Fighter Jets to Go Green

It is reported that the US Navy has successfully flown an F/A-18 Super Hornet Fighter aircraft dubbed the “Green Hornet” for 45 minutes just using a 50/50 blend of conventional jet fuel and a biofuel derived from camelina (a hardy U.S.-grown plant that can thrive even in difficult soil.).

The Navy celebrated Earth Day April 22 by showcasing a flight test of the “Green Hornet,” an F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole fighter jet powered by a biofuel blend.

“The alternative fuels test program is a significant milestone in the certification and ultimate operational use of biofuels by the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Mabus. It’s important to emphasize, especially on Earth Day, the Navy’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign oil as well as safeguarding our environment. Our Navy, alongside industry, the other services and federal agency partners, will continue to be an early adopter of alternative energy sources.”

“The aircraft flew exactly as we expected- no surprises,” said Weaver, F/A-18 project officer for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and pilot for the Earth Day flight test. “The fuel works so well, all I needed to do was just fly the plane.”

According to Kamin, final approval and certification for the camelina-based biofuel could take an additional six to nine months after flight test April 22.

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