Sat, Jul 02, 2022
Test-Flight Results Encouraging
Embraer and Pratt & Whitney have successfully test-flown a GTF-powered E195-E2 aircraft on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The test—which was conducted with one of the aircraft’s engines running on 100% SAF and the other operating on petroleum jet-fuel—substantiated the notion that both the GTF engine and the E-Jets E2 families can operate normally on blends of up to 100% SAF.
Prior to its 70-minute test-flight at Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida, the test-aircraft completed two days of ground tests at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
All Pratt & Whitney engines and Embraer aircraft are currently certified to operate with up to 50% blends of SAF and standard Jet A/A1 kerosene—according to ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) specifications.
To maximize the emissions reduction potential of using fuel derived from non-fossil-based feedstocks, future specifications may enable operations on 100% SAF.
The SAF used by Embraer and Pratt & Whitney was 100% hydro-processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosine (HEFA-SPK) acquired from World Energy. HEFA-SPK is a specific type of hydro-treated, renewable feedstock fuel used in aviation, and is considered a leading alternative replacement for conventional jet fuel by the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), due to the sustainability of its feedstock. The initiative, however, makes neither mention nor issue of the worrying fact that contemporary production methods utilize 1,300-gallons of fresh water to synthesize a single gallon of sustainable aviation fuel.
Nevertheless, Graham Webb, chief sustainability officer at Pratt & Whitney said of the test: “SAF is a core part of our sustainability roadmap, and we continue to work with industry partners and regulators to support the development of a drop-in standard for 100% SAF.”
Mister Webb’s sentiments were reiterated by Rodrigo Silva e Souza, vice president of strategy and sustainability for Embraer Commercial Aviation, who added: “Embraer and Pratt & Whitney are leading the industry with products that are more efficient for our customers and more sustainable for our society. This test demonstrates that the E2 is ready for 100% SAF certification and operation once the industry finalizes standards.”
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