Types of Mixtures in Jet Fuels
Jet fuel mixtures have evolved significantly since the early 1950s, when the military and commercial aviation began to embrace jet engines as the aircraft power plant of choice. These fuels have been typically blended to accommodate the specifics of particular engines, and as a result there are several types available in today's aviation market. All of these variants are kerosene based, made of various blends of hydrocarbons, anti-corrosive chemicals and/or naphtha--depending on the flashpoint of the individual product.
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JP-4
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JP-4 is a military fuel that has been in production since the early 1950s. The blend is similar to the commercial Jet B. However, the mixture contains corrosion inhibitors and anti-icing elements. The fuel meets the current U.S. Military Specification MIL-DTL-5624U Grade. The fuel also meets the military British Fuel Specification DEF STAN 91-88 AVTAG/FSII. This allows for joint NATO aircraft operations. This fuel is also referred to as the "F40 spec."
JP-5
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Similar to JP-4, JP-5 has been in production since 1952. This fuel was primarily originally developed for carrier aircraft, as the blend produces a lower flashpoint than JP-4 and safer on board. The current JP-5 Military Specification, identified as MIL-DTL-5624U Grade, can be used as a substitute for the improved 2004 JP-4 mixture. The fuel can also be used to meet the military British Specification, identified as DEF STAN 91-86 AVCAT/FSII for use in joint NATO aircraft operations. This is also known as the "F-44 spec."
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JP-8
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This fuel blend is the military version of the commercial Jet A. It was developed in the early 1990s to take advantage of today's next generation of higher-power, more efficient engines. The JP-8 specification is identified as MIL-DTL-83133E. The fuel also meets the requirements of the military British Specification DEF STAN 91-87 AVTUR/FSII, and is also known as the "F-34 spec."
Jet A
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Jet A is produced to accommodate the commercial American Society for Testing (ASTM) aviation specification and is only offered domestically. The fuel was developed in the early 1950s in concert with the military's JP-4 spec. Jet A is typically used in all types of gas engine turbines, and utilized to operate commercial aircraft.
Jet B
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This fuel was developed to accept additional naphtha in the blend to create a higher flashpoint. It's a derivative of Jet A and was originally developed in the 1950s. The fuel is difficult to handle because of its higher flammability; it's rarely utilized except in regions where cold weather operations are a concern, such as northern climes or in Canada.
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