Jet Fuels in the U. S.

Jet fuels in the U.S. have evolved as follows:

JP-1 was the first jet fuel specified in the US (1944). It was a kerosene with a freeze point of -77 oF and a flash point temperature of 109 oF minimum. However, its availability was limited to only about 3% of the average crude oil.

JP-2 (1945) was an experimental fuel that was found to have unsuitable viscosity and flammability characteristics.

JP-3 (1947 to 1951) was the second operational fuel. It had a high vapor pressure similar to aviation gasoline. Due to its high vapor pressure and the fact jet aircraft tended to fly at higher altitudes than reciprocating engine-powered aircraft, fuel boil-off losses and vapor lock were problems at high altitudes.

JP-4 (1951 to 1995) fuel, also designated as NATO F-40 and Jet B, is a blend of gasoline and kerosene, it has a reid vapor pressure restriction of 2 to 3 psi to reduce boil-off and vapor lock problems. Its freeze point is -77 oF and has a flash point temperature around zero oF (not a specification requirement). JP-4 was the US Air Force's primary jet fuel from 1951 to 1995. In the mid 1980's an anti-static additive was added to JP-4 for fire safety reasons.

JP-5 (1952 to the present) fuel, also called NATO F-44, is used by the Navy for aviation operations aboard ships. It has a 140 oF (Min.) flash point temperature. This kerosene fuel is currently the US Navy's primary shipboard aviation fuel and was developed mainly due to fire safety concerns on naval ships. This fuel has a freeze point temperature of -51 oF. JP-5 does not have the anti-static additive.

Jet A and Jet A-1 (1950's -present) are the two fuels used by the commercial airlines and both fuels have a 100 oF (Min.) flash point temperature for safety reasons. Jet A has a freeze point of -40 oF whereas Jet A-1 has a freeze point of -53 oF. For this reason Jet A being more available and therefore more widely used. The commercial fuels in the US are not required to have the anti-static additive and generally do not have the additive.

JP-8 was first introduced at NATO bases in 1978, also called NATO F-34, and is currently the US Air Force's primary fuel and the primary fuel for US Navy shore-based aviation. JP-8 is very similar to Jet A-1. JP-8, however, contains an icing inhibitor, corrosion/lubricity enhancer and anti-static additive. Conversion to JP-8 was virtually complete in 1995 and was accomplished for fire safety and combat survivability reasons.

JP-6 (1956) was developed for the XB-70, is similar to JP-5 but with a lower freeze point (-66 oF) and has improved thermal stability. Its flash point temperature is not a specification requirement.

JP-7 (1960's) was developed for the SR-71, has a low vapor pressure and excellent thermal stability for high altitude and Mach 3+ operations. Its freeze point is -47 oF and has a flash point temperature of 140 oF (Min.).

JPTS (1956) was developed for the U-2 and is a highly refined kerosene with a low freeze point of -64 oF and a thermal stability additive package ( CJFA-5). Its flash point temperature is 109 oF (Min.).

JP-8+100 was introduced in field demonstrations in 1994. JP-8+100 is JP-8 fuel with a thermal stability improving additive package that increases the high temperature stability of the fuel by 100 F. The additive package contains a detergent/dispersant, metal deactivator and an antioxidant. The additive package is added at a rate of approximately 1 quart per thousand gallons and the additive has been shown to reduce fouling and coking in engine fuel system components. The reduction in fouling and coking has lead to reductions in maintenance in the aircraft using the additive. Currently the additive is used in Air Force fighter and trainer aircraft primarily, and is being used commercially in Boeing 747 aircraft operated by KLM and in Police helicopters in Tampa Florida.

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