Editing Lithium (section)

=== Military ===
Metallic lithium and its complex [[hydride]]s, such as lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH<sub>4</sub>), are used as high-energy additives to [[rocket propellant]]s.<ref name="emsley" /> LiAlH<sub>4</sub> can also be used by itself as a [[solid fuel]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Experimental Investigation of a Lithium Aluminum Hydride–Hydrogen Peroxide Hybrid Rocket |url=http://media.armadilloaerospace.com/misc/LiAl-Hydride.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030628230627/http://media.armadilloaerospace.com/misc/LiAl-Hydride.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2003 |date=28 June 2003}}</ref>

The [[Mark 50 torpedo]] stored chemical energy propulsion system (SCEPS) uses a small tank of [[sulfur hexafluoride]], which is sprayed over a block of solid lithium. The reaction generates heat, creating [[steam]] to propel the torpedo in a closed [[Rankine cycle]].<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System for Underwater Applications |author=Hughes, T.G. |author2=Smith, R.B. |author3=Kiely, D.H. |name-list-style=amp |journal=Journal of Energy |date=1983 |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=128–133 |doi=10.2514/3.62644 |bibcode=1983JEner...7..128H}}</ref>

[[Lithium hydride]] containing lithium-6 is used in [[thermonuclear weapon]]s, where it serves as fuel for the fusion stage of the bomb.<ref>{{cite book |last=Emsley |first=John |title=Nature's Building Blocks |date=2011}}</ref>