Emulsified Fuel for Military Aircraft

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Abstract
An analysis of statistics of aircraft crashes shows that approximately 70 percent of the fatalities are due to fire. The fire hazards in a crash situation are largely associated with liquid fuel. These problems may be either minimized or eliminated by thickening the fuel. This paper summarizes work carried out under an Army contract (DA 44-177-AMC-387(T)) aimed at the formulation of JP-4 fuel emulsions which reduce the fire hazards associated with liquid JP-4. Two JP-4 emulsions (designated WSX-7063 and WSX-7165) which appear to meet the study contractual requirements possess 99 percent of the fuel value associated with JP-4; they reduce the rate at which combustible vapors are released; they have yield stresses which will retard flow through a tank puncture; they are stable over the temperature range of −20 F to 130 F (WSX-7165 is stable over the range of −65 F to 160 F); and they are compatible with aircraft materials of construction. WSX-7165 is being made in 1000-gal batches and it is under evaluation by various engine manufacturers. The fuel has also been tested in several simulated crash situations and the results were quite favorable.

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