Sweden continues to test fossil-free fuel using JAS 39 Gripen aircraft
The Swedish Armed Forces have announced that it is continuing to test a mixture of fossil-free fuel with the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft.
The Swedish Armed Forces have announced that it is continuing to test a mixture of fossil-free fuel with the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft.
The test flights, which have been carried out since 2017, have demonstrated unchanged performance of the fossil-free fuel in comparison with traditional jet fuel.
The Swedish Armed Forces is also following closely the biofuel project undertaken by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in collaboration with GKN Aerospace Engine Systems Sweden in Trollhättan.
Engine tests were also carried out to study the differences in the engine function and performance using the 50-50 biofuel mix compared to the use of jet fuel.
During the tests, engines with biofuel showcased unchanged thrust power and fuel consumption performance, compared to conventional fuel.
Swedish Armed Forces’ Total Defence Department fighter pilot and head brigadier general Gabor Nagy said: “This is an important project for the Swedish Armed Forces’ development activity as Sweden aims to become climate neutral by 2045.
“The conducted tests are very positive and we look forward to the next step with confidence.”
The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) will undertake the next step that involves more testing during the first quarter of next year.
Following that, FMV and its partner, US Air Force / Naval Air Systems Command, will analyse the biofuel project and provide a conclusion.
The final report from the FMV will be provided to the Swedish Armed Forces in 2021.