Skydrol will burn in a mist, but it won't explode....unlike 5606 (red dyed petroleum based) That was the reason for Skydrol in the first place; when you get a hyd leak it often is from a pinhole in a hose, then a mist forms. Add one ignition source - and BANG!!!
So, for the safety of airline pax, phosphate ester based fluid (Skydrol) was invented. The military don't worry about such trivialities, and carry on with 5606 or derivatives on most of their aircraft.
The researcher may be after using Skydrol in Formula 1 cars for the same safety reasons, but of course you never know - that lot are worse than Area 51 for security!!