This weekend the RAF Typhoon made history when it completed its first public display on a blend of sustainable fuel and regular jet fuel at RAF Fairford.
The aircraft’s eight-minute display, flown by Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull, flew on a 35% blend of sustainable fuel under the airshow’s theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’.
The Typhoon, manufactured by BAE Systems, is one of the RAF’s flagship aircraft – capable of speeds of nearly 1400 mph.
The Royal International Air Tattoo, UK’s most prestigious airshow, welcomes 150,000 people to the rural airfield every year with all proceeds from the event being donated to its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.
People and Sustainability Director at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Kate McKinley said: “This is a landmark moment for the Royal International Air Tattoo.
“The Typhoon is an incredible aircraft – it’s display on blended SAF at this year’s show is a glimpse into the future as we all strive to become more sustainable – we are delighted it has happened at our event.
“At RIAT, we provide a unique opportunity for the aviation industry to present things to the public and I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring this project to fruition.”
Members from the BAE Systems, RAF and RAFCTE gathered at the airshow this weekend to mark the occasion.
Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer at BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “We all have a responsibility for sustainability and we continue to collaborate with the RAF and the wider defence industry in achieving our goals to reduce carbon emissions.
“We are proud to support the RAF Typhoon Display Team in its landmark performance at this year’s show.”
BAE Systems was one of the first defence industry companies to sign up to the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy Charter which will help the UK meet its Net Zero ambitions.
