Mercedes Mullins
Helicopter fuel tanks come in various sizes, depending on the helicopter's size and purpose. The amount of fuel a helicopter can carry does not always determine how long it can fly. Bigger helicopters with larger tanks will weigh more, requiring more fuel to generate the necessary power. Most helicopters are designed to carry enough fuel for 1.5 to 3 hours of flight, with a 20-minute reserve. The type of fuel used also varies, with options like jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and piston engine-powered aircraft fuel. The price of fuel is generally consistent across aircraft types, depending on the amount consumed and the fuel tank's capacity.
Helicopter Fuel Tank Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical flight duration | 1.5 to 3 hours with a 20-minute reserve |
| Fuel type | Jet fuel, aviation gasoline (AVGAS), or turbine engine fuel |
| Fuel colour | Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B fuels are colorless or straw-colored |
| AVGAS colours | Purple for AVGAS 82UL, green for AVGAS 100, blue for AVGAS 100LL |
| Fuel tank construction | Lightweight double wall aluminum with a powder-coated finish |
| Fuel tank design | Cylindrical with a low center of gravity for stability |
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What You'll Learn
- Helicopter fuel types: Jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and turbine fuel
- Fuel efficiency: Larger tanks burn more fuel, so bigger isn't always better
- Flight duration: Most helicopters can fly for 1.5-3 hours with a 20-minute reserve
- Fuel identification: Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B fuels are colorless or straw-coloured
- Fuel prices: Costs depend on fuel tank size and fuel consumption, not aircraft type
Helicopter fuel types: Jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and turbine fuel
The size of a helicopter fuel tank varies depending on the model of the helicopter and its intended use. Some helicopters, such as the Bell 429, may have larger fuel tanks to accommodate longer flight times, while others may have smaller fuel tanks designed for shorter trips or to reduce overall weight.
Now, let's discuss the various types of fuels used in helicopters:
Jet Fuel
Jet fuel is a refined kerosene-based or naphtha-kerosene blend fuel that powers turbine engines, including turboprop and jet engines. It is clear or straw-colored and has a high flash point, making it less flammable and safer to transport and handle. The most commonly used type of jet fuel worldwide is Jet A1, known for its low freezing point, making it suitable for international travel. Jet A is primarily used in the United States and has a higher flash point and freezing point compared to standard kerosene. Jet B is another alternative, known for its extremely low freezing point, making it ideal for cold areas.
Aviation Gasoline (Avgas)
Aviation gasoline, often referred to as avgas or 100-LL (low-lead), is a highly refined form of gasoline specifically designed for aircraft use. It is used by small aircraft, light helicopters, and vintage piston-engined aircraft. Avgas has a distinct formulation from the conventional gasoline used in motor vehicles, with an emphasis on purity, anti-knock characteristics, and minimizing spark plug fouling. It is essential to prevent engine knock or detonation, which can lead to sudden engine failure.
Turbine Fuel
Turbine engines, including those in helicopters, can operate with a wide range of fuels due to the injection of fuel into the hot combustion chamber. While jet fuel is commonly used in turbine engines, other lower-cost options are available with higher flash points, such as diesel fuel, kerosene, or kerosene and gasoline mixtures. These fuels have a lower flammability rate, making them safer for transport and handling.
As the aviation industry moves towards sustainable practices, there is a growing interest in sustainable aviation fuel, also known as aviation biofuel. Additionally, the industry is exploring alternative power sources, such as hydrogen power and electric batteries, for future use.
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Fuel efficiency: Larger tanks burn more fuel, so bigger isn't always better
While it may seem intuitive that larger fuel tanks will enable a helicopter to fly for longer, this is not always the case. Fuel efficiency in helicopters is a complex matter, and bigger tanks can sometimes be a detriment rather than a benefit.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that a helicopter's flight duration is influenced by more than just fuel capacity. The weight of the helicopter plays a significant role in fuel consumption. A larger helicopter with a bigger fuel tank will inherently weigh more, requiring more fuel to generate the necessary power to lift and move that weight. This means that while a larger tank may hold more fuel, the additional weight of the tank and fuel can offset any potential gain in flight duration.
Additionally, the type of fuel used is an important consideration. Helicopters typically use aviation gasoline, specifically grades such as AVGAS 100LL, AVGAS 100, or AVGAS 82UL. These fuels contain tetraethyl lead, which prevents detonations during combustion that could lead to piston engine failure. However, this substance is toxic and has been removed from car gasoline. The amount of fuel burned also depends on the helicopter's operations. Hovering and overcoming drag, for instance, Parasite Drag and Profile Drag, require more power and fuel.
The design of the helicopter also comes into play. Most helicopters are designed to carry enough fuel for flights between 1.5 and 3 hours, with a 20-minute reserve. This standard design consideration ensures that helicopters have sufficient fuel for their intended purposes without relying solely on large fuel tanks, which could compromise manoeuvrability and efficiency.
In summary, while larger fuel tanks may seem advantageous, they can lead to reduced fuel efficiency due to increased weight and fuel consumption. Helicopter design, fuel type, and operational factors all contribute to overall efficiency. Therefore, it's essential to consider the interplay of these factors when assessing the impact of fuel tank size on a helicopter's performance.
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Flight duration: Most helicopters can fly for 1.5-3 hours with a 20-minute reserve
The flight duration of a helicopter depends on several factors, including fuel tank size, helicopter type, and flight conditions. Most helicopters can remain airborne for 1.5 to 3 hours, with a mandatory 20-minute reserve, depending on their fuel capacity. This flight duration is based on the assumption that the helicopter has a full fuel tank at the start of the flight and no additional fuel is added during the flight.
The fuel capacity of helicopters varies depending on the model and type. Some helicopters have larger fuel tanks, allowing them to stay in the air for extended periods. For example, the V22 Osprey is known for its extended flight capabilities, although the exact duration is not publicly available.
On the other hand, some helicopters have shorter flight durations. The AS350, for instance, is noted for its high-altitude capabilities, having landed on Mount Everest at 28,000 feet, but its standard fuel capacity is not specified.
It is important to note that the flight duration of a helicopter can be extended through aerial refuelling, as seen in the 1967 non-stop transatlantic flight by two USAF HH-3E helicopters. This flight lasted over 30 hours and covered a distance of 4,000 miles, demonstrating the potential for extended flight durations with the support of aerial refuelling.
Additionally, some helicopters are designed with auxiliary fuel tank kits that can be installed to increase their range. This option provides more flexibility for specific missions or operations that require extended flight durations. However, it is important to consider the trade-offs, as adding auxiliary fuel tanks may impact the helicopter's performance and manoeuvrability.
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Fuel identification: Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B fuels are colorless or straw-coloured
The colour of jet fuel is dependent on its composition, which varies according to its petroleum source. Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B fuels are typically colourless to straw-coloured. This is in contrast to aviation gasoline, which is dyed for easy identification and safety purposes. Jet fuel is a mixture of hydrocarbons, with its composition defined by performance specifications such as freezing and smoke points.
Jet A is the standard jet fuel in the US since the 1950s and is only available there. It has a high flash point of 38°C and an auto-ignition temperature of 210°C. Jet A is similar to Jet A-1, but with a higher freezing point of −40°C compared to −47°C for Jet A-1. Jet A is identified by UN number 1863 Hazardous Material placards and black and white stickers on trucks, storage tanks, and pipes. It should be regularly checked for water contamination, as water is denser and will collect at the bottom of the tank.
Jet A-1, also known as AVTUR or kerosene-type jet fuel, is the most common fuel for commercial aviation and is produced to internationally standardized specifications. It has a carbon number distribution of about 8 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. Jet A-1 is similar to military fuel JP-8.
Jet B is the only other jet fuel commonly used in civilian turbine-engine aviation. It is a wide-cut or naphtha-type jet fuel with a carbon number distribution of about 5 to 15. Jet B is used for its improved performance in cold weather, but its lighter composition makes it more dangerous to handle, so it is restricted to areas where its cold-weather characteristics are essential. Jet B is similar to military fuel JP-4.
The identification of jet fuels is important to ensure the correct type is delivered and used. While jet fuels are not typically dyed, their clear to straw colour can help distinguish them from aviation gasoline, which is dyed for safety.
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Fuel prices: Costs depend on fuel tank size and fuel consumption, not aircraft type
Fuel prices for aircraft are often thought to depend on the type of aircraft being used. However, this is not the case. The cost of fuelling an aircraft depends on the fuel tank size and the fuel consumption of the aircraft. For instance, the price of fuel per kiloliter of jet A or jet A-1 for a turbine-powered helicopter is the same as that for a jet.
There are different types of helicopter fuels, including jet fuel and aviation gasoline. Piston-powered helicopters in North America and Western Europe generally fill their tanks with aviation gasoline grade 100LL, which contains three times the amount of tetraethyl lead per liter found in car gasoline. The tetraethyl lead prevents detonations during combustion that may result in piston engine failure. Other grades of aviation gasoline include AVGAS 100 and AVGAS 82UL.
The amount of fuel a helicopter can carry does not always correlate with how long it can fly. A larger helicopter with a bigger tank will weigh more, requiring more fuel to generate the power to move that weight. Most helicopters are designed to carry enough fuel to fly between 1.5 and 3 hours, with a 20-minute reserve.
Hovering and drag also impact a helicopter's fuel efficiency. The power required during hovering and the drag the helicopter must overcome are moments when more power is needed, and thus more fuel is burned. Parasite drag is caused by the fuselage, while profile drag is caused by the higher pitch angle of each rotor blade as it moves through the air. Despite the weaknesses in fuel efficiency and autonomy, helicopters have many advantages that make them a preferred choice for certain operations.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of a helicopter fuel tank varies depending on the helicopter's size and type of engine. Turbine engine-powered helicopters can hold more fuel than piston-powered helicopters.
Helicopters use different types of fuel, including jet fuel and aviation gasoline (avgas). Jet A, Jet A-1, and Jet B fuels are colorless or straw-colored, while avgas fuels like AVGAS 82UL, AVGAS 100, and AVGAS 100LL are dyed purple, green, and blue, respectively.
A bigger fuel tank does not necessarily mean a longer flight time. Larger helicopters with bigger tanks weigh more, requiring more fuel to generate the necessary power. Most helicopters are designed to carry enough fuel for 1.5 to 3 hours of flight, plus a 20-minute reserve.
Aviation gasoline, or Avgas, is a type of fuel used in piston engine-powered aircraft, including helicopters. In North America and Western Europe, piston-powered helicopters typically use Avgas 100LL, which contains tetraethyl lead to prevent detonations during combustion.
The amount of fuel burned depends on factors such as hovering requirements and drag. Parasite drag is caused by the fuselage, while profile drag is caused by the pitch angle of each rotor blade. Helicopters burn more fuel during hovering and when overcoming drag, resulting in reduced autonomy.
