For lubricants of western origin the specifications are issued by the authorities
of the respective countries.
FRANCE
AIR
Direction Technique des Constructions Aeronautiques
DSCEN
Services des essences aux Armees
STM
Etat Major de la Marine
U.S.A.
DOD
Department of Defence Standards
MIL
Military Specifications
SAE
Society of Automotive Engineers
SS
Federal Specifications
TT
Federal Specifications
W
Federal Specifications
U.K.
BS
British Standards Institution
DEF-STAN
Ministry of Defence
(Directorate of Standardization)
Ministry of Defence- Procurement Executive
DTD
(Directorate of Research Materials)
The current DEF STAN series of Ministry of Defence U.K. now replace the earlier DEF,
D.Eng.D, D.Eng R.D, CS and TS specifications issued by the Procurement Executive
and other Directorates.
The Ministry of Defence, U.K. has also evolved a system of Joint Services Designations
(JSD) covering products that are required by the Army, Navy and Air Force. These
designations consist of groups of two or three letters defining the nature of the
product followed by a number indicating its main property wherever possible.
LIST OF BRITISH JOINT SERVICES DESIGNATIONS
OILS
OM
Oil Mineral
The suffixed numbers generally represent the Viscosity (centistokes) at 40oC
OEP
Oil Extreme Pressure
OMD
Oil Mineral Detergent
OF
Oil Fatty
OC
Oil Compounded
OX
Oil Miscellaneous
GREASES
LG
Lime base
The suffixed numbers represent the approximate worked penetration.
XG
All other type of greases, mineral or synthetic
MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS
PX
Protectives , miscellaneous materials
Suffixed numbers have no technical significance
ZX
Speciality products
AL
Coolants, antifreeze de-icing fluids.
Accordingly OM-11 signifies a mineral oil with an approximate viscosity of 11 cst
at 40oC and XG-293 is a grease having a worked penetration of about 293.
Inter-country products for the NATO member nations also have a system of nomenclature.
This consists of a prefix defining the category followed by a number which is a serial
one having no technical significance.
LIST OF NATO SYMBOLS
F
All fuels
O
All oils except those developed for some primary function than lubrication.
H
All oils where hydraulic properties are main consideration.
G
All greases except those developed for a special function.
C
All products possessing anti-corrosion properties.
S
All products developed for a special purpose.
P
All products for use as propellants.
The Joint Services Designations, NATO code numbers along with the governing product
specifications originating from various member countries are also a part of an interchangeability
system. In this system the products covered by the same JSD or NATO code are considered
as standardized equivalents though they may individually conform to different specifications
depending upon the country of origin e.g. Oil NATO O-135 governed by either the U.K.
DEF STAN 91-99 (formerly DERD 2490) or the French AIR 3515 are considered interchangeable
for all applications.
This is because the specifications emanate from the same or equivalent technical
requirements, although the tests mentioned in them may differ. The system is also
extended to cover definitions of Acceptable Products and Emergency Substitutes which
may or may not apply to aircraft usage. The use of lubricants in aircraft engine
types is authorised by the Controller of Aircraft release to service documents. Information
on types of lubricants that may be used, including emergency substitutes is also
shown in the aircraft's servicing manual and pilot's notes (flight manuals) together
with relevant engineering safeguards.
Important
The above information is only a rough guide. You must consult the relevant authority
for final product information. We will not be held responsible for any loss or shortcoming
resulted due to the above information or information given in this web site, www.warefield.co.uk
