Five criteria for selecting space & defense fuels

In space & defense applications, fuel is part of an integrated system. Whether for UAVs, rocket propulsion, naval systems or military aircraft, fuel properties must match the specific application, remain reproducible throughout development, qualification and operation, and deliver reliable performance. In this article, we explain what to consider when selecting space & sefense fuels and which Haltermann Carless‘ fuel types are particularly suitable for your specific applications. 

What should you consider when selecting space & defense fuels? 

Here are five key criteria to help you choose the right fuel and the right partner for your project:

1. Technical suitability of the fuel 

Standard fuels do not meet the requirements of every space & defense application. Depending on the platform and mission profile, factors such as purity, energy density, volatility, thermal stability and low-temperature properties can be critical. The right partner should therefore not only provide suitable fuels, but also understand the interaction between the fuel, engine and application. 

2. Reproducible fuel quality 

Consistent fuel properties are essential during development and qualification. Tight property tolerances, high batch-to-batch consistency and full traceability provide the basis for reproducible testing and predictable system behaviour. 

3. Development and qualification capabilities 

New platforms and propulsion concepts may require customised fuel solutions. The ability to formulate and optimise fuels and provide technical support throughout development and qualification programs is therefore an important consideration when selecting a fuel partner. 

4. Security of supply 

A fuel must be available not only for the initial test phase. Development programs can span several years and grow from small test quantities to larger production volumes. Flexible supply models, from development quantities through to long-term supply, are therefore an important selection criterion. 

5. Regulatory and procurement requirements 

Space & defense programs are often subject to specific technical specifications and procurement requirements. Experience with relevant NATO, DEF STAN and U.S. MIL-DTL fuel specifications, as well as export control and dual-use requirements, can facilitate integration into sensitive programs. 

Why you can rely on Haltermann Carless for space & defense fuels 

Haltermann Carless combines fuel development with engine expertise and supports customers throughout the entire program lifecycle, from initial development through to long-term supply. This expertise in fuels stretches back to the 19th century. 

Key advantages of working with Haltermann Carless include: 

• CAGE Code registered 

• Experience with applicable NATO, DEF STAN and U.S. MIL-DTL fuel specifications 

• Production and supply from Europe 

• Flexible volume models, from small development batches to scalable volumes 

• Certified quality and traceability 

• Experience with export control and dual-use requirements 

• Portfolio including sustainable fuel options 

This makes Haltermann Carless more than a fuel supplier. We are also your development partner for demanding space & defense applications. 

Which space & defense fuels does Haltermann Carless offer for your program? 

Whether for UAVs, rocket propulsion, naval systems or air and ground systems, the right fuel solution depends on the technical requirements of your application. Haltermann Carless therefore offers a broad portfolio of speciality space & defense fuels, such as:

1. Fuels for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)   

Kerosene and gasoline fuels for different platforms and propulsion concepts, from development and testing programs through to long-term supply. 

Kerosene fuels: 

• Avtag with FSII – DEF STAN 91-88 / NATO F-40 / US MIL JP-4

• Avtur – DEF STAN 91-91 / NATO F-35

• Avtur with FSII – DEF STAN 91-87 / NATO F-34 / US MIL JP-8

• Avcat with FSII – DEF STAN 91-86 / NATO F-44 / US MIL JP-5

• RP-1 UAV

Gasoline fuels: 

• EN228 Unleaded Gasoline – NATO F-67

• EN228 Unleaded Gasoline R100 (fully sustainable)

• 100LL Aviation Gasoline – NATO F-18 

2. Fuels for rocket propulsions 

Haltermann Carless' RP-1 and advanced RP-1+ fuels offer high purity and tight specification control for demanding rocket propulsion applications. 

• RP-1 UAV

• RP-1+ 

3. Fuels for naval applications 

Fuel solutions for naval systems where safety, storability and reliable operation under demanding climatic conditions are key requirements. 

• Avcat with FSII – DEF STAN 91-86 / NATO F-44 / US MIL JP-5

• Naval Distillate – MIL-DTL-16884 / NATO F-76

• Naval Distillate, Low Pour Point – DEF STAN 91-004 / NATO F-75

• Arctic Diesel – Arctic Grades 

   

4. Fuels for aviation and ground systems 

Flight, test and reference fuels, including variants for demanding climatic conditions and different mission profiles. 

• Avtag with FSII – DEF STAN 91-88 / NATO F-40 / US MIL JP-4

• Avtur – DEF STAN 91-91 / NATO F-35

• Avtur with FSII – DEF STAN 91-87 / NATO F-34 / US MIL JP-8

• Avcat with FSII – DEF STAN 91-86 / NATO F-44 / US MIL JP-5  

Looking for a fuel partner for your space & defense program? 

Talk to our experts about your requirements and find out which space & defense fuel solution is right for your program.

• Discuss your requirements with the Haltermann Carless experts

Conclusion: Haltermann Carless supports your program with space and defense fuels from initial development through long-term supply

Especially for new space & defense programs, fuel forms part of a long-term development process. Haltermann Carless supports this process with fuel formulation, testing, production and supply from a single source. 

Small quantities for initial trials can be just as important as the subsequent supply requirements of an established program. Providing a pathway from development to scalable production reduces interfaces and creates greater planning certainty throughout the program lifecycle. 

As an established development partner, we support you with our long-standing fuel expertise.
Talk to us about the space & defense fuels your program requires. 

Further informations:

• Haltermann Carless’ expertise in the space and defence sector

• Haltermann Carless’ fuel portfolio for space and defence applications

• Download Space & Defense Broschüre