Lentopetroliä

Lentopetroliä, also known as aviation gasoline or avgas, is a high-octane fuel specifically designed for use in spark-ignited internal combustion engines, primarily found in piston-powered aircraft. Unlike jet fuel, which powers turbine engines, avgas burns in a similar manner to automobile gasoline but with significant differences in its formulation.

The key characteristic of avgas is its high octane rating, typically ranging from 100 to 130. This high octane number indicates a greater resistance to knocking or pre-ignition, a phenomenon where the fuel-air mixture ignites prematurely in the cylinder, leading to engine damage. This is crucial for the high-performance demands of aircraft engines operating under varying altitudes and temperatures.

A significant component of avgas is tetraethyllead (TEL), an antiknock additive. While TEL effectively boosts octane and prevents knocking, its use has become increasingly controversial due to environmental and health concerns. Lead emissions from aircraft using avgas are a particular focus of regulatory bodies. Consequently, there is a growing push towards lead-free avgas alternatives, with research and development ongoing to find suitable replacements that maintain the necessary performance characteristics without the harmful lead content. The transition to unleaded avgas is a major challenge for the general aviation industry.