Feasibility of Using Alternate Fuels in the U.S. Antarctic Program: Initial Assessment
Abstract
Currently, the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) has standardized using AN8 fuel for all air operations and the majority of its ground based operations. The freeze-point (FP) specification for AN8 is 58C. The U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) conducted an analysis of the air temperature history at McMurdo, South Pole, and the WAIS (West Antarctic Ice Sheet) Divide camp to determine if USAP could feasibly use alternate, less expensive aircraft fuels. Also, to provide context, this report details the USAP fuel purchasing methodology and price calculation.JP-8 (and Jet A-1) has an FP specification of 47C, which is well below the minimum average daily air temperature at McMurdo (40C) and is also below the storage temperature of the fuel at South Pole (45C). The estimated fuel temperature at the WAIS Divide camp is above the FP of JP-8 during the operational season. Based on these findings, it may be possible to use JP-8 to replace ground-based applications where AN8 is currently used. Evidence suggests that JP-8 can replace the AN8 used for all flight operations, also.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1046327
Entities
People
- George L. Blaisdell
- Robert B. Haehnel
- Terry Melendy