Õhukütus

Õhukütus refers to a type of fuel that relies on atmospheric oxygen for combustion, as opposed to carrying its own oxidizer. This is a broad category that encompasses fuels used in internal combustion engines and many rockets. In internal combustion engines, the air intake system draws in ambient air, which then mixes with the fuel (such as gasoline or diesel) before ignition. This process allows for simpler and lighter designs compared to systems that would need to carry both fuel and oxidizer. For example, jet engines are a prime example of õhukütus technology, as they ingest vast amounts of air to burn kerosene.

In rocketry, the term õhukütus is often used to distinguish certain types of propellants from others. While most traditional rockets carry both fuel and oxidizer, some experimental or theoretical designs explore using atmospheric oxygen. This concept is advantageous as it significantly reduces the launch weight of a rocket by eliminating the need for a heavy oxidizer tank. However, its practical application is limited to altitudes where sufficient atmospheric oxygen is available. For space missions, where there is no atmosphere, rockets must carry their own oxidizer. Therefore, õhukütus in the context of rockets usually refers to systems designed to operate within the Earth's atmosphere.