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2021-07-05

First Rescue Helicopter Flies on SAF

A rescue helicopter has flown on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time, achieving a new milestone in international aviation, even as Airbus Helicopters has invited all major stakeholders in the industry to join its newly created SAF User Group.

Operated by the German non-profit organisation ADAC Luftrettung, the Airbus H145 rescue helicopter recently had its Arriel 2E engines ceremonially refuelled with biofuel, a type of SAF, at the air rescue station at Munich’s Harlaching Clinic in the presence of the ADAC Foundation’s board of directors, as well as top officials of ADAC Luftrettung, engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines, helicopter manufacturer Airbus Helicopters, and energy company TotalEnergies.

Together, these companies will be a driving force in the decarbonisation of helicopter flight by developing alternatives to conventional aviation fuels.

The H145 was using a second-generation biofuel – the SAF of choice of the aviation industry – which reduces CO2 emissions up to 90 per cent compared to its fossil equivalent, because it is produced from residual and waste materials from the circular economy such as used cooking oils and fats. As a result, the fuel has no impact on agricultural food production.

With the SAF User Group, Airbus Helicopters plans to tackle the remaining challenges around biofuels and proactively support the industry’s CO₂ reduction commitment, thanks to cooperation with partners from all areas of the aviation sector. Through this approach, the SAF User Group aspires to collectively work on ways to accelerate the use of blended SAF kerosene and pave the way towards 100 per cent SAF flights for future fleets.

Stefan Thomé, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technical Officer, Airbus Helicopters, explained: “We welcome all helicopter operators, engine manufacturers, fuel system suppliers, energy companies, fuel providers, handling companies, and all other stakeholders in the industry willing to pioneer sustainable aerospace with us.”

Franck Saudo, CEO Safran Helicopter Engines, said: “Safran is leading engine industry efforts to reduce helicopter carbon dioxide emissions. Along with this historic first flight, we signed an agreement with ADAC Luftrettung to expand the use of SAF in their Safran-powered helicopter fleet. All Safran engines are certified to operate on up to 50 per cent sustainable fuel, including biofuel. Our goal is to reach 100 per cent.”

Biofuels are used under the same performance and safety conditions as conventional fuels, which has made them well-established levers for CO₂ reduction in the aviation industry.

Airbus has pledged to support an industry-wide decarbonisation movement that includes carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and a 50 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Airbus’ decarbonisation strategy focuses on improving fuel burn in current-generation aircraft, accelerating the development of new fuels and technologies (i.e. electrification, SAF, etc.), optimising day-to-day aircraft operations, and supporting market-based measures.

Sustainability Pledge

The SAF Users Group was formed in September 2008. It gathers 25 member airlines (representing 33 per cent of commercial aviation fuel demand) and five affiliate organisations from aviation industry (Boeing, Airbus and Embraer), fuel industry (UOP) and supply (ASA).

It received the support of leading environmental organisations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

All members have signed a Sustainability Pledge and are members of the Roundtable of Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) or ISEAL Alliance, and believe that a key driver to a carbon neutral industry is advancing and adopting sustainable aviation biofuels.

100 per cent Alternative Fuel

In another development, Airbus, Safran, Dassault Aviation, ONERA and Ministry of Transport are jointly launching an in-flight study, at the end of 2021, to analyse the compatibility of unblended SAF with single-aisle aircraft and commercial aircraft engine and fuel systems, as well as with helicopter engines.

This flight will be made with the support of the “Plan de relance aéronautique” (the French government‘s aviation recovery plan) managed by Jean Baptiste Djebbari, French Transport Minister.

Known as VOLCAN (VOL avec Carburants Alternatifs Nouveaux), this project is the first time that in-flight emissions will be measured using 100 per cent SAF in a single-aisle aircraft.

Airbus is responsible for characterising and analysing the impact of 100 per cent SAF on-ground and in-flight emissions using an A320neo test aircraft powered by a CFM LEAP-1A engine. Safran will focus on compatibility studies related to the fuel system and engine adaptation for commercial and helicopter aircraft and their optimisation for various types of 100 per cent SAF fuels.

ONERA will support Airbus and Safran in analysing the compatibility of the fuel with aircraft systems and will be in charge of preparing, analysing and interpreting test results for the impact of 100 per cent SAF on emissions and contrail formation.

Dassault Aviation will contribute to the material and equipment compatibility studies and verify 100 per cent SAF biocontamination susceptibility.

The various SAFs used for the Volcan project will be provided by TotalEnergies.

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