Biofuel tested on military jet engine

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EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engine recently had its first biofuel test flight of a U.S. Air Force fighter in Florida.

The flight test with an F-15 Eagle at Eglin Air Force Base followed engine ground testing as part of an effort to support the Air Force's goal of acquiring half of its domestic jet fuel requirements from alternate sources by 2016.

"We are pleased with the performance of our military engines using alternate jet fuels during ground and flight tests," said Bev Deachin, vice president, Military Programs and Customer Support, Pratt & Whitney. "These successful tests are in direct support of our U.S. Air Force customer's goal to acquire and use alternate jet fuel sources for its fleet."

The flight tests blended Hydrotreated Renewable Jet, an eco-friendly alternative from sources including animal fats or plant extracts such as camelina, with traditional JP-8 jet fuel.

Engine ground testing also included a blend of JP-8 jet fuel, HRJ, and a synthetic fuel made from coal.

The Pratt & Whitney's military engine was the second to complete ground and flight tests using biofuels. A C-17 Globemaster III, powered exclusively by four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines, completed testing in August. Similar tests are planned for the F119.