Coal-Fired Jets ?

Coal's stability in high temperatures could make it an ideal fuel for the next generation of military aircraft. A thermally stable coal-based jet fuel is now being developed at Pennsylvania State University's Energy Institute. The fuel can absorb significant amounts of heat and not decompose at high temperatures; decomposition creates deposits of carbon that befoul engine parts. According to the researchers, the fuel could be manufactured in existing refineries and would produce no ash and very low sulfur.

Source: Pennsylvania State University, Department of Public Information, 312 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802. Web site www.psu.edu/ur/news.html.