RAF completes first successful drone flight fuelled by synthetic kerosene

The RAF has carried out a successful drone flight, pioneering the use of synthetic kerosene which could make aviation more sustainable in the future.

The flight is the culmination of Project Vermeer, a UK-US collaborative project to deliver a more sustainable alternative to aviation fuel derived from fossil fuels. Synthetic kerosene trialled in the drone flight is made by using bacteria to create an oil substance from food waste and other high-sugar substrates, that can be converted into aviation fuel using chemical processes and heat.

The synthetic fuel has a reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, but is combusted in engines in the same way. It also does not require large-scale infrastructure to produce, making it well suited for military deployments.

Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said:

“This is an exciting moment for the RAF and British industry as they continue to develop pioneering solutions to help address climate change. These new approaches will maintain our world-class fighting forces whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”

Air Vice Marshal Lincoln Taylor said:

“The RAF needs to ensure that we are at the forefront of technology to safeguard our own resilience and operational capability, whilst minimising our damage to the environment. Fuel scarcity and cost will only ever increase in its impact on our operations and synthetic fuels for our aircraft are one potential solution to this situation as we look to secure the objectives of the next generation RAF of tomorrow.”

Working with British company C3 Biotechnologies Ltd and the US Navy, the initial RAF trial created 15 litres of fuel in laboratory conditions. Following successful engine testing, a four-metre fixed-wing drone completed a 20-minute test flight in Wiltshire, that indicated the fuel performs consistently to a high standard.