Aeroshell 10W-40 Diesel Aviation Oil for Compression Ignition Piston Engines

For the first time in history, advances in modern technology have allowed compression ignition (diesel) engines to be developed for use in light aircraft. These engines are of comparable weight and power output to the existing gasoline engines, but have the advantage of greater fuel efficiency and much lower operating costs.

The use of jet fuel to power these aircraft is a significant step, as jet fuel has different composition and combustion characteristics from diesel fuel, the ubiquitous fuel in automotive diesel applications.

This choice of fuel has a number of significant implications for the design of a lubricant. Jet fuel often burns in a different way to diesel fuel and this can result in high loads being put on the bearings, an important factor for the lubricant. Sulphur in the fuel can form sulphuric acid, which contaminates the oil. Unless this acid is neutralized, it can result in a corrosion problem for the engine. The combustion process being used develops significantly more carbon and soot particles than in the competing gasoline engines. Left unchecked, this can form sludges in the oil unless it is considered when designing the lubricant. Other properties must be considered too, such as engine cleanliness and problems associated with scuffing damage when starting engines, especially other periods of inactivity. This is why the oil includes a powerful surface acting additive, which bonds to the surface of highly loaded engine parts, protecting the engine from scuffing damage.

Shell has considered all this, and more, in the design of AeroShell Oil Diesel 10W-40. Rather than just relying upon laboratory testing, Shell Aviation believes in proving the concept in use. For this reason, we have been working alongside several of the new compression ignition engine manufacturers to develop and prove this oil throughout the engine development program.

Shell’s development of an aviation specific diesel engine oil started in 1998, so it has already enjoyed many years of successful testing and use, even before being offered to you, the customer. We worry about the oil so that you don’t have to.

AeroShell Oil Diesel 10W-40 is a premium grade, fully synthetic engine oil, combined with a unique additive developed by Shell. It is a new oil for a new class of engine, but with a ready proven pedigree.

AeroShell Oil Diesel 10W-40 has been developed to be suitable for use in engines burning Jet fuel and its performance has been optimised to cope with the demands of this type of engine. Its key performance features include the ability to sustain high bearing loads, neutralisation of acid build up from the sulphur present in the fuel and high dispersancy to allow for the relatively high particle loading produced when burning Jet fuel.

During development, AeroShell Oil Diesel 10W-40 has amassed around 40,000 hours in engine- and flighttesting. It has been used throughout the SMA engine development program and during Thielert engine development testing; it is fully approved by both manufacturers. Further approvals are being sought as other engines are developed for this emerging market.