Purdue to Open Biofuel Research Facility

Late next year or early in 2011, the National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion is scheduled to open at Purdue University. Funded by a $1.35 million Air Force grant, the facility will be located at the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building at Purdue Airport in Indiana. Its focus will be on testing aircraft engine and airframe components for biofuel sustainability and emissions, as well as deriving data on economics of operation. Most of the work will involve turbine engines, though some of the research will involve piston engines as well, according to Purdue.