|
Military looks at synthetic fuel for bombers and fighters |
| Home | (IHT) - WASHINGTON: The U.S. Air Force has decided to push development of a new type of fuel to power its bombers and fighters, mixing conventional jet fuel with nonpetroleum-based fuels that could eventually end military dependence on foreign sources of oil. The plan, to be announced at the Paris Air Show, will open a contest between fuel refiners and alternative energy companies to produce a jet fuel composed of no more than 50 percent petroleum. Reflecting the importance that the U.S. government attaches to the initiative, the public announcement will be made by U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and U.S. Federal Aviation Administrator Marion Blakey. "The goal is to certify the entire fleet by 2010 with a 50-50 mix," said Air Force Special Assistant Paul Bollinger who is coordinating the military shift to synthetic fuels. |