7 minute read
Air Force Soars Toward Alternative Fuel Goals
In yet another first in aviation history, a B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flew at supersonic speed over Texas and New Mexico using alternate fuel on March 19.
To date, the Air Force has successfully completed test flights on three airframes using a 50/50 blend of traditional JP-8 jet fuel and synthetic fuel, certifying operational use of the fuel in the B-52H Stratofortress last August. In December, a C-17 Globemaster III, using the synthetic fuel blend, completed a transcontinental flight from McChord AFB, WA, to McGuire AFB, NJ.
“The Air Force is taking a leadership role in testing and certifying the use of synthetic fuel in aircraft,” said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne.
The fuel blend is being tested as part of an ongoing Air Force program to help the environment and use domesticallyproduced fuel. Using the Fischer-Tropsch
process—which converts carbon-based materials into synthetic fuel—Air Force officials plan to evaluate and certify this alternative fuel for use in all Air Force aircraft by 2011.
Within the federal government, the Air Force is the single largest user of aviation fuel, using an estimated 3 billion gallons per year. Each time the price of oil goes up $10 per barrel, it costs the Air Force an additional $610 million for fuel. The Fischer-Tropsch process gives the Air Force a cleaner, more cost-efficient fuel source. Synthetic fuel created using the Fischer-Tropsch process costs an estimated $30 to $50 less per barrel than its petroleum counterpart.
Still, saving money is not the only reason the Air Force is looking to use synthetic fuel. Synthetic fuel has the potential to reduce the United States’ dependency on foreign energy sources.
“It causes angst to know that we’re faced with a commodity that some might use against us,” Secretary Wynne said during the B-52 Fischer-Tropsch certification ceremony at Edwards AFB, CA. “We want to provide our nation a look forward to something else and essentially join with numerous researchers who are looking for alternatives . . . and find the solution.”
Finding a cleaner alternative for the environment is also a major driver for the Air Force to certify the Fischer-Tropsch fuel blend in all airframes. German chemists Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch developed the method at the Kaiser Wilhem Institute during the 1920s.
“Essentially, using a number of chemicals and catalysts, what [chemists Fischer
Senior Airman Hector Gonzalez and Airman 1st Class Jeffery Pollitt conduct an operational check on a B-1B Lancer March 19 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. A B-1B from Dyess AFB became the first aircraft to fly supersonic speeds using a 50/50 blend of synthetic and petroleum fuel over the White Sands Missile Range airspace in south-central New Mexico. (US Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
The supersonic flight (pictures this page) occurred over the White Sands Missile Range airspace in south-central New Mexico, but took off from Dyess AFB. A B-1B from Dyess AFB became the Air Force’s first aircraft to fly at the supersonic speeds using a 50/50 blend of synthetic and petroleum fuel. At right from top to bottom: Airman Jesus Abalos pulls out a hose to inject fuel into a B-1B Lancer March 19 at Dyess AFB, TX. Airman Abalos is a fuels distribution specialist with the 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron. (USAF photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo) Airman 1t Class Charles Edwards pulls out a hose to inject fuel into a B-1B Lancer March 19 at Dyess AFB, TX. Airman Edwards is a crew chief with the 7th Aerial Maintenance Squadron. (USAF photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo) A B-1B Lancer lands after becoming the Air Force’s first aircraft to fly at the supersonic speed using a 50/50 blend of synthetic and petroleum fuel March 19 at Dyess AFB, TX. (USAF photo/Airman 1st Class Jennifer Romig) Airman James Lau locks in a fuel hose onto a B-1B Lancer March 19 at Dyess AFB, TX. (USAF photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo)
and Tropsch] were able to do was to reproduce in a laboratory what it takes the earth millions of years to do with organic matter,” said Dr. Don Erbschloe, chief scientist at Air Mobility Command in Illinois. Alternative fuels can be produced from domestically available hydrocarbon products like natural gas, coal, and shale and then gasified and converted into any number of liquid fuel products.
The Fischer-Tropsch process produces a complex “organic soup” very much like petroleum that has the potential to burn cleaner than JP-8, reducing combustionrelated emissions and particulates in the air, Dr. Erbschloe said.
Furthermore, pilots who flew the aircraft during test flights reported no notable differences between flying with the synthetic fuel blend and traditional jet fuel.
“This is the tip of the spear for national energy independence and cleaner energy,” Secretary Wynne said. “It is doing well for the Air Force and the nation.” DTJ
A B-52 Stratofortress, like these shown, powered by a mix of synthetic fuel arrived at Minot AFB, ND, January 17 for cold weather testing. This is the last step in the testing and certification process to help reduce Air Force dependence on imported fuel. (USAF photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz)
A C-17 Globemaster III flies over New York City after completing the first transcontinental flight on synthetic fuel on December 17. The C-17 took off before dawn from McChord Air Force Base, WA, and landed in the early afternoon at McGuire AFB, NJ. (USAF photo)
A B-52 Stratofortress accelerates down the runway at Edwards AFB, CA, December 15 during take-off for a flight-test mission using a blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8 in all eight engines. This is the first time a B-52 has flown using a synfuel-blend as the only fuel on board. In September, the Air Force successfully flew a B-52 with two engines using the synfuel-blend while the others used standard fuel. The B-52 test flights at Edwards are the initial steps in the Air Force process to test and certify a synthetic blend of fuel for its aviation fleet. (USAF photo/Jet Fabara)
Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates, Air Force News Agency; Roger Drinnon, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs; Senior Airman Jason Hernandez, 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs; and the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, contributed to this article.
U.S. Government travelers know nothing beats a great deal.
We know you recognize great travel deals, so we’re giving you a free single upgrade on future rentals. That’s on top of your member discount of up to 20% off when you use BCD # T788300. It’s that simple.
To get your free upgrade, use coupon # UUGZ055. Visit budget.com or call 1-800-BUDGET-7 to make your reservations.
Free Single Upgrade
Terms and Conditions: Coupon valid for a one time, one car group upgrade on a compact (group B) through a full-size four-door (group E) car. Maximum upgrade to premium (group G). Offer does not include all makes or models. The upgraded car is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times. Coupon valid at participating Budget locations in the contiguous U.S. One coupon per rental. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your member discount. For reservations made on budget.com, upgrade will be applied at time of rental. Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum age may vary by location. Fuel charges are extra. Rental must begin by 12/31/08.
Government and Military Travelers Deserve the Best Rewards!
Recognized as the "Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World" as voted by the readers of Global Traveler magazine (January 2006) , Priority Club ® Rewards is the world's first hotel loyalty program spanning over 3,700 hotels in nearly 100 countries.
Join Priority Club Rewards now. ®
Members earn their choice of points toward free hotel nights or merchandise, or earn frequent flyer miles with more than 40 domestic and international airline partners.
We’re always coming up with new point-earning opportunities. To join, call 1.888.211.9874 or visit priorityclub.com. Enrollment in Priority Club Rewards is free.
Proud Sponsor
priorityclub.com • Points never expire • Fastest way to Elite status • Transfer points between accounts • More locations to earn and redeem • No blackout dates on Reward Nights
