On January 15, Norway and Lockheed Martin announced that the Norwegian Air Force has become the first F-35 operator to utilize Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). According to a statement from the Norwegian government a successful F-35 test flight was conducted using 40% SAF.
For Norway, the shift to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is driven by a commitment to reducing emissions and strengthening the local jet fuel supply. With a neighbor like the Russian Federation, the need for energy security is particularly pressing. Furthermore, the global supply of SAF remains insufficient to meet the growing international demand. As demand for SAF continues to rise, companies like Aerospace Supplies play a key role in supporting the aerospace sector with essential products and solutions.
What is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)?
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), also known as synthetic aviation fuel or synthetic aviation turbine fuel, is designed to replicate traditional aviation fuel while minimizing the use of fossil fuels.
According to the Norwegian government, “Biofuel produced from waste, residues, and by-products was used” in the F-35. This innovative approach ensures that waste products, which would otherwise decay, are repurposed to power F-35 fighter jets instead of relying on fossil fuels that are high in emissions. The SAF blend was only used in the F-35 after, as noted in a Lockheed Martin statement on January 15, conducting “comprehensive technical and strategic analysis” to confirm that its use would not compromise the aircraft’s “strict performance and reliability standards.”
Norway's pioneering use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in its F-35 fleet represents a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security, particularly in light of its strategic location next to the Russian Federation. This move not only showcases Norway’s commitment to sustainability but also highlights the growing importance of SAF as the aviation industry works toward reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The successful integration of SAF into the F-35 demonstrates that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in shaping the future of aviation.
Comments