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Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuels for the F-35 Lightning II
Lockheed Martin recently approved the use of synthetic aviation turbine fuels (SATF) in the F-35 Lightning II. The new fuel sources will improve readiness by reducing reliance on the extended supply chain.
“Lockheed Martin is committed to ensuring the F-35 is always ready for any customer mission,” said Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of the F-35 program at Lockheed Martin, in a company news release. “Adding new fuel sources helps make this happen by diversifying the supply chain while maintaining operational excellence. As the cornerstone of the joint fleet, the F-35 will continue to lead the U.S. and allied air dominance mission for decades to come.”
SATFs
What it means
- The approval allows F-35s to operate with synthetic blends at currently approved limits of up to 50 percent, depending on the type of raw materials and production pathway, combined with conventional jet fuel.
- Lockheed Martin completed comprehensive technical and strategic analysis to ensure SATF meets the strict performance and reliability standards required for the F-35’s complex, high-demand missions.
- The integration of SATF supports the Department of Defense’s objectives for energy substitution and diversification while enhancing energy resilience and operational flexibility.
What are SATFs?
- SATFs are derived from various raw materials, including fossil-based sources such as coal and natural gas, as well as renewable or sustainable sources like waste oils, agricultural residues and other non-fossil-based sources.
About the Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II family includes three variants — all single-seat jets. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant, and the F-35C carrier variant.
All three variants have similar performance characteristics and the exact same advanced avionics. The variation between models allows military forces to achieve service-specific mission capability, while still taking advantage of the economies of scale that result from the parts and processes that are common to all three variants.
More than 1,100 F-35s are currently operational around the globe, and the fleet has surpassed 971,700 flight hours. F-35s operate from 33 bases worldwide, including 10 nations operating on home soil. As adversaries advance and legacy aircraft age, the F-35 is critical to maintaining air dominance for decades to come.
Photo credit: Lockheed Martin
