Rapid Fire 2011-12-06: Ramping Up USN Biofuel Tests

* Syria gets its shore batteries of 72 supersonic P-800/SS-N-26 Yakhont missiles, in the midst of a growing civil war with demonstrators and a Turkish-supported Free Syrian Army. Maybe introducing the missiles wasn’t the best idea right now? And maybe supporting the Kurdish PKK wasn’t Syria’s best idea ever? * Norway takes delivery of their 1st NH90 NFH naval helicopter – after placing the order in November 2001. * Bangladesh inaugurates its new Chinese HQ-7/FM90 short range air defense missiles at Kurmitola Air Base. The MBDA Crotale knockoff is a first for Bangladesh. Not the first Chinese weapons, the 1st surface-to-air missiles. * The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) signed a contract to purchase 450,000 gallons of biofuel made from used cooking oil and algae. The fuel will be used by the US Navy. next summer during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). The biofuel is “drop in“, which means engines can use it without modifications, and it will be mixed with aviation gas or marine diesel fuel. * Fuel is expensive not just to consume, but also to deliver. Up to $400 a gallon in Afghanistan says the WSJ, once you factor in airdrops and parachutes that don’t open. […]