RC Turbine Fuels: Kerosene, Additives, Storage, and Safety

An RC microturbine is a marvelous and relentless machine: it spins at over 100,000 revolutions per minute, reaches hundreds of degrees, and its survival depends on the quality of what we give it to burn. Fuel is not a detail to be resolved at the last minute before going to the field: it is a technical and safety choice that affects engine life, performance, and — literally — your safety.

In this guide, we cover everything about RC turbine fuel: the difference between various types of kerosene, why heating kerosene should be avoided, which lubricating oils to use and in what percentage, how to prepare and store the mixture, where to buy in Italy, how to store safely, and how to manage waste and emergencies. Serious matter, explained clearly.

A premise for those coming from electric or glow engines: in the world of glow engines, one is accustomed to ready-made mixtures (nitromethane, methanol, oil) purchased in bottles at the store. With a turbine, everything changes. The fuel is a civil aviation product, it must be sourced through specific channels, manually mixed with the correct oil, and handled with the awareness that it is a flammable liquid burned at extremely high temperatures. It's not complicated, but it's an added responsibility that is part of the "turbine" package. Addressing it methodically, from day one, is the sign of a mature modeler.

Jet A1, Jet A, and heating kerosene

All RC microturbines burn kerosene, but not all kerosene is the same. The distinction is crucial.

Jet A1

It is the international standard aviation fuel, the same used by airliners outside North America. It is refined kerosene with a very low freezing point (around -47 °C), reduced sulfur content, anti-static additives, and controlled properties. It is the fuel of choice for RC turbines: clean, consistent, with ideal lubricating and combustion power for microturbines. When a turbine manufacturer says "use Jet A1," they mean exactly this.

Jet A

Practically identical to Jet A1, but with a slightly higher freezing point (around -40 °C) and, in some specifications, without anti-icing additive. It is mainly used in the United States. For modeling use, it is entirely equivalent to Jet A1 in our climatic conditions. In Italy, you will practically always find Jet A1.

Heating kerosene

This is the fuel sold for stoves and boilers. It looks similar, costs less, and is easy to find — and that's precisely why it's a dangerous temptation to avoid. We will elaborate on this in the next paragraph.

In summary: for your turbines, use Jet A1 (or Jet A where available). It is the standard that manufacturers certify and around which your microturbine is designed.

Why heating kerosene is unsuitable

The apparent savings of heating kerosene come at a high cost, in engine wear and operational risks. Here's why it should be avoided:

• Additives and dyes. Heating kerosene contains additives and sometimes dyes (for fiscal reasons) that are not designed for the very high temperature and speed combustion of a turbine. They can leave deposits and residues in the combustion chamber and on the blades.
• Sulfur content. Typically higher than Jet A1. Sulfur promotes corrosion of the hot section and metal components of the turbine, shortening its life.
• Inconsistent viscosity and quality. The specifications for heating kerosene are not controlled with the rigor of aviation specifications. Variable viscosity and composition compromise atomization, lubrication (when mixed with oil), and combustion regularity.
• Impurities. Higher risk of particulate matter and water, which are harmful to nozzles, pumps, and filters.

Verdict: using heating kerosene to save a few euros per liter means risking a turbine that costs thousands. It's not worth it. Ever.

There's also a warranty issue: practically all microturbine manufacturers specify approved fuel and oil in the manual, and the use of non-compliant fuels invalidates coverage. In case of damage to the hot section or bearings, a simple residue analysis can reveal the use of domestic kerosene. Translated: in addition to damaging the engine, you risk being left without any protection precisely when you need it most. Jet A1 is not a luxury option; it is a design requirement.

Lubricating oils: which to use and in what percentage

RC microturbines, unlike large jet engines, are generally lubricated by mixing oil directly into the fuel (total-loss): the oil lubricates the shaft bearings and then burns with the kerosene. The choice of oil and the correct percentage are fundamental.

Reference oils

• AeroShell Turbine Oil 500. It is the de facto standard in the world of RC microturbines: synthetic aviation turbine oil, excellent thermal stability, and bearing protection. Recommended by most manufacturers.
• BP 2380 / Aero Turbine Oil 2380. Another high-quality aviation synthetic turbine oil, performance equivalent to AeroShell 500, widely used and approved.
• Castrol BPTO (and equivalent turboprop oils). Appreciated in some circles, valid if the oil meets the aviation specifications required by the turbine manufacturer.

How to choose and in what percentage

The absolute rule is one: follow your turbine manufacturer's instructions. Typical percentages range between 4% and 5% oil in the fuel (i.e., 40-50 ml of oil per liter of Jet A1), but the exact value and approved oil are specified in the engine manual. Using an unapproved oil or an incorrect percentage can invalidate the warranty and damage the bearings.

Tip: do not improvise "homemade" mixtures with generic engine oils. Turbine oils are specific products designed to withstand temperatures and protect bearings at very high speeds. The cost difference is marginal compared to the risk.

Why these synthetic oils and not just any lubricant? Because the bearings of a microturbine operate under extreme conditions: speeds exceeding 100,000 rpm and high temperatures due to proximity to the hot section. A common oil would degrade rapidly, leaving deposits (coking) and losing lubricating capacity precisely when it is most needed. Aviation turbine oils like AeroShell 500 and BP 2380 are formulated with high-temperature stable synthetic esters, antioxidant additives, and specific anticorrosive properties. In a total-loss system, where the oil burns with the fuel, it is also important that it burns cleanly without leaving residues that would accumulate on the blades.

How to prepare the mixture: step-by-step procedure

Preparing the mixture is a simple operation, but it must be done methodically and cleanly. A poorly dosed or contaminated mixture is a problem in flight.

1. Environment. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from flames, sparks, and heat sources. No cigarettes, no cell phones placed on metal surfaces that might spark.
2. Clean container. Use an approved, clean, and dry hydrocarbon-rated fuel can of adequate capacity.
3. Measure the fuel. Pour the known quantity of Jet A1 (e.g., 5 liters) using a graduated can or a flow meter.
4. Dose the oil. Calculate the amount of oil based on the required percentage (e.g., 5% of 5 liters = 250 ml). Use a graduated syringe or a dedicated measuring cup for precision.
5. Pour and mix. Add the oil to the fuel and shake the can well for a few minutes. Good mixing is essential: the oil must be evenly distributed.
6. Label. Write the contents, oil percentage, and preparation date on a label.

Storage

• Store the mixture in hermetically sealed containers, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
• Prepare reasonable quantities: the mixture should not be stored indefinitely. Use a filter during refueling to intercept any impurities.
• Keep containers clearly labeled and out of reach of children.

Where to buy Jet A1 in Italy

Sourcing Jet A1 requires some organization, but there are several avenues, and Italian modelers regularly use them.

• Airports and FBOs (Fixed Base Operators). Airfields and handling operators at smaller airfields and airports supply general aviation and sometimes sell Jet A1 in small quantities. This is often the most direct and quality-assured source.
• Specialized distributors and retailers. Some retailers of turbine modeling products and industrial suppliers of aviation fuels sell Jet A1 in drums or cans.
• Club purchasing groups. The most common and convenient solution: aeromodeling clubs that practice turbine flight organize collective purchases, often a 200-liter drum shared among members. This reduces costs, simplifies logistics, and ensures a verified quality product. If you enter the turbine world, the club is also your easiest access to fuel.

Tip: even before buying the turbine, find out how and where you will get Jet A1. Being part of a club with an active purchasing group solves the problem at the root.

Safe storage

Storing kerosene at home or in the workshop means managing a flammable liquid. Safety and compliance with regulations are not optional.

• Approved containers. Use only cans and drums approved for hydrocarbons/flammable liquids (e.g., UN certification), made of metal or specific HDPE plastic, with a secure closure and, where required, a vent valve.
• Italian regulations. The storage of flammable liquids is governed by fire prevention regulations and local ordinances. The quantities that can be held privately/for hobby use are limited: keep to small quantities and check the limits set by your municipality and fire prevention regulations. For significant quantities, authorizations and compliant storage facilities are required.
• Storage location. A ventilated, cool place, away from heat sources, sparks, and non-compliant electrical systems. Never in the house, never near boilers or electrical panels. Ideally a dedicated room, with a containment basin for any spills.
• Away from children and animals, in a stable position to prevent tipping.
• Clear labeling of each container with contents and hazard.

Field safety

Refueling and starting are moments of maximum attention. Kerosene, high temperatures, and ignition coexist within a few centimeters.

PPE and equipment

• Fire extinguisher (powder or CO₂) always present and within reach during starting and refueling. This is the most important piece of equipment.
• Gloves resistant to hydrocarbons and safety glasses during refueling operations.
• Absorbent material for small spills and clean rags.

Refueling area and emergency management

• Refuel the model in a dedicated area, away from the public, other people, and ignition sources.
• No flames, no cigarettes, no devices that could generate sparks nearby.
• Start only with the model secured/blocked, nose in a safe direction, fire extinguisher ready.
• In case of a fire during startup (not uncommon with turbines, e.g., "hot start"): stay calm, follow the ECU shutdown procedure, and use the fire extinguisher. Form an emergency plan beforehand, not during.
• Never stand behind the nozzle with the turbine running: the jet is incandescent.

Golden rule: never start a turbine without a fire extinguisher within reach and without mentally reviewing what to do in case of a hot start. Haste is the main enemy of safety.

A specific note on hot start, the most common emergency during startup. It occurs when ignition happens with excess fuel or insufficient airflow, and the EGT rises beyond safety limits: essentially, flames from the nozzle (and sometimes from the intake). Modern ECUs are programmed to automatically cut off fuel supply if the EGT exceeds the threshold, aborting the start. But the pilot must still know what to do: stay calm, let the ECU complete the abort, do not remove the model from the safe zone until the situation is clear, and have the fire extinguisher ready. A correctly managed hot start resolves in a few seconds without damage; managed in panic, it can become a fire. This is why experience and the guidance of an experienced pilot during the first starts are worth more than a thousand readings.

Waste management and disposal

Spent fuel, contaminated mixture, soaked rags, and used filters are hazardous waste and should not be thrown in general waste, nor, even less, dispersed into the environment or drains.

• Collect fuel and oil residues in closed, dedicated containers, labeled as hazardous waste.
• Deliver them to authorized collection centers for oils and hydrocarbons (municipal ecological islands or specialized hazardous waste disposal companies).
• Soaked rags and absorbent materials should be stored in closed metal containers (risk of spontaneous combustion) and disposed of as hazardous waste.
• Never pour kerosene or mixture into the ground, sewers, or waterways: it is an environmental crime as well as serious damage.

Fuel comparison: pros and cons

Let's summarize the characteristics of the main fuels to guide your choice.

Jet A1

• Pros: aviation standard, consistent quality, low sulfur, excellent combustion and atomization, very low freezing point (-47 °C), approved by turbine manufacturers.
• Cons: availability requires organization (FBOs, clubs), higher cost than domestic kerosene.

Jet A

• Pros: practically equivalent to Jet A1 for modeling use, aviation quality.
• Cons: slightly higher freezing point (-40 °C), not widely available in Italy.

Heating kerosene

• Pros: economical and easy to find. (These are the only "advantages," entirely illusory.)
• Cons: harmful additives and dyes, high sulfur that corrodes the hot section, inconsistent quality and viscosity, risk of impurities and residues. Absolutely not recommended.

Diesel / gas oil

• Pros: sometimes cited as an emergency alternative for some turbines.
• Cons: less clean combustion, deposits, lower performance. Usable only if expressly permitted by the manufacturer and not as a regular choice.

Comparison conclusion: Jet A1 with the correct percentage of approved turbine oil is the only sensible choice. Everything else is a compromise that your turbine will pay for.

Conclusion

Fuel is the lifeblood of your microturbine, and treating it with the seriousness it deserves is an integral part of the passion for RC jets. Use Jet A1, the turbine oil recommended by your manufacturer in the correct percentage, prepare the mixture methodically and cleanly, store it in approved containers in compliance with regulations, and never compromise on field safety.

A fire extinguisher always ready, a dedicated refueling area, responsible waste disposal, and membership in a club with a purchasing group for Jet A1: these are the ingredients for a mature, safe, and lasting turbine flight practice. Your turbine — and those around you in the field — will thank you. Clear skies and safe refueling.