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Quoting ChatGPT (and after a quick sanity check),

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter uses a specialized hydraulic fluid that’s based on a synthetic ester formulation, not a petroleum-based fluid.

Specifically, it uses phosphate ester–based fire-resistant hydraulic fluid (commonly in the MIL-PRF-83282 or newer MIL-PRF-87257 class).

Apparently the older phosphate-ester based hydraulic fluids were hygroscopic but I'm not sure if the newer variants are.

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Sounds similar to DOT-5 brake fluid.

Maybe this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tributyl_phosphate

"The major uses of TBP in industry are as a component of aircraft hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, and as a solvent for extraction and purification of rare-earth metals from their ores"

It might be better if it is hygroscopic as the water won't separate and risk forming ice plugs in the hydraulic lines.

Yes, lets condition people to never reveal they used ChatGPT. Even though the response seems accurate.

[1]https://hiigroupasia.com/f-35-aviation-ground-support-equipm...

Yeh the sanity check involved researching the milspecs listed and the connection to the F35 program.

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