The density might be lower, but the issue is also that of energy content. With alkanes (hydrogen/carbon molecules where the carbons are joined together in a straight line) the longer the chain of carbon molecules, the denser the liquid, but the more energy/litre it contains.
To get an accurate comparison, you need to know the energy/litre as well as the density.
Boeing's conclusion on P.10 of
http://www.trbav030.org/pdf2006/265_Dagget.pdf
is that "synthetic (GTL) or bio-jet fuel will not essentially change the airplane configuration or its fuel efficiency".
Boeing are saying, no change. Back to LNC if you want an explanation of their claim. But if it is 10% less dense, then it probably has 10% less energy, so to get the same energy content you'd have to carry 10% more volume, which will bring the mass of fuel up to the weight of the more dense jet fuel. You might therefore need 10% bigger tanks.
The Mercedes report wasn't specific on the point, but I inferred a similar thing from their document too - maybe a 2% variation, but not significant.
I'd love to get some GTL to try. I've tried a few fuels in my car. It loved cold pressed virgin olive oil, ran on that better than Diesel. Ran lumpy on pure canola.
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