What are the primary types of fuel used in turbine engines?

The primary types of fuel used in turbine engines are jet fuel and aviation gasoline (avgas). Jet fuel, specifically Jet A and Jet A-1, is the most common type of fuel for turbine engines, providing the necessary energy for commercial and military jet aircraft. It has a high thermal stability, low freezing point, and is designed to perform well in the high-altitude, high-speed conditions typical of turbine engine operation.

Aviation gasoline, while not used in turbine engines as extensively, is relevant for some types of smaller turbine engines. While turbine engines predominantly utilize jet fuel, avgas is still important in the context of aircraft engines that may have hybrid configurations or engines converting to turbine operating principles.

In contrast, the other options include fuels not commonly associated with turbine engines. Aviation gasoline and diesel fuel don’t typically serve the needs of turbine engines effectively. Solar fuel and biofuel are still in developmental and testing phases, lacking the widespread operational use necessary to consider them primary fuel types. Similarly, propane and ethanol are alternative fuels more suited for piston engines rather than turbine engines. Therefore, jet fuel and aviation gasoline are clearly the primary types of fuel for turbine engine operation due to their specific properties that meet engine requirements.