Rolls-Royce steps up tests for 100pc SAF on flights

: Biofuels, Emissions
22/12/20

UK engineering firm Rolls-Royce said that it is preparing to test its UltraFan technology demonstrator using 100pc sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The test is expected to take place early next year, to prove that the technology "is ready to support more sustainable flight in the future," Rolls-Royce president of civil aerospace Chris Cholerton said.

The UltraFan demonstrator offers a 25pc fuel efficiency improvement compared with the firm's first generation of Trent engine, according to Rolls-Royce.

The UltraFan technology demonstrator programme has been supported by the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, the EU's Clean Sky programmes, the German federal aviation research programme LuFo and the State of Brandenburg in Germany, the company said.

The announcement comes few days after the UK government said that the first net zero transatlantic flight powered by 100pc SAF will take off from the country next year. The flight will be operated by Virgin Atlantic on an aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Rolls-Royce said that the use of 100pc SAF on the flight will be combined with carbon removal through biochar credits. Biochar credits are voluntary carbon offsets generated from projects focused on the production of biochar, which is a charcoal-like carbon-rich, solid material created from pyrolysis of biomass.

Rolls-Royce also recently collaborated with Gulfstream Aerospace to conduct the first original equipment manufacturer test flight of an ultralong-range business jet powered by 100pc SAF in Savannah, Georgia.

By Giulia Squadrin

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