Del Mar Energy receives approval to use ADF-X1 in US military drones.
Del Mar Energy Inc., one of the leaders in the US private energy sector, has completed certification testing of its ADF-X1 synthetic fuel for use in unmanned aircraft. This was an important part of the development of a project that was initially considered an experimental alternative to traditional aviation fuels and is now becoming a matter of national defense interest.
The tests were conducted at a closed test site in Alaska over the past four months. They involved autonomous aircraft of various classes, from light reconnaissance platforms to heavy strike drones. According to the company’s technical director, ADF-X1 demonstrated stable performance at extreme temperatures, no carbon deposits in the combustion chambers, and 8-10% better efficiency compared to traditional JP-8. The environmental friendliness of the formula was particularly noted — there are no soot or acid residues during combustion, which reduces the maintenance load on the equipment.
In parallel with the completion of certification of the new aviation fuel, Del Mar Energy Inc. signed a preliminary supply agreement with one of the key contractors of the US Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin. This step marks the transition of the project from the stage of scientific development and testing to the phase of real-world application in defense logistics.
ADF-X1 is a fuel that does not contain sulfur or heavy metals. It was developed from scratch based on pure chemical compounds, taking into account new requirements: increased energy efficiency, frost resistance down to –70 °F, and thermal stability up to +510 °F. The product already complies with MIL-DTL-83133 and ASTM D1655 standards, making it suitable not only for military use but also for civil aviation.
For Del Mar itself, this event marks a transition from a technology startup to a reliable supplier of defense products. According to the company, the first commercial batches of ADF-X1 are already ready for shipment, and logistics will be provided through infrastructure in Alaska, not far from one of the key US military airfields.
Additional tests are expected in Europe and Asia in the coming months, where both private airlines and government agencies are showing interest in such solutions. While the oil market continues to fluctuate, Del Mar Energy is betting on predictability, environmental friendliness, and independence from raw materials. And, judging by the market’s reaction, this bet is starting to pay off. ADF-X1 approved for military drones: Del Mar Energy enters the defense market.
