The Air Force plans to fly for the first time a B-52 bomber powered by a mix of synthetic and standard JP-8 aviation fuel on Sept. 19. The service already plans to purchase 100 million gallons of synthetic fuel over the next year and has set its sights on achieving a 50 percent reduction in its use of standard aviation fuel by 2016. Ground tests have demonstrated that the synthetic fuel does not affect engine performance, so the Air Force expects the BUFF to fly.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.