What kind of oil does a helicopter use? Uncovering the secrets of aviation fuel
As an important tool for modern air transportation and emergency rescue, helicopters are inseparable from aviation fuel as the core of their power system. This article will conduct a detailed analysis around the types of fuel used by helicopters, performance requirements and common brands in the market, and use structured data to help readers quickly understand this professional field.
1. Helicopter fuel type
Helicopters mainly use two types of aviation fuel:
| Fuel type | Applicable models | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Jet A-1 | turboshaft engine helicopter | Flash point ≥38°C, freezing point ≤-47°C |
| Avgas 100LL | Piston engine helicopter | Contains tetraethyl lead, octane number 100 |
2. Key indicators of fuel performance
| Indicator name | Standard range | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Density (15°C) | 775-840 kg/m³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Kinematic viscosity (-20°C) | ≤8.0 mm²/s | ASTM D445 |
| Sulfur content | ≤0.3%mass | ASTM D4294 |
3. Major global aviation fuel suppliers
| brand | market share | Featured products |
|---|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil | 22% | Jet A-1+ Antifreeze Additive |
| Shell | 18% | Shell Aerojet |
| BP | 15% | BP Ultimate Avgas |
4. Precautions for fuel selection
1.Engine compatibility: The fuel specifications specified by the manufacturer must be strictly followed. For example, Robinson R44 requires the use of 100LL fuel.
2.climate adaptability: In alpine and cold areas, you need to choose a fuel variant with a lower freezing point, such as Jet A-1 Arctic.
3.Storage conditions: The shelf life of aviation fuel is usually 12 months, and special storage tanks must be used and the moisture content must be checked regularly.
5. Development of new environmentally friendly fuels
| Technical route | R&D progress | Representative enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Bio aviation fuel | 50% blending has been achieved for commercial use | Neste |
| synthetic fuel | laboratory stage | Siemens Energy |
6. Fuel cost analysis (2023 data)
| Fuel type | Average price (USD/gallon) | Typical annual consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Jet A-1 | 6.85 | 50,000 gallons (medium helicopter) |
| Avgas 100LL | 7.20 | 15,000 gallons (training helicopter) |
Conclusion:Helicopter fuel selection is an important decision involving flight safety and economy. As the pressure on the aviation industry to reduce emissions increases, the research and development and application of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will become the focus of the industry in the next decade. It is recommended that operators regularly participate in fuel management training and pay attention to the latest fuel standards issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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