Going for Gold

This paper investigates a technical approach toward eliminating Air Force dependence on foreign petroleum, a challenge the author believes must be addressed to secure U.S. preeminence across the spectrum of future operations. The author presents one path toward energy security that embraces high-tech concepts which lead to unprecedented aircraft fuel efficiency and incorporation of domestic alternative fuels. By 2030, a relatively low-risk combination of technologies could cut fleet-wide fuel consumption by 40% from the 2010 benchmark. Fuel blends incorporating 50% domestic alternative sources would further reduce Air Force petroleum consumption, such that aviation energy requirements could in theory be supplied entirely from domestic sources.