Ameer Randolph
While diesel fuel is not the primary choice for commercial airliners, it does have its place in aviation, especially in light aircraft and experimental models. The first successful flight of a diesel-powered aircraft took place on September 18, 1928, and diesel engines were preferred over gasoline engines for flights lasting less than 6-7 hours. However, with the arrival of jet engines in the 1930s, the focus shifted to aviation gasoline (Avgas) and jet fuel. Jet fuel is specifically designed for high-altitude, high-speed flight and is widely used by airlines and militaries. The choice of fuel depends on factors such as engine type, performance requirements, safety, and environmental considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do airlines use diesel fuel? | While diesel fuel is not the primary choice for commercial airliners, it does have a niche in the world of light aircraft and experimental models. |
| Why don't airlines use diesel fuel? | Jet fuel is manufactured to keep flowing under high-altitude, cold conditions. It can also act as a coolant for the engine oil and maintain clean injector nozzles, avoiding carbon deposits. |
| What are the advantages of using diesel fuel? | Fuel efficiency, reduced operational costs, and lower emissions. |
| What are the disadvantages of using diesel fuel? | At low temperatures, diesel may freeze or form wax crystals blocking filters and stalling engines. |
| What type of engines use diesel fuel? | Diesel fuel is primarily used in piston engines, which are common in smaller aircraft. |
| What is jet fuel? | Jet fuel is a clear to straw-colored fuel, based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1) or a naphtha–kerosene blend (Jet B). |
| What is aviation gasoline (avgas)? | Aviation gasoline is a highly refined form of gasoline for aircraft, with an emphasis on purity, anti-knock characteristics, and minimization of spark plug fouling. |
| What is the difference between jet fuel and aviation gasoline? | Jet fuel is used in jet engines, turboprops, and turbine engines, while aviation gasoline is used in smaller piston-engine aircraft. |
| What is the net energy content of jet fuel and aviation gasoline? | Some typical values are: BP Avgas 80, 44.65 MJ/kg, density at 15 °C is 690 kg/m3 (30.81 MJ/litre). Kerosene type BP Jet A-1, 43.15 MJ/kg, density at 15 °C is 804 kg/m3 (34.69 MJ/litre). |
| What is the density of jet fuel? | The density of jet fuel is around 0.80 kg/L (6.7 lb/US gal; 8 lb/imp gal). |
| What is the freezing point of jet fuel? | The freezing point of Jet A is -40 °C, while the freezing point of Jet A-1 is -47 °C. |
| What is the impact of aviation fuel tax? | A local aviation fuel tax could increase overall fuel consumption as airlines may carry extra fuel from low-tax jurisdictions, increasing the weight of the aircraft. |
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What You'll Learn
Jet fuel is used in commercial aviation
Jet fuel is the primary fuel used in commercial aviation. It is a kerosene-based product designed to power jet engines, turboprops, and turbine engines. Jet A and Jet A-1 are the two types of jet fuel available, with the latter being the most common globally due to its lower freezing point, making it suitable for colder climates. Jet fuel has a high flash point, which means it requires a significantly higher temperature to ignite compared to gasoline-based fuel. This makes it safer for aviation use.
The development of jet fuel standards began in the early days of aviation, when piston engines burning aviation gasoline (avgas) were the norm. With the arrival of turbine jet engines in the 1930s, jet engines became the preferred choice for aviation fuel. Jet engines burn fuel under steady-state conditions, eliminating the need for the high octane properties of avgas. During early jet engine testing, diesel fuel was considered due to its higher flash point. However, carbon deposits and power instability issues led to the development of jet fuel standards that prioritized cleaner-burning kerosene with a low freeze point.
Jet fuel is specifically designed for high-altitude, high-speed flight and provides the necessary energy density and performance for modern aircraft engines. It also acts as a coolant for engine oil and helps maintain clean injector nozzles, preventing carbon deposits in turbine engines. The use of jet fuel in commercial aviation is regulated to ensure safety and reliability, with specifications in place to maintain the quality and purity of the fuel.
While jet fuel is the predominant choice for commercial aviation, diesel fuel has its niche in light aircraft, experimental models, and general aviation aircraft. Diesel engines offer advantages such as fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower operational costs. However, they have not been widely adopted in commercial aviation due to their lower power-to-weight ratio compared to jet engines and the availability of cheap jet fuel in the past.
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Diesel has advantages and disadvantages
Airlines typically use jet fuel, a type of aviation fuel based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1) or a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B). Jet fuel is similar to diesel fuel and can be used in compression ignition engines or turbine engines.
While diesel fuel has historically been used in aircraft engines, it has not been widely adopted. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of diesel fuel:
Advantages of Diesel Fuel:
- Diesel engines are known for their superior fuel efficiency compared to gasoline engines, resulting in better fuel economy.
- Diesel engines produce more torque and power at lower RPMs, leading to improved acceleration, towing, and hauling capabilities.
- Diesel engines are generally more reliable and durable, with a longer engine service life.
- Diesel fuel has good lubricating properties, positively impacting the reliability and longevity of engine parts.
- Diesel engines are capable of burning a wider range of fuel types, including biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are more environmentally friendly.
- Diesel engines have fewer parts, reducing the likelihood of electrical failures and lowering maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of Diesel Fuel:
- Diesel fuel emits harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon oxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon black (soot).
- Diesel engines typically produce more noise during operation than gasoline engines, and the smell of burnt diesel fuel can be unpleasant.
- Diesel fuel is susceptible to oxidation and contamination during storage, requiring specific treatments to restore its original properties.
- Diesel engines may experience ignition problems at extremely low temperatures due to increased oil viscosity.
- Cheap and low-quality diesel fuel grades can contain substances with poor combustibility, leading to corrosion and deposits on engine components.
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Diesel engines are used in experimental models
The use of diesel engines in aircraft has been explored by various manufacturers since the late 1920s and 1930s, with the first successful diesel-powered flight taking place on September 18, 1928, in a Stinson model SM-1DX Detroiter. Despite sporadic interest in the postwar period, diesel-powered aircraft largely disappeared due to the availability of cheap fuel and research interests favoring turboprops and jets for high-speed airliners.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the development and experimentation of diesel engines for aircraft. Several manufacturers are currently working on experimental diesel engine models, utilizing aircraft-specific designs rather than adapted automotive engines. For instance, Diesel Air Limited, Wilksch, and Zoche have faced challenges in bringing their prototype designs to production. Wilksch Airmotive, a British company, is working on a three-cylinder two-stroke diesel engine (WAM-120) and a four-cylinder 120 kW (160 hp) design (WAM-160).
The GAP Diesel Engine is another example of an experimental diesel engine. Developed by NASA, it offers a prototype range of three radial air-cooled two-stroke diesel aero-engines, including a V-twin and a single-row cross-4. Additionally, SMA Engines in France has designed the SMA SR305-230, a four-cylinder, air and oil-cooled turbo-diesel engine. This engine has obtained certifications and is being retrofitted into several Cessna 182 models. SMA is also developing a six-cylinder version, the SR460, which features a high power density.
The advantages of using diesel engines in aircraft include improved fuel efficiency, reduced flammability, and higher fuel density. Diesel engines also offer environmental and health benefits due to the absence of the toxic tetraethyllead antiknock ingredient found in aviation gasoline (avgas). However, one challenge with diesel engines is the need for additives in cold climates to prevent the paraffin from solidifying, which can cause blocked fuel lines if not properly managed.
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Aviation fuel is subject to tax
Aviation fuel, or jet fuel, is based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1) or a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B). It is similar to diesel fuel and can be used in compression ignition engines or turbine engines. While diesel-powered aircraft were used in the 1920s and 1930s, they were not widely adopted until recently.
- General Aviation Fuel Taxes: In the United States, the general aviation community contributes to the Airport/Airways Trust Fund through fuel taxes. These taxes are levied at the pump, with rates of 21.9 cents per gallon for jet fuel and 19.4 cents per gallon for aviation gasoline. This direct collection method ensures efficiency and eliminates the need for a large bureaucracy.
- State and Local Aviation Fuel Taxes: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has set requirements for state and local governments to ensure that revenues from aviation fuel taxes are used for airport purposes. States have the flexibility to include jet fuel in their sales tax base or levy an excise tax separately. Forty states impose an excise tax on aviation fuels, with rates varying across states.
- Colorado Aviation Fuel Tax: In Colorado, the state legislature has specified excise taxes and sales taxes for aviation gas and jet fuel. The excise tax on aviation gas is 6 cents per gallon, while it is 4 cents per gallon for jet fuel. Additionally, a 2.9% state sales tax is collected on the retail cost of jet fuel. Commercial airlines are exempt from paying aviation fuel excise taxes but pay the sales tax on jet fuel purchases.
- Worldwide Aviation Fuel Tax Proposal: There has been a proposal for a worldwide aviation fuel tax to prevent "tankering," where airlines carry extra fuel from low-tax jurisdictions, leading to increased fuel consumption. However, countries like Australia and the United States have opposed this idea.
The taxation of aviation fuel is an essential aspect of the aviation industry and plays a role in generating revenue for governments and aviation authorities. These taxes help fund infrastructure, safety enhancements, and other aviation-related initiatives.
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Aviation fuel is a blend of chemicals
Aviation fuel is a blend of over two thousand chemicals, primarily hydrocarbons (paraffins, olefins, naphthenes, and aromatics). It also contains additives such as antioxidants and metal deactivators, biocides, static reducers, icing inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, and impurities. The principal components include n-heptane and isooctane.
Jet fuel, a type of aviation fuel, is based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1) or a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B). It is similar to diesel fuel and can be used in compression ignition engines or turbine engines. Jet-A powers modern commercial airliners and is a mix of highly refined kerosene that burns at temperatures at or above 49 °C (120 °F). Kerosene-based jet fuel has a much higher flash point than gasoline-based fuel, meaning that it requires a significantly higher temperature to ignite, making it safer for aviation.
The use of diesel fuel in aviation is not widespread, although it has been used in the past and continues to be used in some niche applications. Diesel fuel is primarily used in piston engines, which are common in smaller aircraft. These engines can run on a type of fuel called Jet A, which is similar in composition to diesel. Diesel-powered aircraft were first demonstrated in 1928, and while they fell out of favour due to the development of jet engines and the availability of cheap fuel, there has been a resurgence in interest in recent years due to the advantages of diesel engines.
Diesel engines offer excellent specific fuel consumption, reduced flammability, and higher density of their fuel compared to gasoline-powered or turboprop engines. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they produce fewer harmful emissions. Additionally, the rising cost of aviation fuel makes diesel engines a more cost-effective option in the long run. However, diesel fuel has some disadvantages, such as the risk of freezing or forming wax crystals at low temperatures, which can stall engines. This is a significant issue for aircraft flying at high altitudes in cold conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, diesel is not a standard fuel for commercial jet engines. Jet fuel is used in commercial jetliners.
Jet fuel is a clear to straw-coloured fuel, based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1) or a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B). Jet A is mainly used in the United States, while Jet A-1 is used globally.
Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency, allowing for longer flight durations and reduced operational costs. They can also produce fewer harmful emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
Diesel is not suitable for jet engines as it may freeze or form wax crystals at low temperatures, blocking filters and stalling engines. It also causes carbon deposits, which can lead to power instability.
Aviation gasoline, often referred to as avgas, is a highly refined form of gasoline for aircraft with an emphasis on purity and anti-knock characteristics. It is used by small aircraft, light helicopters, and vintage piston-engined aircraft.
