First In-flight 100% Sustainable-Fuels Emissions Study Of Passenger Jet Shows Early Promise
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Rolls-Royce.
This is the introductory paragraph.
Initial findings from a world-first study of the impact of 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on both engines of a commercial jet have provided promising early results.
The study was performed using an Airbus A350, which is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
This paragraph describes the tests.
In April, the A350 flew three flights over the Mediterranean Sea pursued by a DLR Falcon chaser plane to compare in-flight emissions of both kerosene and Neste’s hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) sustainable fuel. The team also carried out compliance tests using 100% SAF and no operational issues were experienced.
I was surprised, when I first read this, that they used a chase plane to measure emissions, as I thought they’d simulate that in a test cell on the ground.
But this is probably, the best way to test the engines, whilst running on sustainable aviation fuel, in real-world conditions.
Conclusion
I believe that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will be the interim solution to flying until hydrogen-powered aircraft are developed.
The Anonymous Widower 
The danger of messing with aviation fuels is one of common mode failure if the fuel system clogs either with congealed components, contaminants or [frozen] water.
A previous near disaster was only averted due to quick thinking by the pilot.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_38#Probable_cause
Comment by R. Mark Clayton | December 1, 2021 |
I am sure that Rolls-Royce are checking that out!
Comment by AnonW | December 1, 2021 |
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