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.
Here are five key criteria to help you choose the right fuel and the right partner for your project:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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+
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
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
Talk to our experts about your requirements and find out which space & defense fuel solution is right for your program.
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
FAQs about fuels for space and defenseWhat matters when selecting fuels for space and defense? The key factors are technical suitability for the intended application, consistent quality, support during development and qualification, and reliable long-term supply. Project-specific specifications and procurement requirements must also be considered. Depending on the propulsion system and operating profile, properties such as purity, energy density, thermal stability or low-temperature performance may be particularly important. |