JP-8 (Jet Propellant-8) is a kerosene-based military aviation turbine fuel developed as a safer and more versatile replacement for JP-4. It is the primary jet fuel used by NATO forces and allied militaries worldwide, supporting aircraft, ground vehicles, generators, heaters, and auxiliary equipment under the “single-fuel concept.”
JP-8 closely resembles commercial Jet A-1 but incorporates mandatory military additives and stricter quality controls to ensure reliability in combat environments, extreme climates, and long-term storage.
Key Characteristics
Kerosene-Based, Low Volatility
Narrow-cut kerosene fuel with significantly reduced vapor formation, lower fire risk, and safer handling compared to wide-cut fuels like JP-4.
Low Freezing Point – Extreme Climate Capability
Typical freezing point ≤ –47°C ensures uninterrupted fuel flow and reliable engine starts at high altitudes, arctic regions, and desert extremes.
High Thermal & Oxidative Stability
Resists thermal cracking, gum formation, and injector fouling, supporting modern high-temperature turbine engines and extended maintenance intervals.
Mandatory Military Additive Package
Includes FSII (icing inhibitor), CI/LI (corrosion & lubricity improver), static dissipater additives, antioxidants, and metal deactivators.
Refining & Production Properties
Middle-Distillate Extraction: Produced from kerosene fraction (~150°C–300°C).
Deep Hydrotreating: Removes sulfur, nitrogen, aromatics, and trace metals.
Final Additization: Additives blended and certified for military use with rigorous batch testing.
Typical Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Operational Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Kerosene-based turbine fuel | Military aviation |
| Flash Point | ≥ 38°C | Safe handling |
| Freezing Point | ≤ –47°C | Cold-weather performance |
| Density @ 15°C | 0.80–0.82 kg/L | Aircraft fuel planning |
| Distillation Range | ~150–300°C | Stable volatility |
| Net Heat of Combustion | ~43 MJ/kg | High energy output |
| Appearance | Clear to straw-colored | Quality inspection |
Applications
Military Aviation: Fighter jets, transport aircraft, surveillance planes, tankers, helicopters.
Ground & Support Equipment: Tactical vehicles, generators, heaters, APUs.
Logistics & Deployment: Forward operating bases and long-term storage.
Safety, Storage & Handling
Lower flammability than JP-4 and suitable for long-term storage.
Strict grounding, bonding, and water contamination control required.
Fully compatible with NATO fuel infrastructure.
Standards & Specifications
MIL-DTL-83133 (Primary Specification)
NATO Designation: F-34
Aligned with ASTM D1655 (Jet A-1 base fuel)
NATO Single Fuel Policy compliant
JP-8 vs Other Jet Fuels
| Parameter | JP-8 | Jet A-1 | JP-5 | JP-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Military kerosene | Civil kerosene | Naval kerosene | Wide-cut |
| Flash Point | ≥ 38°C | ≥ 38°C | ≥ 60°C | ~ –18°C |
| Freezing Point | ≤ –47°C | ≤ –47°C | ≤ –46°C | ~ –60°C |
| Additives | Mandatory | Optional | Mandatory | Limited |
| Safety Level | High | High | Very High | Low |
Advantages
Enhanced safety vs JP-4
Multi-purpose military fuel (single-fuel concept)
Excellent low-temperature performance
Superior thermal stability
Global NATO standardization
Limitations
Higher cost than civilian jet fuel
Additive handling requires strict quality control
Not suitable for gasoline engines