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First Flight of Jet Powered By Algae-Fuel

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the fish-tanks-for-fuel-tanks dept.

s31523 writes "Today a US airline carrier conducted a 90 minute test flight with one of its engines powered by a 50/50 blend of biofuel and normal aircraft fuel. This was the first flight by a US carrier after other airlines have reported trying similar flights. In February 2008, a Virgin 747 flew from London to Amsterdam partly using a fuel derived from a blend of Brazilian babassu nuts and coconuts. At the end of December, one engine of an Air New Zealand 747 was powered by a 50/50 blend of jatropha plant oil and standard A1 jet fuel."

4 of 255 comments (clear)

  1. I wonder if... by xpuppykickerx · · Score: 5, Funny

    the plane could fly solely using two African swallows with a string around the plane, such as they would if they were carrying coconuts.

  2. Re:Great, but ... by eln · · Score: 3, Funny

    I, for one, am dismayed that they were so quick to shoot down my idea of commercial aircraft being launched to their destinations with enormous slingshots. It requires no fuel, and would look wicked cool. Where's my grant, huh? Why do these jokers who want to fly planes using used grease from a McDonald's fryer get all the money, and I don't get squat?

    All I need is a big tree and a really big elastic band at every airport, and I could solve this problem tomorrow!

  3. Re:Algae For Fuel Is Not Cool. by Meumeu · · Score: 5, Funny

    Putting those millions, nay, billions of LIVING organisms in such terrible working conditions is a crime against algaenity.

    Fixed that for you.

  4. Re:Gross by timelorde · · Score: 3, Funny

    If they were smart, they'd make it smell like coconut suntan lotion.

    Mmmmm...