Helicopters are often smaller and require less energy to catch flight and transport from one place to another, compared to airplanes and jets. This implies that fuels with lower energy-releasing properties are used in helicopters. How true is this?
Helicopters use jet fuel just like other aircraft. Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B, Avtur, and Avgas are the different types of jet fuel used. Each of these has unique properties and is used for specific engines.
Please continue reading to learn more about these different types of jet fuel, their properties, and their environmental impact.
Jet Fuel
Jet fuel is a type of aviation fuel specifically designed for use in jet engines. These jet engines are installed in military airplanes, commercial airplanes, and helicopters. Jet fuel is a refined product derived from crude oil through refining and significantly contributes to greenhouse gases.
Do Helicopters Use Jet Fuel?
Yes, helicopters use jet fuel. Often the type of engine that a helicopter has determined the kind of fuel compatible with the helicopter. The most common fuel that helicopters use is called Avgas. We will discuss what it is later in this article.
However, Avtur is used for heavier helicopters. Moreover, Jet A is very commonly used in helicopters in the United States.
All the different types of jet fuels are used in helicopters depending on the make and model of the helicopter’s engine, fuel availability in different companies, and the regulation of the type of fuel that can be used in specific countries.
Jet fuel is non-renewable, and there is no certainty on how long it will continue to be used.
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Types Of Fuels Used In Helicopters
Let us take an overview of the different types of jet fuels that are used in helicopters.
- Jet A – Jet A is a kerosene-based fuel commonly used in commercial and military helicopters. It is less likely to catch fire under typical circumstances because it has a higher flash point than other kinds of fuel. Jet A can be used in warmer climates because of its low freezing point.
- Jet A-1 – Another kerosene-based fuel, Jet A-1, is comparable to Jet A but has a lower freezing point. Helicopters operating in colder climates frequently use it. Jet A-1 is still a fuel that is used in helicopters even though it has a slightly lower energy density than Jet A. Jet A-1 is not preferred for use in helicopters.
- Avtur – Avtur is a particular aviation turbine fuel mainly used in military and commercial aircraft with turbine engines. It is a kerosene-type similar to Jet A-1, with minor compositional and additive changes to meet regional or national requirements. Avtur is safer to handle and transport because it has a lower freezing point and a higher flash point than other kinds of aviation fuel.
It is effective at powering turbine engines due to its high energy density and is preferred for use in heavier aircraft. To ensure that it complies with safety and environmental standards, Avtur is strictly regulated and supervised.
- Avgas – Avgas, or aviation gasoline, is a fuel used in small helicopters with piston engines. Avgas has a higher octane rating than automotive gasoline and is specifically designed for use in aviation engines. It is more expensive than other fuel types, and its availability is lower too.
- Jet B – Jet B is a blend of kerosene and gasoline. It is commonly used in helicopters operating in colder climates as it has a lower freezing point than Jet A and Jet A-1. Jet B has a higher energy density than Jet A and Jet A-1, but it is more volatile and has a lower flash point, which means it is more likely to ignite.
How Bad Is Jet Fuel For The Environment?
Since jet fuel is a fossil fuel, it is produced by refining crude oil. Jet fuel contributes significantly to the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses that cause climate change, just like other fossil fuels like petrol and diesel.
Jet fuel combustion in a jet engine produces pollutants like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Jet fuel combustion is responsible for releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a major contributor, so nitrogen oxides and other trace gasses are also released. These gases contribute to processes that result in global warming and climate change.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has estimated that aviation accounts for about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with jet fuel combustion accounting for most of these emissions.
However, it is suggested that the true impact of aviation on climate change may be higher, as aviation emissions can have a greater impact at high altitudes.
Environmental Impacts
Due to the emission of greenhouse gasses, several environmental changes are observed. The release of these gasses is one of the primary reasons for smog and acid rain formation. Both of these are destructive not only to humans but also to plants, animals, and infrastructure.
Moreover, particulate matter is released from the combustion of jet fuel which severely impacts the air quality and leads to several respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among children and the elderly.
Apart from the combustion of jet fuel, other processes also contribute to the destruction of the environment. Some of these processes include production, disposal, and transportation. Some of these processes endanger entire ecosystems and cause significant harm to land, water, and wildlife health.
What Is The Solution?
Various corrective measures are being taken to address the environmental impacts of aviation. These include reducing jet fuel use and exploring alternative, sustainable aviation fuels such as biofuels derived from renewable sources like algae.
The development of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft is also well underway.
Moreover, research and development to improve the fuel efficiency of current aircraft to reduce their overall environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, are also being done.
While these solutions are still in the early stages of development, measures such as carbon offsetting and emissions trading are being used to mitigate aviation’s impact on the environment.
Final Thoughts
The similarities between aircraft and helicopters also extend to manufacturing their engines. As a result, both use jet fuel to power themselves for flight. The type of jet fuel used may vary depending on the engine’s model and the company’s preferences.
