Do all helicopters use the same grade/type fuel?

I have no idea John, but I did hear a story on NPR this afternoon that may be relevant. The Undersecretary of Defense for Public Affairs (I think) was discussing the new Quarterly Defense Review. Congress had instructed the Pentagon to look at energy and climate issues and how they should be factored into future defense planning. The host asked about it and the speaker responded that the military is without a doubt the largest user of oil and other forms of energy in America, and almost certainly one of the biggest oil consumers in the world. So of course they need to be planning for what to do when oil goes up in price and/or people start fighting over resources more.

So, I hope this helps with your question a little.

There are two main types of fuel used in aviation: avgas and jet fuel.

All but the lightest helicopters use jet turbines which run on jet fuel. There are three main types of jet fuel: Jet A, Jet A-1 and Jet B. The difference between these is basically in the freezing point (Jet A being the most common and Jet B being the most severe cold weather one). You can purchase Jet A at FBOs.

Short answer: yes

I’m no expert on aviation fuels, but for your tank question I know that the M1 Abrams tank can run on basically anything that burns, including kerosene. Pretty cool, in my opinion.

timtrueman….......you are a world of knowledge and i thank you for your very infomative answer. now, i know. thanks. john