Published: 5/22/1998

Russia is leading other countries in research into the replacement of aircraft kerosene with liquefied natural gas, Vladimir Andreyev, chief designer of the Tupolev scientific and production amalgamation told ConCISe.On 15 April it was ten years since the first flight of an aircraft with cryogenic-fuelled engine.According to Andreyev, Russian specialists had started large-scale investigations into the use of cryogenic fuels - hydrogen and natural gas - two decades ago. Andreyev noted that there would be no difficulties with the construction of airfield fuelling stations to use liquefied gas. Much work in this field was done by the mammoth gas-producing and exporting company Gazprom, which developed a technology of liquefying natural gas for aviation without additional energy costs: using pressure differential at distribution stations of gas pipelines. Liquefied gas will be only 20% more expensive than pipeline gas. The Tupolev company has already purchased bowsers, designed improved modifications and other auxiliary equipment for the use of liquefied gas.According to the company, a federal programme is being drafted to introduce cryogenic fuels in aviation and cosmonautics.(IN598.11) (VZ)  

Article ID: 166