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Air Force last week began flight testing at Eglin AFB, Fla., with a new type of alternative fuel blend derived in part from alcohol. Eglin’s 40th Flight Test Squadron commenced the flights on June 28 with an A-10 aircraft. “It flew like a usual A-10 would without any issues,” said Maj. Olivia Elliott, an A-10 pilot and an evaluator for the mission, in Eglin’s July 2 release. The new fuel type, known as alcohol-to-jet, is derived from the fermented sugars extracted from materials like wood, paper, or grass. ATJ is mixed with standard petroleum-derived JP-8 aviation fuel to create the blend. The ATJ blend is the third alternative fuel type that the Air Force is evaluating as a means of reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy. Already, the service has fully certified a blend of JP-8 and synthetic paraffinic kerosene, derived from coal and natural gas, for operational use across the fleet, according to Eglin’s release. Further, testing has concluded with a JP-8-hydroprocessed renewable jet blend and work continues on its fleet-wide certification. HRJ is derived from plant oils and animal fats. (Eglin report by Minty Knighton)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…