Fischer-Tropsch derived fuels for aviation have been produced recently for the Department of Defense by U.S. based Syntroleum, and have been successfully tested by the US Air Force in a B-52 jet with all eight of its engines fueled by the mixture.

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In its defence review in 2010, the coalition announced that it was cancelling the previous Labour government's decision to purchase jump-jet version of the Joint Strike Fighter (the F35-B) and opt instead for the catapult and trap (F35-C) type, which required a different set-up on deck.

BBC: Joint Strike Fighter planes (file pic)

Washington should also encourage the already fast-growing use of smaller jet aircraft, which can avoid hubs, taking passengers directly from Point A to Point B faster and at more affordable fares.

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