The History of Aviation Turbine Lubricants

Condensed in this report are the salient points of the forty year history of the development of the gas turbine engine, its associated aircraft and the various lubricants used. Tables are included comparing some of the important specification properties of many of these fluids, both petroleum and synthetics. An explanation is incorporated outlining the reasons synthetics perform well in the turbine engine environment. A genealagical chart detailing the various dates on which lubricant specifications or important changes were issued is provided.

There are indications that some commercially available lubricants are being stressed to the limits of the fluids capabilities. Any new engine designs, therefore, may require entirely new lubricants and/or new lubrication systems.