Swift 100R: The unleaded fuel from the USA
Swift 100R is manufactured by the US manufacturer Swift Fuels LLC based in Indiana produced. This is a unleaded aviation fuel with 100 octanewhich was specially developed as a replacement for the previously used 100LL. The "R" in the name stands for "Renewable" - in other words, renewable.
The fuel contains at least 10 per cent renewable componentsis complete Free from lead and other toxic additives and already has Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) the US-American FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA - initially for the Lycoming IO-360-L2Aas it was, for example, in the Cessna 172S and R is installed.
German introduction via Saarbrücken - with a dedicated team
The company's European subsidiary, the Swift Fuel GmbH, has its registered office in Saarbrücken and is operated by Dr Thomas Albuzat, a chemist and pilot himself. He played a key role in the development and is contributing his expertise to the market launch.
For distribution in Germany, Swift is cooperating with the Bollinger Aviationwhose managing director Clemens Bollinger acts as a link between the manufacturer and the aerodrome operator. In Ganderkesee, the infrastructure for utilising the fuel is already fully in place: Tankers, signs and specially labelled tank caps on the affected aircraft ensure clear processes in day-to-day operations.
Why is Swift 100R so important for aviation?
Avgas 100LL, which is still widely used today, contains Tetraethyl leadwhich is not only harmful to health, but also has a massive impact on the environment. The discussion about lead-free avgas is not new - environmental authorities, aviation associations and researchers have been calling for a lead-free avgas system for many years. Environmentally friendly alternativewhich can be used immediately without any technical modifications.
Swift 100R offers exactly that:
- Compatibility with existing motors (initially for certain types, later planned across the board)
- No modifications to aircraft necessary
- Miscible with conventional avgas
- Material-friendly properties due to contained ether
- Green colouring for visual differentiation
A long development path - with a view to the future
Already since 2009 Swift Fuels is researching alternatives to leaded avgas. The first product, Swift UL94has been certified for a large number of piston engines worldwide - including ROTAX engineswhich are used in many ultralight aircraft. According to the manufacturer, UL94 covers around 70 per cent of the global piston aircraft fleet from.
Swift 100R is now taking the decisive next step: it offers the octane rating of 100LL and is designed to maximise its Fully-fledged, environmentally friendly replacement become. One Certification for other motors is already in preparation.
The next milestone: Ganderkesee to Friedrichshafen
In addition to regular operations, a symbolic long-haul flight with Swift 100R is also planned: From Ganderkesee to Friedrichshafen to the AERO 2025Europe's largest trade fair for general aviation. Weather and logistics permitting, the flight will be the first long-haul flight in Europe with Swift 100R a strong sign of innovation and ecological responsibility.
Statements from the field
Ralf SauerManaging Director of the airfield and the AAG Flight Academy, is convinced by the new fuel:
"A passion for flying and innovative solutions are part of our company's DNA. Sustainability is not a marketing term for us, but a responsibility we live by."
Dr Albuzat also emphasises:
"We are on the verge of a historic turning point in aviation fuel supply. Swift 100R is a safe, proven product on the market that also meets environmental requirements."
A significant step for general aviation
The introduction of Swift 100R in Ganderkesee is more than just a local pilot project - it is a signal to the entire aviation industrythat environmentally friendly innovations are already practicable and economically viable today.
If the experience with Swift 100R in Ganderkesee proves to be consistently positive, many other airfields and flying schools in Europe could follow suit - and thus pave the way for lead-free aviation.
Conclusion:
Swift 100R marks the beginning of a new chapter in general aviation fuel supply. The decision by Ganderkesee airfield to be the first European site to use the new unleaded fuel is courageous, pioneering and forward-looking. It will be exciting to see how quickly this development spreads in Germany and beyond.
Source references:
Aviation magazine
