Syntetic fuel test

[No.1]

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2006 - A B-52 Stratofortress took off from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., today on a flight-test mission using a blend of synthetic fuel and "JP-8" in all eight engines. This is the first time a "Buff" has flown using a "synfuel-blend" as the only fuel on board, Air Force officials said.

In September, the Air Force successfully flew a B-52 with two-engines using the synfuel-blend. "The B-52 test flights at Edwards Air Force Base are the initial steps in the Air Force process to test and certify a synthetic blend of fuel for its aviation fleet," Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said. "We are confident that the success of this flight will bring us one step closer to allowing a domestic source of synthetic fuel to accomplish the Air Force mission in the future."

The first B-52 flight using "Fischer-Tropsch" fuel occurred Sept. 19 at Edwards. Today's flight further demonstrates the Air Force's commitment to using alternate fuels and is the next step in the testing and certification process before the fuel can go into widespread use, officials said.

The Air Force has reinvigorated its energy strategy, which is underpinned by supply-side availability and demand-side conservation, Air Force Assistant Secretary Bill Anderson said. "The Air Force is moving forward in its commitment to certify alternative sources of fuel for both its aircraft and ground vehicles fleet," Anderson said.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, Air Force Flight Test commander, is flying the aircraft to assess how well the aircraft performs using the synthetic blend of fuel.

The next test phase for the B-52 will be cold weather testing to determine how well the synfuel-blend performs in extreme weather conditions.

(From an Air Force news release.)

[Nico Braas]

Very interesting news!
Basically coal and coal tarr-oil are used as raw materials for the Fischer-Trops reaction process.
Just guess who invented and developed this process: the Germans and they already used 'Ersatz' synthetic fuel on a large scale during WW-II.

[No.1]

Yes it is true. And some kind of devices was used even more before in Sweden in light planes.

[HasBiba]

great news........

Source:http://www.strategypage.com/.......

A B-52 Stratofortress accelerates down the runway at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jet Fabara)

[No.1]

Greetings friend- very good update to this very hot topic

[No.1]

PRESS RELEASE -- Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs

Release No. 010107
January 22,2007

B-52 undergoes synthetic-fuel cold weather testing at Minot

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. - A B-52 Stratofortess powered by a mix of synthetic fuel arrived here Jan. 17 for cold-weather testing, the last step in the testing and certification process to help reduce Air Force dependence on imported fuel.

The aircraft, permanently assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing here, will undergo ground testing today through the beginning of February to determine how well the synthetic fuel, made from a 50-50 blend of traditional crude oil-based fuel and a Fischer-Tropsch fuel derived from natural gas, performs in extreme weather conditions.

"The B-52 is leading the way in carrying out the Air Force's vision for conservation," said Col. Eldon A. Woodie, 5th Bomb Wing commander. "Hopefully, the weather will allow us to complete cold-weather testing."

The first B-52 flight using Fischer-Tropsch fuel occurred Sept. 19 at Edwards AFB, Calif. It was an aviation first. Since then, the aircraft has been tested extensively -- up to the point of flying with synthetic fuel in all eight engines. Ground testing here will occur with synthetic fuel in all engines.

After testing here is done, the cold-weather data will be analyzed along with the data from Edwards AFB, and a complete test report is scheduled to be issued in June.

[HasBiba]

A B-52 Stratofortress, like these shown, powered by a mix of synthetic fuel arrived at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Jan. 17 for cold weather testing. This is the the last step in the testing and certification process to help reduce Air Force dependence on imported fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Christopher Boitz)

Source:http://www.strategypage.com/