JP-10 (Jet Propellant 10) is a synthetic jet fuel, specified and used mainly as fuel in missiles. Being designed for military purposes, it is not a kerosene based fuel.
Developed to be a gas turbine fuel for cruise missiles, [1] it contains mainly exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (exo-THDCPD) with some endo-isomer impurity. [2] About 100 ppm of alkylphenol-based antioxidant is added to prevent gumming. Optionally, 0.10–0.15% of fuel system icing inhibitor may be added. [3] Exo-THDCPD is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of dicyclopentadiene and then isomerization. [4]
It superseded JP-9, which is a mixture of norbornadiene-based RJ-5 fuel, tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene and methylcyclohexane, because of a lower temperature service limit and about four times lower price. [5] Since the lack of volatile methylcyclohexane makes its ignition difficult, a separate priming fluid PF-1 with about 10-12% of this additive is required for the engine start-up. [5] Its main use is in the Tomahawk missiles. [6]
The Russian equivalent is called detsilin .
JP-10 absorbs heat energy, so is endothermic with a relatively high density of 940 kg/m3. It has a low freezing point of less than −110 °C (−166 °F) and the flash point is 130 °F (54 °C). The high energy density of 39.6 MJ/L makes it ideal for military aerospace applications - its primary use. The ignition and burn chemistry has been extensively studied. [8] [9] [10] The exo isomer also has a low freezing point. [11] [12] Its other properties have also been studied extensively. [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]
Even though its uses are mainly for the military, the relatively high cost has meant research has been undertaken to find lower costs routes including the use of cellulosic materials. [18]
Current and past areas of research focus on: