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Old May 8th 08, 03:47 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
Mike Noel
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Posts: 206
Default New fuel for GA?

On AvWeb:

New GA Fuel Promises Better Range, Lower Cost

"Not only can our fuel seamlessly replace the aviation industry's standard
petroleum fuel [100LL], it can outperform it," says John Rusek, a professor
at Purdue University and co-founder of Swift Enterprises. The company
recently unveiled a new general aviation fuel that it says will be less
expensive, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendlier than any on
the market. Unlike other alternative fuels, Rusek said, SwiftFuel is made of
synthetic hydrocarbons that are derived from biomass, and it can provide an
effective range greater than 100LL, while costing about half as much to
produce. "Our fuel should not be confused with first-generation biofuels
like E-85 [85 percent ethanol], which don't compete well right now with
petroleum," Rusek said. Patented technology can produce the 1.8 million
gallons per day of fuel used by GA in the U.S. by using just 5 percent of
the existing biofuel plant infrastructure, the company said.

The synthetic fuel is 15 to 20 percent more fuel-efficient, has no sulfur
emissions, requires no stabilizers, has a 30-degree lower freezing point
than 100LL, introduces no new carbon emissions, and is lead-free, Rusek
said. In addition, he said, the components of the fuel can be formulated
into a replacement for jet/turbine fuels. The company now is working with
the FAA to evaluate the fuel.

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Best Regards,
Mike

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