Tue, Oct 04, 2011
VTOL UAS Becomes The Seventh Navy Aircraft To Demonstrate
Biofuel Compatibility
The Navy has successfully flown its first unmanned biofuel
flight with an MQ-8B Fire Scout. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test
Directorate at Webster Field in St. Inigoes, MD piloted the
helicopter fueled with a combination of JP-5 aviation fuel and
plant-based camelina. The biofuel blend reduces carbon dioxide
output by 75 percent when compared to conventional aviation
fuel.
Navy Photo
Rear Adm. Bill Shannon, program executive officer for Unmanned
Aviation and Strike Weapons, said the flight "marks a significant
milestone with Fire Scout being the Navy's first unmanned aircraft
to use biofuel technology. I am very pleased we can add MQ-8B to
the list of successful bioflights completed at Pax River this year,
bringing us one step closer to achieving the Navy's energy
goals."
The MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-Off and Landing Tactical
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle provides critical situational awareness,
intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting
data to the forward deployed warfighter. Fire Scout is designed to
operate from all air capable ships and is currently providing ISR
support during its first-land based deployment in U.S. Central
Command area of responsibility.
Fire Scout is the seventh aircraft to demonstrate the
versatility of biofuel through its use in all facets of naval
aviation. The completion of aircraft biofuel testing at Pax River
is another example of the Navy's determination in achieving its
goal of launching the "Great Green Fleet."
This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine
Corps which will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve the
Secretary Ray Mabus' energy goals to improve our energy security
and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence,
and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.
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