NATO AFLP-3747 PDF

GENERAL

This Guide Specification represents the minimum quality standards acceptable under the appropriate NATO Code Numbers.

Nation’s specifications shall comply with the minimum requirements before being acceptable as standardized products under the appropriate NATO Code Number. The test methods shown in AFLP-3747 are for reference only. The fuel shall comply with the specified limiting values. The specified limiting values must not be changed. This precludes any allowance for the test method precision and significant figures.

In order to promote product development, any nation’s specifications may include additional tests or improved quality requirements to those listed in AFLP-3747. However, nations are not allowed to add additives to F-24, F-27, F-34, F-35, F-37, F- 40, and F-44 unless approved in AFLP-3747.

STANAG 1135, Annex C, lists under individual product descriptions, national specifications which have been agreed as interchangeable.

The quality standards contained in this document are to be used by Member Nations (MNs) in the preparation and maintenance of their individual procurement specifications and standards. A MNs’ individual procurement document may be more stringent depending upon its equipment. This STANAG is not designed to be used in the direct procurement of products.

Synthetic components meeting the requirements of ASTM D7566 (Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons) are allowed by several fuel specifications such as ASTM D1655, DEF STAN 91-91, MIL-DTL-5624, and MIL-DTL-83133, which characterize aviation turbine fuels defined by this STANAG. Before any fuel containing synthetic components may be delivered to a NATO aircraft it must first be ascertained that the appropriate clearance document(s) permitting its use have been obtained. Typically, clearances would be provided by the technical authority for the fuel in concert with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), weapon system manager, airworthiness authority and/or aircraft engineering officer.

Fuels transported through multi-product pipelines, and other non-dedicated modes of transportation, may become incidentally contaminated with low levels of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) from diesel fuel containing this material. Research conducted by the Energy Institute has led to ASTM International, the U.K. Ministry of Defence, some MNs, and OEM approval of up to 50 mg/kg (ppm by weight) of incidental FAME contamination in jet fuel. Incidental contamination up to 100 mg/kg FAME emergency use limits may be approved on a by case basis by the appropriate authorities. Typically, clearances would be provided by the technical authority for the fuel in concert with the OEM, weapon system manager, airworthiness authority and/or aircraft engineering officer. FAME content can be determined by test methods ASTM D7797, IP 583, IP 585 (referee test method), IP 590, or IP 599. Joint Inspection Group (JIG) Bulletin No. 75 can be utilized to determine when FAME testing should be conducted. MNs are encouraged to address incidental FAME contamination in their jet fuel National specifications.

Jet A-1 procured to ASTM D1655 and additized with the Military additive package (Lubricity Improving Additive (LIA)/Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII)/Static Dissipater Additive (SDA)) should be considered technically equivalent to F-34. The difference in these fuels is that Jet A-1 may, or may not, contain Anti-Oxidants (AO). It is recommended that nations monitor hydroperoxide levels in Jet A-1 with LIA/FSII/SDA stored longer than 6 months (dormant storage). Hydroperoxides can form in fuels stored for long periods, and are capable of damaging the elastomers used in fuel systems. ASTM D3703 is an accepted method for measuring hydroperoxide levels. 16 mg/kg of hydroperoxide is considered the maximum limit for fuel based upon USA Naval research. If hydroperoxides are trending higher in a storage tank, an approved AO can be added to prevent additional hydroperoxide formation.