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2023-04-01

Bell 505 Achieves Sustainable Aviation Fuel Record

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, recently announced that the Bell 505 completed its first flight fuelled by 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This made it the first-ever single engine helicopter to achieve this milestone.

“This flight is a monumental achievement for sustainability and decarbonisation in the rotorcraft industry,” said Michael Thacker, executive vice president, Commercial Business, Bell. “Showcasing a single engine aircraft’s flight capabilities with 100 per cent SAF signals Bell’s commitment to alternative fuel usage and builds on its sustainability practices in its flight operations.”

To achieve this flight, Bell collaborated with Safran Helicopter Engines, manufacturer of the Arrius 2R engine on the Bell 505; GKN Aerospace, the fuel system component supplier; Neste, the SAF supplier; and Virent, Inc., a Marathon Petroleum Corp. subsidiary that manufactures renewable fuels and chemicals. Safran Helicopter Engines and GKN Aerospace conducted thorough testing on the engine and fuel system components.

Valentin Safir, executive vice-president, Programs, Safran Helicopter Engines, commented: “SAF is one of the key pillars in our strategy to decarbonise the helicopter industry. Our engines are certified to operate on up to 50 per cent SAF and our objective is to certify in the coming years the use of 100 per cent SAF, which can potentially result in carbon lifecycle emissions reductions by up to 80 per cent.”

Neste and Virent collaborated to blend, test, and deliver the SAF for this project as a 100 per cent drop-in fuel. SAF, made from used cooking oil or other bio-based feedstocks, typically must be blended with petroleum products because it doesn’t include a component called “aromatics,” which is required to meet today’s aviation fuel specifications.

Virent manufactures an aromatics component made from renewable plant sugars, which was added to Neste’s neat SAF, eliminating the need to blend SAF with petroleum fuel. The SAF supplied for this test flight by Neste and Virent is, therefore, a “100 per cent drop-in” replacement for petroleum-based aviation fuel, requiring no engine modifications.

Bell 505’s advanced technologies and versatility make it an ideal platform to train future military pilots worldwide and prepare them for challenging missions. Bell’s training fleet and demonstration aircraft currently use SAF in their operations. According to a company statement, the team continues to guide customer conversations around its implementation and monitors SAF testing in a dedicated Bell 505 with Safran Helicopter Engines.

The flight supports Textron’s Achieve 2025 Sustainable Footprint goal for 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across the enterprise, among other sustainability initiatives.

Advanced Tech

Whether moving people or cargo, the 505 is the newest force in the market. An open cabin with integrated tie downs, movable seats and ability to adapt a variety of jobs keep this aircraft in demand. The aircraft features an advanced aerodynamic design equipped with proven dynamic components. It comes fitted with a glass flight deck and optional dual pilot controls.

The Bell 505 is a five-seat aircraft designed for safety and efficiency while using advanced technology. The platform uses a fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and Safran Arrius 2R engine with a dual-channel FADEC.

The helicopter’s forward-facing seats give passengers better views during flight and fully flat floor allows for more cabin configuration options. Its large doors make boarding easier and provide better visibility thereby increasing situational awareness. Additionally, a quieter system meets Stage 3 requirements from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), making for a more enjoyable flying experience.

The highest cargo hook in its class and impressive altitude performance makes the Bell 505 the ideal external load machine. Providing pilots a higher level of situational awareness and a reduction in workload makes the Bell 505 simple to operate and ensures mission success.

For more than 85 years, Bell has reimagined the experience of flight. The company is the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. It was a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, Bell is defining the future of advanced air mobility .

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