Rolls-Royce encouraged by results of sustainable aviation fuel test

Rolls-Royce has said that a world-first in-flight study of 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has yielded ‘promising early results’.

The ECLIF3 study, involves Rolls-Royce, Airbus, German research centre DLR and SAF producer Neste.

As part of the study, a Trent XWB-powered Airbus A350 aircraft, took to the skies running on 100% SAF, with another aircraft flying in close proximity measuring emissions from both engines.

And according to the engineering giant, initial findings were encouraging.

Simon Burr, Rolls-Royce’s director of product development and technology in its civil aerospace business, which is based in Derby, said: “This research adds to tests we’ve already carried out on our engines, both on the ground and in the air, which have found no engineering obstacle to our engines running on 100% SAF.

“If we are to truly decarbonise long-haul air travel, then 100% SAF is a critical element, and we are committed to supporting its certification for service.”

In-flight emissions tests and associated ground testing on the ECLIF3 programme began earlier this year and have recently resumed.

The interdisciplinary team, which also includes researchers from the National Research Council of Canada and the University of Manchester, plans to publish its results in academic journals towards the end of next year and 2023.

Findings from the study will support efforts currently underway at Airbus and Rolls-Royce to ensure the aviation sector is ready for the large-scale use of SAF as part of the wider initiative to decarbonise the industry.

Aircraft are currently only allowed to operate on a 50% blend of SAF and conventional jet fuel, but both companies support the drive to certify 100% SAF use.

Steven Le Moing, new energy programme manager at Airbus, said: “Engines and fuel systems can be tested on the ground but the only way to gather the full set of emissions data necessary for this programme to be successful is to fly an aircraft in real conditions.

“In-flight testing of the A350 offers the advantage of characterising direct and indirect engine emissions, including particulates from behind an aircraft at high altitude.”

A video of the A350 running on SAF has been produced by Airbus and can be viewed here.