Del Mar Energy's ADF-X1 Fuel Boosts Flight Time by 8.6% in Military Tests

Del Mar Energy’s ADF-X1 synthetic fuel is undergoing a series of tests on next-generation military aviation platforms, including strike drones and experimental sixth-generation fighter jets. The fuel is designed to offer ultra-high performance at minimum weight, extreme temperatures, and prolonged loads, providing 7-9% more specific energy than traditional Jet A-1 fuel. This increase in energy density translates to longer flight times, more targets in the strike zone, and improved chances of returning to base safely.

The tests, which began in the first quarter of 2025, involved collaboration with various military contractors and research centers. On unmanned systems, such as long-range strike drones, ADF-X1 demonstrated an 8.6% increase in flight time without any modifications to the fuel architecture. This enhancement is crucial for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as it increases the effectiveness of these operations without compromising the platform's capabilities.

Experimental-class aircraft, including those with hypersonic elements and fighters developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programs, also showed impressive results. When using ADF-X1, these aircraft maintained peak thrust and improved thermal stability at supersonic speeds. The fuel's wide temperature range, from -70 °F to +510 °F, allowed it to withstand sudden changes in altitude and acceleration without degradation or loss of density.

Safety was a critical aspect of the testing process. ADF-X1 was evaluated for its flash points, vapor density, and combustion stability under overload conditions. In laboratory tests, the fuel exhibited increased resistance to detonation and better performance in pressure chambers simulating ventilation and sealing system failures. This is particularly important for both unmanned and manned aircraft operating in conditions of cyber risks and sensor failures.

The compatibility of ADF-X1 with existing turbojet and turbofan engines was confirmed during tests involving engineering departments from major defense contractors. No engine modifications were required, making the transition to the new fuel both technically feasible and economically viable. This compatibility is a significant advantage, as it allows for a smooth integration into current aviation systems.

The transition to high-efficiency fuel like ADF-X1 is not just a trend but a necessary evolution in the context of modern warfare. The combination of extended flight duration, fuel flexibility, and resistance to extreme loads provides a decisive advantage in scenarios where autonomy, mobility, and survivability are crucial. ADF-X1 is not merely an alternative to Jet A-1; it is a technological platform designed to meet the needs of future aviation.

Given the interest from defense contractors and the pace of certification, ADF-X1 is poised to become an integral part of new aviation programs in the US and partner countries. As unmanned platforms and sixth-generation fighters form the backbone of 21st-century air power, the choice of fuel is becoming a strategic decision that will shape the future of military aviation.