Since the 1950s, commercial airlines and civilian jet aircraft in the U.S. have used Jet A grade specification fuel. Jet A-1 grade is used outside the U.S. Jet B grade is a highly flammable naptha-kerosene distillate used in extremely cold conditions. The military uses JP-4, JP-5 and JP-8 grades.
Jet A-1 has a flash point above 38 degrees Centigrade and a freeze point of -47 C and contains a maximum of .30 percent sulphur by weight. Jet A has a freeze point of -40 C and a flash point of 38 C with a maximum 25 percent aromatics content by volume. Jet B meets the Canadian Specifications CAN/CGSB 3.23.
Additives are used in tiny quantities, measured in parts-per-million, to improve the quality of jet fuel. Military jet fuel contains high-performance, anti-icing and corrosion inhibitor additives. Civilian grades use anti-knock, anti-oxidant and static dissipater additives.
