UPDATE

THE NY START-UP THAT FIRST TURNED CO2 INTO VODKA

IS NOW POWERING NATIONAL DEFENSE

AIRCO™ has successfully tested its proprietary synthetic fuel – a clean, drop-in replacement derived from carbon dioxide, renewable electricity, and water across land, sea, and military platforms.

“Through our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), we have completed first-of-its-kind demonstrations using our CO2-derived drop-in fuel.”

-- Gregory Constantine, CEO of AIRCO

By Suzanne Forcese

Brooklyn, NY based start-up Air Companynow rebranded as AIRCO™ is a carbon-conversion technology company dedicated to providing essential energy alternatives in support of national security. The company has successfully completed a series of breakthrough demonstrations with the Department of Defense using its proprietary fuel across land, air, and sea.

WATERTODAY learns more in AIRCO’s continuing story with Gregory Constantine.

“Together with the DoD, we’re thrilled to lead the way in advancing this critical technology that can act as a force multiplier, delivering new capabilities to our armed forces at the point of need, and improving safety for American service members,” Constantine said.

In a land demonstration, AIRCO™ completed a highly attended demonstration of fully formulated CO2 derived fuel on a land vehicle. This demonstration was successfully completed using a Polaris MRZR tactical vehicle at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The AIRMADE®FUEL provided the same performance as fossil diesel fuel while emitting less visible smoke in the exhaust.

This demonstration capped a study showing the viability of AIRMADE® fuel production that could be integrated into an Army nuclear reactor energy hub – which is intended to bring back nuclear reactor operations to the Department of the Army for the first time in 50 years.

In marine demonstrations, vessels performed at speed and acceleration comparison tests to fossil fuels with less visible smoke and identical performance to fossil fuels

Additionally, in partnership with the Air Force project FIERCE, AIRCO achieved the first-ever unmanned flight powered by 100% synthetic jet fuel derived from CO2 This noteworthy flight, utilizing AIRMADE SAF, underscored AIRCO’s capacity to supply fuel for military aviation.

“Our fast-progressing work with the Defense Innovation Unit shows that fuel derived from CO2 is not only feasible but is on track to become essential for providing reliable and accessible operational energy anywhere in the world.”

The company is also proud to partner with NASA to further fuel innovation for future space exploration, broadening the impact of its fuel technologies.

To showcase AIRCO’s impact and visibility, Constantine was eager to tell WT about a new venture.

“A few weeks ago, we opened the doors to FUEL STORE in the historic Gasoline Alley area of NoHo, Manhattan—an immersive, physical space designed to showcase the new era of energy. The space offered a close-up look at the potential impact AIRMADE™ Technology can have in industries across air, land, sea, and space.”

The close-up look also showcases 11 bespoke “fun creations” that Constantine says are up for auction.