Jet Fuel - What type does the F-16 use and why?

Hey there guys! I got to thinking and I realized that I don't know that much about jet fuel. I know it tastes worse than just about anything and that it's fairly low octane, but that's about it. I've heard of several different types of jet fuel like JET-A, JP-4, JP-5, JP-7, and JP-8, but I really don't know anything about the different types. Could someone possibly help me understand what the differences are?

Another question I had was what type does the F-16 use and why? Is the Viper's go-juice selected for a specific combustion temperature?

This is one of those rare times where I have to admit that I really have absolutely no clue and I really need your help.

Thanks in advance for sharing all your knowledge - you guys ROCK !

JP-8 is a versatile and widely available kerosene-based fuel and it is used extensively by U.S. and allied NATO Countries aircraft, tanks, vehicles, heaters, and stoves. Prior to 1976, JP-4 was the primary fuel used in by DoD. JP-4 was linked to many aircraft exploding in battle due to small arms fire. Hence, the DoD transitioned from JP-4 to JP-8 fuel since the risk of aircraft explosions would be less. JP-8 has a much higher flash point than JP-4 (100 o F compared to -28 o F).

JP-8 jet fuel was developed as a jet fuel in response to problems encountered in use of JP-4 jet fuel. By the fall of 1996, JP-8 completely replaced JP-4 in the United States Air Force. Compared to JP-4, JP-8 has a higher flash point and lower vapor pressure, making it less volatile; contains less benzene, a known carcinogen; and contains less n-hexane, a known neurotoxicant. However, as a kerosene-based fuel, JP-8 has a strong odor and is oily to the touch, while JP-4, a kerosene-gasoline mix, is less pungent and has a non-oily, solvent-like feel.

Here are the fuels I know can be ran by the PW-F100:

• Jet B
• Jet A-1
• JP-4 is the military equivalent of Jet B with the addition of corrosion inhibitor and anti-icing additives.
• JP-5 is a high flash point kerosine mixture
• JP-8 is the military equivalent of Jet A-1 with the addition of corrosion inhibitor and anti-icing additives.

Also FYI, A jet engine can run on just about anything that burns... I hate JP-8 It tastes like **** Stinks and cokes up the augmentor system unlike JP-5. Coking happens when fuel sits in a tube and is baked by high temps causing blockage...

Hopefully this answers your questions.

JP8 also comes in a +100 variant which is what most warm weather bases use. It is even more temperature in-sensitive.

+100 is an additive that they mix in the fuel as the truck is being filled at POL, right before it heads to the flightline. The MSDS for it would scare the hell out of you. Its been linked to higher rates of leukemia.

GE engines have a adjustment on the MEC that can be changed with a allen wrench if you are going to run another fuel. It will work fine even if you don't make the change for a sortie or two but for long term op's it needs to be adjusted.

The different fuels also change the fuel load, the specific gravity is less with JP-4 then JP-8, so you may have the same amount of gallons but less pounds with JP-4.

Purplehaze

Thanks guys ! I knew you'd come through ! You've answered my questions perfectly.

229guy, I know jets will run on just about anything, but I figured there was a reason for using a certain type of fuel. Thanks for all the info!

Purplehaze, that kind of sounds like prop planes using 80 and 100LL octane avgas. If the plane is made for 80 octane, you can use 100 octane for a while and you won't hurt anything, just don't try to use 80 in a plane made for 100LL !!!

Just out of curiousity, does anyone know what the octane rating of JP8 is?

Does not have one. Octane is for piston engines.

+ 100 is mainly a mildew detergent added to JP8. We used to add it ourselves in the helicopter tanks when refueling before they had premixed trucks.

Erik, I see what you're saying, but what I was really asking is what would it be? The way I understand octane ratings, the lower the number, the easier it burns. That's why you need high octane in performance piston engines - to combat preignition and detonation under higher compression. Do you see what I'm saying? Thanks again guys !

Just to add a little, JP-8 is actually an approved purging fluid below 75 degrees. However, in my experiences with both, JP-4 is better on your skin than JP-8. JP-8 is better on your lungs. JP-8 leaves a nasty ashy look on your skin. Sorta like you need to take a swin in lotion.

Anyone knows the difference of avtur34 and JP-8?

F-34 and F-40 are the NATO equivalents of JP-8 and JP-4 (respectively)

JP-4 was based on the solvent naptha if I remember right, made a real good carb cleaner/parts cleaner. I used to soak lawn mower carbs in it. Had wicked flash point properties, there were alot of ground maint. fires from this. You were not even supposed to take off or put on clothing during fueling operations because static electricty could cause an explosion.JP-8 is way safer. Octane is a number realated to the ability to control pre detonation/spark knock in piston engines. It is achieved by additives, the higher compression ratio of an engine the more octane it will need. My grandfather had a gasoline route in the 30s and back then gas had an octane rating of about 50. Using high octane gas in an engine that does not require it actually carbons up the engine, I've had to decarbon many Cadillac engines(northstar) because of this.

Octane rating relates to GASOLINE and not an engine type (unless you are talking about an octane level you need). For example, piston engines that run on diesel have nothing to do with gasoline. Jet fuel, Kerosene and Diesel are all very similar - Gasoline is very different from these.

And don't forget about the highest flash point fuel, JP-7....

I read that the SR's lost their dedicated tanker support late in the program and would just gas up from whatever came up in the rotation. I know their 135's were specifically designed to carry JP-7 but what would happen if they got a regular 135 or a KC-10?