A world-first flypast using a combination of more sustainable fuels has been performed by the Red Arrows over London.
Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team were powered with a high-ratio blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to provide the exciting finale at the big event, performed for His Majesty the King.
The flypast is also thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a sustainable fuels blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel, known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), to produce its distinctive trademark vapour trails.
This is the first time the team has flown with sustainable fuels at a public event, following groundbreaking trials by RAF engineers and logisticians.
Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris, the RAF’s Director Support, explained: “The King’s Birthday Flypast is the perfect event to showcase to the next generation how our adoption of low-emission alternatives, including sustainable aviation fuel and biofuel, can decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.
“As the Red Arrows have shown, the RAF is adapting to ensure we can continue to fly and fight globally, using any fuel source, as these alternative supplies become more common.”
Increased benefits of sustainable fuels
SAF is typically made from waste-based low-carbon feedstocks. This sustainable option reduces lifecycle carbon emissions, on average, by up to 80% compared to the conventional jet fuel it replaces.
HVO is a premium hydrocarbon-based fuel product made from 100% renewable raw materials, with a chemical structure almost identical to that of regular diesel traditionally used by the aerobatic team for its vapour trails.
When judged against this standard, diesel HVO reduces emissions by up to 90% across its lifespan.
The RAF’s commitments to reducing its carbon footprint
In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the move demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to new technology as well as becoming more energy-secure and less reliant on fossil fuels.
Squadron Leader Andy King, the Red Arrows’ Senior Engineering Officer and who led the pioneering fuels project, said: “Through our use of renewable fuel options, particularly the novel use for the trails, we are demonstrating the best of science, technology, engineering and maths – themes and skills that are at the heart of the Red Arrows and the Royal Air Force as a whole.”
The RAF is working with sustainable fuels to power current and future aircraft. This reduces reliance on global fossil fuel supply chains and enhances energy security, thereby improving operational resilience.
There are also environmental benefits to switching to these alternative fuels, including cutting carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.
King concluded: “The beauty of these alternative fuels is how easily they can be used and with little additional work.
“The team will now look to explore further opportunities to use this innovation at other events.”
