USAF and Alternative Jet Fuel

The purpose of this paper is to analyze three of the alternative fuels that are currently (or soon to be) available that can meet U.S. Air Force aviation fuel requirements. While commercial airlines are also beginning to show interest in alternative fuels, the significance for the military extends beyond price and includes national security concerns. The three fuels showing the most promise for aviation are natural gas to liquid (GTL), coal to liquid (CTL), and biofuel from algae. This paper compares these three fuels using six traits either required of current aviation fuel or desired for their replacement: performance, energy content, compatibility, low cost and carbon, source, and storage/transport requirements. While all three fuels meet the required performance, energy, compatibility, storage and transport requirements of aviation fuel, they fall short in some of the other desired areas. Both GTL and CTL are not low carbon, and they are also not renewable or sustainable sources. Biofuel from algae meets all of the requirements, however the current cost of production is high and it could take up to a decade for this to become a viable alternative to oil. This analysis shows that the best option for the Air Force is to invest in carbon capture technology and pursue GTL or CTL fuels for the short term. However, research and development of biofuel from algae should also continue, as this fuel shows the most promise as a permanent, renewable, and sustainable replacement for oil.