Boeing Charts a Green Future: Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Military Jets
“No Technical Objection” clears the way for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) deployment at approved blending ratios on Boeing-manufactured military aircraft
Boeing has provided guidance to defense customers indicating that aircraft crafted by the company can operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at currently sanctioned levels of up to 50% mix with conventional fuels. The declaration, made at RIAT, aims to support global military forces contemplating the integration of SAF into their fleets.
The global No Technical Objection (NTO) signifies that there are no technical issues with Boeing defense aircraft utilizing synthetic aviation turbine fuels, including SAF. The NTO applies to all Boeing-manufactured defense aircraft and their variants.
“SAF is widely acknowledged today as a compatible substitute that merges effortlessly with existing aircraft, presenting opportunities for international interoperability and strategic resilience through localized fuel sourcing,” remarked Steve Parker, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Boeing Defense, Space and Security. “We expect this NTO will enhance broader SAF utilization among our military clients and promote improved alignment between commercial and military fuel standards, benefiting all stakeholders.”
Unblended, or “neat” SAF, which is entirely free from fossil fuels, can drastically reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional jet fuel and represents the industry’s greatest potential to diminish carbon footprints across all aviation sectors in the upcoming three decades.
Currently, the maximum allowable levels for SAF involve a 50-50 mix with standard fossil fuels.
Synthetic aviation turbine fuels are produced through alternative methods using resources other than petroleum. SAF is one type of synthetic fuel that employs recycled carbon from renewable sources such as waste oils, municipal solid waste, and agricultural byproducts.
SAF is a fully certified fuel source that is entirely interchangeable with traditional fuels like Jet A or Jet A-1. Furthermore, several SAFs have been incorporated into military fuel specifications, including JP-8/NATO F-34 or JP-5/NATO F-44.
“Approved synthetic aviation turbine fuels, including SAF, bolster the DOD’s operational capabilities and are vital for Navy readiness,” stated Rick Kamin, Operational Energy Manager for the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and lead of the Tri-Service Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants Users Group’s synthetic aviation turbine fuels qualification team. “The global NTO accelerates the rapid acceptance of synthetic aviation turbine fuels by the U.S. Department of Defense, essential for ensuring global interoperability.”
Boeing has been a pioneer in making SAF a reality and has a rich history of supporting alternative fuels. In 2010, the company collaborated with the U.S. Air Force on an extensive fuel analysis as part of their initiative to certify the C-17 Globemaster for SAF blends. That same year, Boeing also supported the supersonic flight of a U.S. Navy F/A-18F “Green Hornet” using a 50/50 SAF blend.
