Air Force Research Lab officials think there may be jet fuel in a lump of coal—the problem, of course, is to get it out. AFRL hosted a meeting recently with federal, state, and industry experts to discuss how the military could turn coal into a liquid, diesel-type fuel, reports the Dayton Daily News. The ultimate goal for the Air Force would be jet fuel, and the Army is also interested in gaining a new fuel source for tanks. According to the Ohio Coal Association, what was once an expensive process now may be competitive with the price of oil.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.