DoD Energy R and D. Part II. Military Fuel Options. Performance and R and D Implications.
Abstract
The questions addressed and the conclusions reached in this study are: (1) What range of multifuel capability may be desirable in military engines to relieve possible fuel supply problems. The conclusion is that it would be advantageous for military aircraft to be able to use all types of jet fuels and for ground vehicles and ships to be able to use all types of diesel fuels as safeguards against short-term shortages of military specification fuels. (2) What liquid hydrocarbon fuel options may be considered without incurring major performance degradation or severe maintenance problems. The conclusion is that with appropriate modifications to fuel supply and starting systems, the range of fuels defined in (1) could be used. However, R and D is needed to determine exactly what modifications are required and how fuels may be field-tested. More R and D is also needed to assemble handbooks of information on operating envelope and maintenance changes that may result from use of off-specification fuels. Current information is far from complete. Fuels from syncrudes should be included in this R and D work. (3) In the long-term, what alternatives to liquid hydrocarbon fuels can be considered. In the long-term (beyond 2000) the only possibilities appear to be (a) more extensive use of nuclear power in Navy ships and (b) use of liquid hydrogen in long-range aircraft. For all land and air tactical combat vehicles, however, any change from liquid hydrocarbon fuels would involve major performance changes which are probably unacceptable. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA042272
Entities
People
- F. R. Riddell
- R. C. Oliver
- R. E. Reichenbach
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses