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Tinker members participate in supersonic synthetic fuels test flight on B-1

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  • By Danielle Gregory
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  Fuel prices are hovering near all time highs throughout the country, this problem affects not only civilians but the government as well. The Air Force's answer to the economic issue? Synthetic fuel. 

Recently, Tinker AFB members from the 427th Aircraft Sustainment Group B-1 System Program Office, participated in the demo flight of a B-1B Lancer from the 9th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas. The aircraft was the first Air Force aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds using an alternate fuel in a flight over Texas and New Mexico. 

A ten-year veteran of the B-1 Flight Systems as an engineer in the B-1 SPO, Ziad Elnaka said the project was particularly enjoyable because it was directed, supported, and funded from the Secretary of the Air Force. 

"It was the first time I worked on a project that had such a high level of interest and attention," said Mr. Elnaka. 

Another participant from Tinker included electrical engineer, Lt. Stephen Faris. Lieutenant Faris' role was the Test Adjunct within the B-1 SPO. He had to manage the on-aircraft test activities for the local sustainment programs, to include the demonstration of the alternative fuel certification effort. 

The alternative fuel used in the test flight was a 50/50 mix of petroleum JP-8 and Fischer-Tropsch.

"This effort was part of something a lot bigger. As the largest consumer of fuel in the federal government, the Air Force has taken on the responsibility to certify its fleets to use this alternative fuel. The B-1 was the third platform to undertake the certification effort," said Lieutenant Faris. "The certification of alternative fuels for the B-1 and other platforms vitally affects the AF mission because it lessens dependence on foreign oil for U.S. fuel needs." 

The Fischer-Tropsch fuel is produced by converting solid/gaseous hydrocarbons to liquid fuel. The process has been around since the 1920. It was the primary means the Germans used in World War II to produce gasoline. In past years, this process has been the more expensive solution. With the rising cost of oil it's becoming more economically practical. 

"It had that extra special feeling that I'm playing an active role in achieving a milestone and a first time B-1 historical event," said Mr. Elnaka. "The impact and contribution on the AF mission will reduce the cost of operations for the B-1."