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The Greenwood Aerospace Guide to MIL PRF 87252: Specifications and Best Practices
It is hard to overstate this, but the military aviation fleet basically runs on the backs of fluids and lubricants. Without the right fluids and lubricants, and also high-grade coolants like this one. MIL-PRF-87252 is a petroleum-based coolant that is used for high-powered avionics suites that require more than air to keep cool during operation. These are common for tactical aircraft like the B-1B, B-52H, and E-3 Sentry AWACS, and a lot of other aircraft with a closed-loop avionics cooling system.
Here’s our breakdown on what MIL PRF 87252 and a review of the most common
Understanding MIL PRF 87252 Specifications
MIL PRF 87252 is a performance specification that describes the characteristics of a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid for use in electronic applications. Like many, many other lubes, coolants, and petroleum products, the designation is a type designation that can be fulfilled by a number of manufacturers. We carry Castrol Brayco Micronic 889 and Royco 602 MIL-PRF-87252 spec coolant fluid.
MIL PRF 87252 outlines the requirements for a fluid that is hydrolytically stable and dielectric, making it suitable for use in electronic applications. The specification is a critical factor in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of electronic systems, which is particularly important when your mission or survival depends on the reliability of your avionics.
Key Characteristics and Requirements
The “PRF” in MIL-PRF means “performance,” so there are established performance standards that any fluid marked MIL-PRF-87252 has to meet.
- The fluid must be a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid with a temperature range of -54 to 200 Degrees C.
- The specification describes the requirements for the fluid’s hydrolytic stability and dielectric properties.
- The fluid must meet the requirements of MIL PRF 87252F, which includes exceptional performance over a wide temperature range and long-term storage stability. The “F” designation at the end is the latest revision of the original MIL-PRF-87252. Now, the way these revisions work is that a weapon system will be built with a base requirement. So, if the system is built for revision MIL PRF 87252C, it can operate on all revisions of C or later. It cannot, on the other hand, operate on revisions prior to the base designation.
Aircraft avionics systems are very particular, and when they call for coolant fluid hydrolytically stable, it has to meet the MIL PRF as directed. Using the wrong dielectric cooling fluid can and will cause damage to the systems, so make sure the specification describes the system correctly and the correct coolant fluid is used.
Best Practices for Selection and Use
The very first best practice is to make sure that your weapon system in question uses MIL PRF 87252 or one of the revisions. The performance specifications of dielectric cooling fluid are listed in the applicable technical data. It is also available from the OEM engineering teams assigned to the weapon system in question.
When selecting a fluid that meets MIL PRF 87252 specifications, consider factors like hydrolytic stability, dielectric properties, and temperature range. Make sure that the fluid is compatible with the specific application, including aircraft avionics systems, ordnance systems, and electronics cooling systems.
Again, going back to a previous section, make sure that your technical data stipulates which revision it is designed for and you will know that everything equal to that or later is fine unless otherwise specified.
Follow proper storage and handling procedures to ensure the fluid’s longevity and effectiveness. Everything has a shelf life of some sort, so make sure your stock is good. If it isn’t or if your stock is getting a little low, Greenwood Aerospace carries a well stocked supply of MIL-PRF-87252 coolant.
Regularly check and maintain the fluid to ensure it remains effective and meets the required standards, and consider using a fluid that is qualified to and meets the requirements of MIL PRF 87252, such as Brayco Micronic 889. Brayco Micronic is a product of the reputable and well-known Castrol company, so you know you are getting a good product.
Frequently Asked Questions
By far one of the most confusing parts of all aviation assets is understanding the lubricants, oils, adhesives, and additives. Here are some of the most common questions we hear:
What Does ‘PRF’ Mean in a MIL Spec?
PRF means ‘performance,’ more specifically it refers to Military Performance Specifications. These are the standards established by the DoD to define the performance requirements for materials, lubricants, products, and even systems used for military applications. These specs focus on how a product has to function rather than prescribing the way it must be manufactured.
Lubricants and coolants like MIL-PRF 87252 are a great example of this: they have to be made to perform in a certain way, and multiple manufacturers can make them.
What Is Fluid Hydrolytically Stable Dielectric?
These are specialized liquids designed to resist chemical decomposition in the presence of water while also providing electrical insulation. These fluids are used in applications where both high electoral performance and durability in damp or in moisture are paramount. Namely, cooling high powered electrical systems like avionics that produce high amounts of heat.
Dielectric fluids are poor electrical conductors but support electrostatic fields, making them ideal for insulating and suppressing electrical discharge and are used to prevent arcing, corona discharge, and overheating in high-voltage applications. Again, this makes them ideal for high temp avionics systems and suites.
Purchasing MIL PRF 87252 from Greenwood Aerospace
Greenwood Aerospace is your purchasing partner for all sorts of parts and equipment for military and federal aircraft fleets. Not only do we carry parts, but our GSA Advantage shop has scores of MIL SPEC fluids, lubricants, and adhesives.
We carry several brands and options for MIL-PRF-87252 coolant fluid, depending on your brand preference and quantity (we carry both 5-gallon buckets and 55-gallon drums).
Make sure to check out our listings on GSA Advantage, and also take a look at our Lycoming parts and complete engines! You can also reach out to us by email (contact@governmentprocurement.com), phone (580) 762-2580.
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