MIL-PRF-14107: The Gun Lubrication Critical to Aircraft-Mounted Weapons

We write a lot about oils and aircraft lubricants in our blog because there is a wide range of different types of fluids, greases, solvents, oils, and more to discuss. However, the major systems on military aircraft are not the only things that need to be lubricated; weapon systems on the aircraft must also be lubricated at regular intervals. 

This installment is all about MIL-PRF-14107. What is it used for, what are the commercial derivatives, and how is it procured? 

Overview

A quarter of the way into the 21st Century, many tactical aircraft still rely heavily on guns as a major part of their onboard weapons. Why does this matter? Well, nearly seven decades ago, during the early stages of the Vietnam War, military aviation strategists envisioned jets using missiles exclusively in air-to-air combat. The American jets were of much higher performance, and far larger and faster than the Korean-war era MiGs that the North Vietnamese forces flew, yet when they engaged at short ranges, they found the MiGs to be a very dangerous adversary. Many of the MiGs did not even carry missiles, but relied solely on guns, yet they were agile, quick, and lethal. 

So, after a short period of experimenting with only missiles, guns were adopted again and are a standard feature on all fighters and fighter/attack aircraft.     

Guns are also standard features on attack helicopters and cargo and utility helicopters when they operate in the AOR.

What is MIL-PRF-14107?

Guns are standard features on lots of aircraft in the military, and guns are also really dirty. Take one look at the gun port on an F-15 or F-16, and especially around an A-10, and you will see the tell-tale smear of residue from their guns. 

Guns require thorough, regular lubrication to maintain high levels of reliability and MIL-PRF-14107 is the standard gun oil for aircraft-mounted guns. 

MIL-PRF-14107 is a light oil that is clean to pale amber. Like most other gun oils, it is a light oil that is used conservatively on the main mechanisms of the gun to prevent it from sticking and jamming. Also, it is a preservative that keeps metal surfaces from corroding. 

Key Features

MIL-PRF-14107 is designed to promote high reliability at low temperatures. Oils generally do not struggle to lubricate in warm climates but struggle in the cold. MIL-PRF-14107 is also designed as a preservative to keep small arms and aircraft-mounted guns not only lubricated but also lasting. 

MIL-PRF-14107 is formulated to remain light and viscous even at temperatures below -69°.

It is also compatible with the entire weapon system and will not damage any parts of the gun, such as plastic or wood. 

Aircraft-Mounted Weapons

Aircraft-mounted guns deal with many harsh conditions: They are exposed to high heat, high vibration, and rapid fire. They also get splattered with bugs, rained on, hailed on, and even iced. 

The oil used on them has to withstand the unique challenges of guns that fly at all altitudes and must work no matter what.  

Some of the most common examples of weapon systems using MIL-PRF-14107 are the M61 Vulcan and GAU-17/A Minigun. The M2, the M60, and the M240 also use MIL-PRF-14107, as does the Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher, which can be mounted on the standard pedestal mounts. 

Compared to Other Gun Lubricants

There are a handful of lubricants and cleaners used for small arms and aircraft-mounted guns. The most common is CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Preservative), and on the surface, they appear similar, but they are not used interchangeably. 

CLP is a general-use and general-purpose gun oil made to preserve and clean small arms, whereas MIL-PRF-14107 is for aircraft-mounted applications (and small arms) and is specifically formulated to protect in all conditions encountered in flight. 

Also, and this is important, MIL-PRF-14107 is not highly flammable, while many other gun oils have a lower flash point and will ignite at a lower temperature.  

How Greenwood Aerospace Supports Aircraft Armament Readiness

Greenwood Aerospace is committed to supporting our U.S. military flight community and has approved allied nations. MIL-PRF-14107 is one of the hundreds of oils and lubricants we can supply to your flight operations and maintenance teams. A gun is only as good as its reliability, which depends directly on how it is cleaned and lubricated. 

Sourcing the right oil is the best way to guarantee reliability in your weapon systems, and Greenwood Aerospace is your procurement partner of choice for MIL-PRF-14107-compliant items.

Greenwood Aerospace is U.S. Department of State ITAR-registered, allowing us to partner with large defense contractors for exporting ITAR-controlled items.

  • UEI: KVSUYYSJS174
  • DUNS: 604006874
  • Cage Code: 2Y735
  • ITAR DDTC Export Compliant
  • AS9120B QMS Certified
  • NAICS: 488190, 336413, 332722, 336411, 336413, 481212, 532411

We are ready to partner with you for your aircraft gun lubrication needs and demands, so start an online quote now! You can also call us at (580) 762-2580 or email us.