Rolls-Royce Successfully Completes Boeing 747 Flight Using 100% Eco Fuel
Image via Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce has successfully completed a test flight of a Boeing 747 using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The aircraft, which was fitted with a Trent 1000 turbofan engine, was running on unblended SAF, while the other three mills used standard jet fuel. The plane took off from Tuscon Airport and made its way across New Mexico and Texas, before landing back in Arizona.
The company said no issues surfaced during the flight, adding a vote of confidence that this could be an eco-friendly alternative to the usual fossil jet fuel used by commercial aviation. The project was carried out in partnership with Boeing and World Energy, which supplied the SAF.
According to Robb Report, the SAF is primarily made from waste, such as used cooking oil or animal fats. The materials are then transformed into the sustainable fuel, which is said to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%. It also eliminates sulfur oxide and greatly reduces particulate matter released by aircraft.
At the moment, planes are only allowed to operate on a 50% mixture of biofuel. Rolls-Royce said it was committed to supporting the transition to non-blended SAF and will be making all its Trent engines compatible with the eco-conscious fuel by 2023.
“We believe in air travel as a force for cultural good, but we also recognize the need to take action to decarbonize our industry,” said Rolls-Royce’s Director of Product Development and Technology for Civil Aerospace, Simon Burr.
“This flight is another example of collaboration across the value chain to make sure all the aircraft technology solutions are in place to enable a smooth introduction of 100% SAF into our industry.”
Image via Rolls-Royce
[via Robb Report, images via Rolls-Royce]
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