Jet Fuel

Jet fuel ranges in classes and color. They may be clear to straw colored. Unleaded/paraffin (kerosene) are the most common fuels utilized and these are classified as Jet A-1 (also known as Avtur) fuel. This type of fuel is produced to specifications standardized internationally.

Jet fuel B is another type of jet fuel. It is typically used in civilian turbine engine-powered aircraft. It is in the naphtha- kerosene family and is used because it performs better in cold weather. Its lighter composition makes it harder and more dangerous to handle. The use of this fuel is only allowed in areas where the weather is so cold that its use is necessary.

Jet fuel is composed of a high number of varying hydrocarbons; there is a possibility that it is composed of as many as a thousand or more. The sizes (molecular weights or carbon numbers) are restricted by the international specification standards that include the products freezing point or smoke point.

Jet fuel, which is kerosene like (including Jet A and Jet A-1 fuel), contains a carbon number distribution anywhere between 8 and 16 carbon numbers; naphtha-type jet fuel (which includes Jet B) has between 5 and 15 carbon numbers.

Fuels used for piston-engine powered aircraft (typically high-octane gasoline known as Avgas) have a low flash point improving the ignition characteristics. Turbine engines can operate on all types of fuels, and jet-aircraft utilize fuels with higher flash points. These fuels are less flammable making them safer to both transport and handle.

Originally jet fuels were kerosene based or a gasoline/kerosene mix and most jet fuels today are still kerosene based. Basically, all types of jet fuel consist of similar additives.

Militaries all over the world use different classification systems consisting of JP numbers. Some of the numbers are virtually identical when compared to their civilian counterparts differing by only a few additives.