After rigorous initial testing and 10 years of R&D, Shell’s new lead-free formulation is finally ready.  Shell has officially become the first major oil company to develop a lead-free replacement for aviation gasoline.  The new fuel will now begin a strict regulatory approvals process.           

Avgas is one of the last common transportation fuels that contains lead and is used by light aircrafts and helicopters.  It only includes lead to meet fuel specifications and to boost combustion performance.  To counter these issues, Shell developed an unleaded Avgas that meets all of the key properties needed to achieve an acceptable and exceptional Motor Octane rating. 

Shell’s aviation technologists have carried out intense laboratory programs to ensure that the fuel would pass any regulatory processes needed for approval.  The program included in-house altitude rig and engine testing.  Alliances were formed with aviation companies like Piper Aircraft Inc. and Lycoming Engines to achieve industry opinions and concerns.  Shell was able to have the fuel successfully evaluated in an industry laboratory engine test by Lycoming and flight tests by Piper.

Senior Vice-President and general manager of Lycoming Engines, Michael Kraft, said that Lycoming really commends shell on this launch and achievement.

“They engaged Lycoming to test their fuel on our highest-octane demand engine and we can confirm that it’s remarkably close to Avgas 100LL from a performance perspective,” Kraft said. “This initiative is a major step in the right direction for general aviation.”

Shell is now ready to fully engage the entire aviation industry, regulators and authorities (US Federal Aviation Administration, American Society for Testing and Materials and European Aviation Safety Agency) in order to achieve approvals for their unleaded gas.