The Air
Force has flown an F-15 for the first time on a fuel blend containing a biomass-derived fuel in addition to standard JP-8 aviation fuel. Members of the 46th Test Wing, along with USAF engineers, evaluated the F-15 engines’ performance with this fuel mixture during the Oct. 22 test at Eglin AFB, Fla. The biomass-derived portion of the fuel blend is known as hydro-treated renewable jet fuel, or HRJ. It is one type of alternative aviation fuel that the Air Force leadership wants to see the entire aircraft fleet certified to run on as a means of reducing US dependence on foreign sources of energy. Animal fat and plant oils are the feedstock for HRJ. Back in March, an A-10 became the Air Force’s first platform to fly on the JP-8/HRJ blend. (Air Force photo caption by 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…


