Wed, Dec 07, 2011
Air Show Pilot Performs Using High-Octane Replacement Biofuel
In Sukhoi Aerobatic Aircraft
An airshow pilot based in the northeast United States and Canada
says a high-octane, unleaded aviation gasoline provides power
similar to conventional general aviation fuel while improving his
aircraft's range.
Rick Volker Su-26M
Rick Volker of Rick Volker Air Shows compared the performance of
Swift Enterprises Ltd.'s 100SF gasoline with conventional 100LL in
separate flights of his Sukhoi Su-26M, a modern aerobatic aircraft
with a radial engine. The flights included extensive use of full
power and unusual attitudes to simulate air show flight. He said
test results were supported by on-board engine monitoring.
"Swift's 100SF provides similar power, but with less fuel burned
at every power setting, which allowed for significant increases in
aircraft range," he said. "I tested the material compatibility of
100SF with the unmodified 360 horsepower Vedeneyev M14P engine and
confirmed the miscibility with 100LL, meeting performance
benchmarks at each trial. These tests provide supportive evidence
that 100SF will meet the performance needs of aircraft during the
most severe use imaginable, without any equipment changes."
Volker says his interest in finding a replacement for 100LL
stems from environmental and national safety. "I'm anxious to
contribute to solutions to our growing environmental problems. And
my son is serving with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan, so ending
our dependence on foreign oil has gathered a new importance in my
life," he said. "My testing provides unbiased and independent
validation that 100SF is a viable ultra-high performance
alternative fuel that is an answer to these problems.”
(Photograph of Su-26M by Eric Dunigan Photography)
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