Future Trends for U.S. Naval Aviation Propulsion System Lubricants

Although present performance of aircraft gas turbine engine lubricants is satisfactory, two major areas have been targeted for improvement: static bearing corrosion and thermal stability of the oil. Trends in future engine designs indicate that waste heat rejection will be the limiting factor in the development of high temperature lubricants.

Field experience has shown that present performance of aircraft gas turbine engine lubricants in helicopter gearbox systems is marginal. A three-phase program has been initiated to develop a separate lubricant with improved load-carrying capacity and corrosion inhibition. Future design requirements will have to incorporate new materials and lubricants concurrently.