Lockheed Martin recently approved the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuel (SATF) in the F-35 Lightning II. New fuel sources improve readiness by reducing dependence on extended supply chains.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission,” said Chauncey McIntosh, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “Adding new fuel sources allows us to do this by diversifying our supply chain while maintaining operational excellence. As a cornerstone of the joint fleet, the F-35 will continue to provide air superiority to the United States and its allies for decades to come.” He will continue to lead the mission.”
This approval allows the F-35 to operate synthetic blends in combination with conventional jet fuel, up to the currently approved 50 percent limit, depending on feedstock type and production route. Lockheed Martin completed a comprehensive technical and strategic analysis to ensure the SATF meets the rigorous performance and reliability standards required for the F-35’s complex and demanding missions. SATF integration supports the Department of Defense’s goals of energy substitution and diversification while enhancing energy resiliency and operational flexibility.
SATF is derived from a variety of raw materials, including fossil-based resources such as coal and natural gas, as well as renewable or sustainable sources such as waste oil, agricultural residues, and other non-fossil-based resources.
There are currently more than 1,100 F-35s in service around the world, with more than 971,700 flight hours. The F-35 operates from 33 bases around the world, including 10 countries where it operates domestically. The F-35 will be essential to maintaining air superiority for decades to come as adversaries advance and traditional aircraft age.
Source: Lockheed Martin (press release).
