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)

FMI: www.rvairshows.com, www.swiftenterprises.net