Jet fuel

Jet fuel is a refined aviation fuel designed for gas-turbine engines used in aircraft such as jets, turboprops, and some helicopters.

Jet fuel is a refined aviation fuel designed for gas-turbine engines used in aircraft such as jets, turboprops, and some helicopters. It is typically a clear to straw-coloured liquid and is defined by performance specifications rather than by a single fixed chemical composition. Common commercial grades include Jet A and Jet A-1, while Jet B is used in colder conditions.

Composition and properties

Jet fuel is usually a refined petroleum product made up of many hydrocarbons, often with additives to improve performance, storage, and safety. Its exact composition varies by source and specification, so it is regulated by performance standards rather than a fixed formula.

Common grades

The main commercial aviation fuels are Jet A and Jet A-1, both standardized internationally. Jet B is a different type of jet fuel used in some colder environments because of its improved low-temperature characteristics.

Relation to kerosene

Jet fuel is closely related to kerosene and is often described as kerosene-based. Compared with general kerosene, aviation jet fuels are produced to more stringent operational requirements.

Military and specialized fuels

Military aviation uses fuels such as JP-8, which are kerosene-based and contain a mixture of hydrocarbons plus additives. Some specialized fuels are wider-cut blends that include more volatile components than standard commercial jet fuels.