SAE AIR6148

This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) provides general information on the developing subject of synthetic jet fuels derived from non-petroleum feed stocks. It addresses synthetic jet fuel properties and other topics associated with their use and is intended as a guide to assist aviation fuel system designers in considering important information on fuel properties when designing aircraft fuel systems and components. The AIR is limited to “drop-in” fuels that meet the requirements of the respective fuel specifications and are compatible with typical aircraft and ground refueling systems. While some key properties are included in this AIR for discussion, the reader should utilize documents such as MIL-HDBK-510 or the ASTM International research reports for a more-detailed review of fuel properties. AIR7484 also gives more details on fuel properties, specifically as they relate to airframe fuel system design. Development and introduction of jet fuels from non-petroleum sources (called “synthetic jet fuels” in this document) to replace or supplement the petroleum-based jet fuels currently approved for use in aircraft has resulted in a need for increased awareness of these fuels within the fuel systems design community. This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) is to inform the fuel system designer community on the general aspects of this activity. For specifics on the jet fuel requirements and properties, industry and military specifications that govern these fuels should be consulted.