company says the flights mark the first time a single-engine fighter has flown powered by 100% biofuel, and are part of a wider initiative that aims to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
Saab Future Business, Aeronautics Research and Technology director Göran Bengtsson said: “Demonstrating that Gripen can fly with 100% biofuel is an important step in making Gripen future-safe.
“Gaining independence from imports of oil is important from a defence standpoint and opens the way for additional sources of fuel, which creates flexibility.
See Also:
"It's naturally also good if we, in the long term, can contribute to reducing environmental impact from military aviation.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataSaab used a dual-seat Gripen D for the first biofuel demonstration flight, which was conducted at its facility in Linköping, Sweden.
Bengtsson added: “The test team noted no differences between the biofuel and the ordinary jet fuel, which means that biofuel can be used as a fully satisfactory alternative to ordinary jet fuel in Gripen.
“Flying with biofuel in operational service with Gripen requires, however, further certification of the fuel and access to fuel in the amounts that correspond to operational needs.”
The project was carried out in collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Saab and GKN Aerospace, which produces the RM12 engine for the Gripen C / D.
The biofuel used in the tests is known asCHCJ-5, and can be used as replacement for normal jet fuel without the need for engine changes or modifications, GKN Aerospace noted.
Image: Saab used a dual-seat Gripen D for the first biofuel demonstration flight. Photo: courtesy of Saab AB.
