JP-5 (Jet Propellant-5) is a kerosene-based military aviation turbine fuel engineered specifically for naval and shipboard aviation operations, where fire safety, thermal stability, and operational reliability are critical.
Developed to replace earlier wide-cut fuels, JP-5 is optimized for aircraft carrier environments, enclosed hangars, and shipboard fuel systems. It is the primary aviation fuel used by the U.S. Navy and allied naval forces worldwide.
Key Characteristics
High Flash Point – Superior Fire Safety
Minimum flash point of approximately 60°C (140°F)
Significantly reduces fire and vapor ignition risk compared to JP-4 and JP-8
Essential for aircraft carriers and enclosed deck operations
Excellent Thermal Stability
Resists degradation under high engine temperatures and fuel heat-soak conditions
Prevents gum, carbon deposits, and injector fouling
Supports long engine life and mission reliability
Low Freezing Point
Typical freezing point ≤ –46°C
Maintains fluidity at high altitudes and cold maritime environments
Clean-Burning, Low-Sulfur Fuel
Deep hydrotreating reduces sulfur, aromatics, and contaminants
Results in lower smoke, soot, and turbine deposits
Refining & Production Properties
Middle-Distillate Extraction
Produced from the kerosene fraction of crude oil
Typical boiling range: ~190°C – 270°C
Narrower and more controlled than civilian jet fuels
Hydrotreating & Quality Enhancement
Extensive hydrotreating removes sulfur, nitrogen, and olefins
Enhances oxidation resistance, storage stability, and combustion quality
Strict Volatility Control
Lower vapor pressure than JP-8
Reduces flammability risks in confined naval storage environments
Additive Treatment
Antioxidants – prevent oxidation during long storage
Corrosion inhibitors – protect shipboard fuel systems
Static dissipater additives – reduce electrostatic ignition risk
Metal deactivators – prevent catalytic fuel degradation
Typical Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Operational Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Kerosene-based turbine fuel | Naval aviation compatibility |
| Flash Point | ≥ 60°C | Maximum fire safety |
| Freezing Point | ≤ –46°C | Cold-weather operation |
| Density @ 15°C | ~0.80–0.82 kg/L | Aircraft weight planning |
| Distillation Range | ~190–270°C | Controlled volatility |
| Sulfur Content | Very low | Clean combustion |
| Net Heat of Combustion | ~43 MJ/kg | Efficient power output |
| Appearance | Clear to straw-colored | Quality verification |
Applications
Naval Aviation
Aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, naval air stations
Military Aircraft
Carrier-based fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, military helicopters
Defense Logistics
Long-term shipboard fuel storage
Forward-deployed naval fleets
Safety, Storage & Handling
Low vapor pressure allows safe storage in ship tanks and below-deck compartments
Standard aviation grounding and bonding procedures apply
Reduced volatility simplifies shipboard fuel transfer operations
Standards & Specifications
MIL-DTL-5624 – Military Aviation Turbine Fuel Specification
NATO F-44 Classification
U.S. Navy Aviation Fuel Quality Standards
JP-5 vs Other Military Jet Fuels
| Parameter | JP-5 | JP-8 | JP-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Point | ≥ 60°C | ≥ 38°C | ~ –18°C |
| Safety Level | Very High | High | Low |
| Freezing Point | ≤ –46°C | ≤ –47°C | ~ –60°C |
| Volatility | Low | Moderate | High |
| Primary Use | Naval aviation | Land-based military | Legacy |
Advantages
Exceptional fire safety for shipboard operations
High thermal and oxidative stability
Clean combustion with minimal deposits
Reliable performance in extreme maritime and combat environments
Limitations
Slightly higher cost than JP-8
Lower cold-weather margin than JP-4
Limited civilian use due to military-specific specifications