Coal source of jet fuel for next generation aircraft
Monday, March 29, 2004New fuel for the next generation of military aircraft is the goal of a team of Penn State researchers who are demonstrating that jet fuel can be made from bituminous coal. "On a pilot scale, we have produced thermally stable coal-based jet fuel," says Harold H. Schobert, professor of fuel science and director of Penn State's Energy Institute. "This coal-based fuel can absorb significant amounts of heat and remain stable to 900 degrees Fahrenheit." The new fuel will not decompose at high temperatures to create the deposits of carbon, which foul valves, nozzles and other engine parts. (more)