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Have you ever looked up at an aeroplane flying high in the sky and wondered what kind of fuel it uses to stay in the air? It is an interesting question, especially when you think about how heavy airplanes are and how far they travel.
Well, unlike cars and bikes that run on petrol and diesel, airplanes need a special type of fuel that is made just for flying. This fuel must be powerful, safe, and able to work in extreme conditions like freezing temperatures and high altitudes.
There are different types of fuels are there. For example, large passenger jets use one type, while small training planes may use a further type. So if you are curious to know more about this topic, read this article. We will learn about the different types of fuel in aeroplanes and how this fuel helps planes fly smoothly.
Overview of Aeroplane Fuels
Most airplanes, except for some small ones with piston engines, use a special fuel made from kerosene. The most common type of fuel is called Jet A-1, which is also known as JP-1A. This fuel is used by many jet engine airplanes. Jet A-1 is made up of kerosene, in which a small amount of special chemicals is added to keep the engine safe and working well.
There are mainly two types of fuel used in airplanes: AVGAS and Jet Fuel.
- Jet Fuel is a type of fuel that is used in bigger airplanes with turbine engines.
- AVGAS is used in small airplanes with piston engines.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each type of fuel and how it is used in flight.
1 Jet Fuel or Kerosene
Jet fuel is a type of fuel that is made from kerosene. It is used in airplanes that run on turbine engines, such as jet engines and turboprops. Here are the two common types of jet fuel: Jet A and Jet A1. Both can be used in turbine-engine aircraft, but they have some small differences:
Freezing Point:
- Jet A1 freezes at around -47 degrees Celsius, which makes it better for long international flights (especially flights over cold places like the poles).
- Jet A freezes at -40 degrees Celsius.
Additives:
- Jet A1 usually has special additives that are very helpful in reducing static electricity that builds up during fuel movement.
- Jet A usually doesn’t have these additives.
Where they are used:
- Jet A is mostly used in the United States.
- Jet A1 is used worldwide.
2 AVGAS (Aviation Gasoline):
AVGAS is a different type of fuel used in small airplanes with piston engines. Mainly, it is not used in big jets but in aircraft used for flight training, flying clubs, or by private pilots.
AVGAS contains a chemical called tetraethyl lead, which helps in preventing damage in the engine. However, this chemical is toxic and needs to be handled with care.
There are two main types of AVGAS:
- AVGAS 100
- AVGAS 100LL (LL means “Low Lead”)
Let’s now know how they are different:
- Lead content:
- AVGAS 100 has more lead
- AVGAS 100LL has less lead
- Color:
- AVGAS 100 color is green
- AVGAS 100LL color is blue.
Why is Petrol not used in Aeroplanes?
Petrol is great for cars and bikes, but in general, it is not safe or suitable for airplanes. Here are some reasons that you should know about:
1Airplane Engine Needs Special Fuel
Aircraft engines, which are used in big jets, are built to work with a special fuel called aviation gasoline (AVGAS). This fuel is made to handle the tough conditions airplanes face, like flying high in the sky and going through different weather.
2Petrol has a Lower Octane Rating.
The octane rating of a fuel shows how well it can avoid engine “knocking” (a problem that can damage engines). AVGAS has a higher octane rating than petrol. It makes it safer and better for airplane engines.
3Petrol Contains Impurities
Petrol contains more impurities and chemicals than it does. This can leave dirty deposits inside the engine over time, which can cause problems. On the other hand, aviation fuel is much cleaner, which helps the engine run smoothly and last longer.
4Petrol Freezes Faster
At high altitudes, the temperature can drop to low levels. Petrol freezes more easily than aviation fuel. If fuel freezes while flying, it can cause the engine to stop working, which can be dangerous. AVGAS can handle these cold temperatures much better.
5Petrol Catches Fire More Easily
Petrol has a low flash point, which means it can catch fire at lower temperatures. Aviation fuel has a higher flash point, which makes it safer to store, handle, and use in airplanes. This reduces the risk of fire accidents during refueling or flight.
List of Different Types of Aircraft and Their Fuels
Here is the table of different types of aircraft and the type of fuel:
| Type of Aircraft | Fuel Type |
|---|---|
| Piston Engine Plane | AVGAS |
| Passenger Plane | Jet-A, Jet-A1 |
| Private Jet | Jet-A1 |
| Helicopter | Jet-A, Jet-A1 |
| Business Jet | Jet-A1 |
| Turboprop Plane | Jet-A |
| Regional Jet | Jet-A |
| Long-Range Passenger Plane | Jet-A |
| Heavy Lift Cargo Plane | Jet-A |
| Military Transport Aircraft | Jet-A |
| Fighter Jet | Jet-A |
Current Cost of Aviation Fuel In India?
The fuel cost depends on various factors such as the economy and other important factors. Here is the estimated cost of aviation fuel in some major Indian cities:
| City | Price Per Kilo Litre (KL) |
|---|---|
| Kolkata | Rs. 1.27 lakh |
| New Delhi | Rs. 1.19 lakh |
| Mumbai | Rs 1.11 lakh |
| Chennai | Rs. 1.22 lakh |
Conclusion
There are different types of fuel, like jet fuel for high-altitude flights and avgas for small engine planes, which allow aeroplanes to fly. The fuel we choose for transportation also affects the environment. By choosing more sustainable fuels, we can help the planet and even save money in the long run.
Aeroplanes mainly use jet fuel and kerosene-based fuel. This fuel works well in high altitudes and keeps engines running smoothly during flights.
No, white petrol is not used in aeroplanes. Aeroplanes use jet fuel, which is different from the petrol used in cars.
Kerosene is used in aeroplanes because it burns cleanly and works well at high altitudes. It is also safe and helps the engine work properly during long flights.
No, cars cannot use jet fuel. Jet fuel is made for airplanes and has different properties from the fuel used in cars. Cars need petrol or diesel, which is made for land vehicles.
Petrol is not used in aeroplanes because it does not work well at high altitudes. Petrol is also more flammable and does not provide the same level of safety and efficiency as jet fuel.
Yes, aviation fuel can be expensive. The price of fuel depends on the market, economy, and how much demand there is for air travel. But it is a necessary cost for keeping airplanes in the air.
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