Edwards F-22 Raptor refuels using synthetic fuel

The F-22 Combined Test Force reached another milestone as an Edwards F-22 Raptor performed aerial refueling using a synthetic fuel.  It is the first time an Air Force aircraft refueled mid-air using an alternative jet engine fuel. The test was the culmination of Edwards test points in certifying the

'Today's Air Force' features airpower in the AOR

This edition of "Today's Air Force" highlights the impact the Air Force is making from the skies in its role in the war against terrorism. With the advancement in technology, new and more sophisticated aircraft are being developed such as the MQ-9 Reaper. In another segment, see how the Air Force is

Researchers create system to convert waste to energy

Researchers with the Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate here are developing a transportable waste-to-energy system to produce electricity at forward military operating locations. The Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program supports this

302nd AEG conducts 22nd day of California wild fire support

Aircraft and firefighters of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group began their 22nd day of aerial firefighting support missions July 17 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. On July 16, the 302nd AEG military aviation assets performed a total of four air drops, delivering 5,600

Recycling contract turns trash into treasure

War is messy -- literally -- but U.S. forces, contractors and Iraqis found a way to turn the military's trash into Iraq's economic treasure. Albu-Hussan-based Almandhour United Company oversees waste-management operations here following a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 10 that commemorated the opening

California fire support missions continue July 4

Airmen from the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group launched their ninth day of Aerial support missions July 4 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. The aircrews, flying Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft, focused their firefighting efforts on the

Air Force seeks more efficient fuel practices to conserve energy

As oil prices continue to soar, Air Mobility Command officials here are looking for ways to lower the amount of aviation fuel used by the command's fleet of airlifters and tankers.An Air Force study using 2006 data revealed aviation fuel accounts for 82 percent of the Air Force's total energy

'Today's Air Force' features deployments

This week's edition of "Today's Air Force" focuses on Air Force deployments and ways to better prepare for them. The previous system was based on four-month deployments with some Airmen deploying earlier and longer than expected. The new Air and Space Expeditionary Force system splits the force into

Deployed environmental stewardship pays off

In the middle of the desert, Airmen have gone 'green'. These green Airmen, deployed to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, are participating in a recycling program designed to reduce the waste produced at an air base in Southwest Asia. Items such as wooden pallets, metals, cardboard, plastic bottles

Synthetic fuel testing begins on fighter engine

Engineers at Arnold Engineering Development Center began testing a Pratt & Whitney F100 engine April 29 in the J-1 simulated altitude jet engine test cell using a blend of alternative synthetic fuel.  The engine is the power plant for the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.Once testing and

SECAF discusses alternative energy initiatives at conference

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne championed Air Force alternative energy initiatives at the Third Aviation and Environment conference on Apr. 22. Speaking on a panel on carbon emissions with senior leaders in the aviation industry, Secretary Wynne described the problems faced by the Air

Ellsworth first in Air Force to receive EPA incentives

Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., is the first Air Force installation to receive special incentives from the Environmental Protection Agency based on its exceptional example as a steward of the environment. The criteria for entering into the EPA's Performance Track program include having an

Arnold contributes to first supersonic flight using synthetic fuel

When a B-1B Lancer became the first Air Force aircraft to fly at supersonic speed using a 50/50 blend of synthetic and petroleum-based fuels March 19, the Arnold Engineering Development Center work force knew they played a significant role in supporting the flight. Since 2006, AEDC men and women

Air Force officials test Voluntary Protection Program

Air Force officials conducted the first Voluntary Protection Program mock audit to evaluate the overall safety of the base as a work site March 24 through 28 at Hanscom Air Force Base. VPP originates from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and focuses on incorporating the Air Force's

FAA lauds Air Force synthetic fuel team

The Air Force team that developed a blend of petroleum and synthetic fuel for the B-52 Stratofortress received the Federal Aviation Administration's 2007 Excellence in Aviation Research Award at a ceremony March 14 in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate here.Barry Scott, the

Airman's Roll Call highlights energy awareness

This week's Airman's Roll Call focuses on environmental and energy awareness and the necessity to create a culture of conservation. Surveys have shown Air Force leaders that most Airmen are aware of the issues facing today's environment, including pollution and increasing gas prices, but face the

Biofuel research could result in alternative energy source

Air Force-funded biofuel researchers are investigating ways to produce large quantities of hydrogen gas using photosynthetic microbes, commonly known as algae and cyanobacteria. In large quantities, the hydrogen gas could function as a renewable, cheap and clean energy source for future military

Officials talk green issues

Energy Forum showcases environmental achievements

Approximately 500 Air Force, government and industry leaders gathered to discuss current and future energy and environmental programs during the service's second annual Energy Forum March 3 here. The event was divided up into numerous forums with topics ranging from facility energy management to