Center Dedicated to Understanding, Developing Alternative Fuels Published Sept. 8, 2011 By Dr. Thomas Brown Propulsion WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force Energy Policy outlines the goal of certifying all AF systems for operation on alternative fuels, and to begin acquiring significant portions of our aviation fuel from sources of alternative fuels. In order to meet this objective, the Air Force must understand the characteristics of fuels produced from alternative sources and the variables that impact their characteristics. To produce test quantities of fuel, the USAF is working with the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and Battelle to operate an Assured Aerospace Fuels Research Facility (AAFRF) to produce testable quantities of alternative jet fuels and jet fuel components using a variety of potential sources. Newly constructed Building 496 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was dedicated in May 2011. This facility will house the Sample Preparation Unit, which is one of the key components in this effort.