Hawker Beechcraft marks industry-first test flight on sustainable fuel

In a partnership with Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) and Swift Enterprises, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announced the successful test flights of its certificated Beechcraft Bonanza G36 on unleaded aviation fuel and Swift Sustainable Fuel. HBC leads the industry as the first major aircraft manufacturer to accomplish this using Swift Fuel. This is the first step toward the future of unleaded gas and sustainable fuel powered aircraft and an example of HBC's sustainability efforts and longstanding history of developing leading technologies for general aviation aircraft.

"This is another big step in our sustainability initiative and technology leadership at HBC," said Ed Petkus, HBC vice president, Product Development and Engineering. "It is also something that will delight general aviation pilots. The partnership with TCM and Swift Enterprises exemplifies the leadership of our companies and our commitment to supporting the technologies necessary to find an alternative to 100LL. I am confident our customers and the entire aviation industry will benefit from our efforts."

"TCM has established a leadership role in the important mission to help develop an alternative to 100LL that is affordable, safe and renewable," said Rhett Ross, president of TCM. "We will continue to leverage our engineering resources and strategic alliances until a workable alternative is available for piston aircraft."

"We project that Swift Fuel will extend aircraft range through increased efficiency and could cost up to 50 percent less per gallon than 100LL," said Jon Ziulkowski, Swift Enterprises Vice President of Renewable Fuels. "This will be a big boost to piston aircraft operators and something we are proud to be involved in."

The collaborative work with TCM and Swift Enterprises began last year to develop engine technology and test unleaded and sustainable fuels for use in piston aircraft. A fuel specification is being developed for unleaded aviation gasoline and more testing is planned for the coming weeks and months.   In February, HBC announced the formation of a Wichita sustainability coalition. By partnering with TCM and Swift Enterprises to investigate the future of aviation gas, HBC is furthering its efforts to improve sustainability for the entire life cycle of its aircraft.

HBC is also active in the Coordinating Research Council and General Aviation Manufacturers Association Avgas Committees.