Re: JP-7


Message posted by habu-e6 on August 16, 2009 at 14:08:37 PST:

THIS IS FROM "KELLY JOHNSON's HISTORY OF THE OXCART PROGRAM"

"To overcome the afterburner problem of a large radar cross section return from the aft quadrant, we proposed the use of cesium additive to the fuel"

"It was eventually a basic part of our cross section reduction methods"

"We were able to prove by 1 January 1960 that our concept of shape, additive, and loaded plastic parts had enough promise to warrant going forward with the project."

THIS IS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT REQUIRED BY THE PROPOSED DEACTIVATION OF THE SR-71 PROGRAM. July 1989

"As a result of air speeds in excess of Mach 3, the aircraft creates quite high
skin-friction temperatures during flight. The aircraft actually expands several inches
in flight as a result of these high-skin temperatures. This design consideration
required the development of a unique jet fuel (JP-7) for use in the SR-71 . JP-7 is
typical jet fuel with special additives that elevate its flash point to avoid inopportune
and unanticipated combustion during flight."

At this time the program was still classified and proves that the military will not release classified information to other government agencies even if it's required by law.

That special additive is A-50 (cesium).

Personnel working on the SR-71's were continuously soaked in fuel and also inhaled the fumes of burning JP-7 exhaust.

"Cesium is a radioactive isotope. When contact with radioactive cesium occurs, which is highly unlikely, a person can experience cell damage due to radiation of the cesium particles. Due to this, effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding may occur. When the exposure lasts a long time people may even lose consciousness. Coma or even death may than follow. How serious the effects are depends upon the resistance of individual persons and the duration of exposure and the concentration a person is exposed to." Read more: http://www.lenntech.com/Periodic-chart-elements/cs-en.htm#ixzz0OGlpTaUL

Attached link: Cesium, A-50, JP-7, SR-71 Fuel

In Reply to: JP-7 posted by RG on August 07, 2009 at 13:54:43 PST:

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