Alternative Fuel Technologies, Inc. Awarded New Phase 1 U.S. Army Contract

The U.S. Army has awarded a new Phase 1 Contract for development of ultra high pressure jet propellant-8 (JP-8) fuel injection systems to Alternative Fuel Technology, LLC (AFT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Alternative Fuel Technologies, Inc.

The Army uses JP-8 jet fuel for all of its equipment from helicopters to diesel powered trucks and generators. JP-8 presents durability and reliability problems for many types of commercial fuel injection systems.

"This latest contract was awarded to the Company because of our extensive experience with this type of fuel injection system," said James McCandless, Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Fuel Technologies, Inc., in a news release Monday. "It was awarded to us under the DoD's SBIR program, which funds early stage research and development projects and small technology companies. The SBIR program was funded at approximately $1.2 billion in FY2009, and is part of a larger, federal SBIR program, which is administered by 12 federal agencies and receives more than $2 billion in funding."

Key objectives of this contract are the design, development and demonstration of an intensified, lube oil actuated common rail injection system capable of producing peak injection pressures of more than 40,000 psi (2800 bar). The system must also be readily adaptable to Army engines. A key design feature of this concept will be the use of AFT's advanced high pressure Dimethyl Ether (DME) injection pump modified to pump engine lube oil to drive the new injector.

AFT is also engaged in several other advanced fuel system projects for the U.S. Army including a Phase 2 contract valued at more than $700,000 (final award being negotiated) for the redesign of a commercial diesel common rail pump to lower wear to acceptable levels.

As part of its SBIR program, the DoD issues an SBIR solicitation three times a year, describing its R&D needs and inviting R&D proposals from small companies -- firms organized for profit with 500 or fewer employees, including all affiliated firms. Companies apply first for a six-month to nine-month Phase 1 award of $70,000 to $100,000 to test the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of a particular concept. If Phase 1 proves successful, the company may be invited to apply for a two-year Phase 2 award of $500,000 to $750,000 to further develop the concept, usually to the prototype stage.

FMI: www.army.mil, www.altfueltechnology.com