Considering that helicopters are entirely dependent on a spinning rotor to remain in the air, an MH-60S Seahawk doesn't exactly seem the most likely candidate for experimental fuel. That didn't seem to stop the US Navy, however, which successfully completed a test flight with a 50 / 50 blend of algae-based biofuel and Jet A (traditionally the flavor of choice for turbine-based aircraft). The mixture used is known as Solajet HRJ-5 Jet fuel, which doesn't quite have the same ring to it as good ole Jet A -- but it does happen to be based on a renewable resource and managed to keep the rotor spinning. There's no word on how much the new fuel costs to produce or when it might be ready for commercial use, but if all goes to plan, we may soon be using the green stuff for more than just sushi rolls and miso soup.
Continue reading Navy blends Jet A and algae-based biofuel, uses it to power Seahawk chopper (video)
Navy blends Jet A and algae-based biofuel, uses it to power Seahawk chopper (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 02:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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