PDA

View Full Version : NATO F-34 (JP-8) in a Thielert/Centurion 2.0?


BackPacker
17th Mar 2014, 12:31
From the Robin Ecoflyer POH:

FUELS

CAUTION: If non-approved fuels are used, this may lead to dangerous engine malfunctions.
Fuel: ........................................................JET A-1 (ASTM 1655)
Alternative: ................................................ Diesel (DIN EN 590)

I'm now involved in planning a trip to a military base who can provide NATO F-34 (JP-8) but no Jet-A1 or Diesel. According to a Google search F-34 is almost, but not quite the same as Jet A-1. F-34 has one or two additives added but the basic composition looks to be the same. But I don't know enough about organic chemistry to make an educated guess on whether these additives may be harmful.

So does anybody know whether F-34 can be used in the Thielert/Centurion 2.0 or not, and has the references to back that up?

Furthermore, the bowser that normally supplies us with Jet-A has a typical nozzle, different from an Avgas nozzle, but which works OK in the Ecoflyer. Does anybody know if F-34 is supplied through yet another nozzle type which might possibly not fit in the fuel pipe of a Robin Ecoflyer? Any other potential issues? (Just trying to cover all bases here.)

(I know we should probably contact the manufacturer about this, but getting a response here will probably be a lot quicker.)

soay
17th Mar 2014, 13:15
Certified Fuels:
Diesel (EN 590), Jet A, Jet A-1

Usable Fuels (UAV):
Diesel (EN 590), Jet A, Jet A-1, JP-5, DEF STAN 91-86, JP-8, DEF STAN 91-91, JP- 8+100, Chinese Jet Fuel No 3

Centurion Aircraft Engines -*Engine (http://www.centurion.aero/typo3/index.php?id=65&L=1)

Cows getting bigger
17th Mar 2014, 13:25
No problems. F-34 (JP-8) is just JET A-1 with an anti-icing additive AL-41 (commonly known as FSII). Most civil suppliers already give you Jet A-1 with AL48, which is a blend of AL-41 (FSII) and AL-61 (LIA).

Centurion also list JP-8 as a useable fuel.

Centurion Aircraft Engines -*Engine (http://www.centurion.aero/typo3/index.php?id=84&L=1)

BackPacker
17th Mar 2014, 14:13
Thanks. After some discussion, it was decided not to risk it. Even though it's technically possible, it's not certified. So if something were to happen, regardless of whether its fuel-related or not, we're going to be caught with our pants down. As this is an event that attracts quite some publicity and even some minor political flak, we're just not going to risk it.