Eurosatory 2024: Rheinmetall Surprises With New Synthetic Fuel.

The Caracal platform has presented an innovative solution to the demands of modern military mobility. Starting on June 17, 2024, the Caracal will demonstrate its exceptional agility twice daily in the demonstration area at Eurosatory 2024, even in difficult terrain. This demonstration will use a new synthetic fuel created from hydrogen, CO2, and electricity specifically for military use.
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The synthetic fuel used by the Caracal and presented during Eurosatory 2024. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The synthetic fuel used by the Caracal is produced through a process involving hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and electricity. This method, part of the Giga-PtX project vision, is a collaboration between Rheinmetall and its technology partner, INERATEC. The goal is to develop a war-ready energy source using synthetic fuels, providing a sustainable and reliable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also improves energy security for military operations.

Specialized journalists had the opportunity to witness this synthetic fuel-powered demonstration on June 16, 2024. Additionally, at Rheinmetall's stand at Eurosatory 2024, a variant of the Caracal equipped with a launcher for Hero-120 loitering munitions is on display.

However, the concept of synthetic fuel is not entirely new. Historically, these fuels date back to the early 20th century with innovations such as coal hydrogenation patented by Friedrich Bergius in 1918. During World War II, Germany extensively used synthetic fuels produced via the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for its military needs, marking a significant development point.

Post-war, despite the abundance of oil, the United States and other countries continued research on synthetic fuels, especially in response to the 1970s oil crisis. Modern methods include biomass gasification, the use of renewable electricity to produce e-fuels, and solar heat to create solar fuels. These processes convert syngas into liquid fuels like diesel and kerosene, which are compatible with existing infrastructure and help reduce CO2 emissions.

Nonetheless, the production of synthetic fuels remains energy-intensive and costly, requiring technological improvements and political incentives to become economically viable. Synthetic fuels offer a promising solution to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation, maritime transport, and especially the military sector.

This presentation of synthetic fuel is intriguing and promising, and we look forward to learning more about it in the coming months or years. We will keep you updated with any new information by the end of Eurosatory 2024.