Air Force Research Lab scientists have proved that chemical lasers can use recycled fuel during a test at Kirtland AFB, NM. A chemical laser was fueled with recycled hydrogen peroxide and chlorine waste from previous laser tests and then successfully fired on high power. Jason Marshall, research chemist and Air Force project officer, said that the fuel recycling process they used “can be continued indefinitely, providing a practical way to fuel laser weapons for the Air Force and other military services without the complexity and cost of periodically supplying new fuel to the battlefield.”
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.