With the support of Safran Helicopter Engines, TotalEnergies, Airbus Helicopters, the French defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement-DGA) has carried out the first test flight of an NH90, during which one of its two RTM322 engines ran on sustainable aviation fuel. (SAF). This fuel was produced by TotalEnergies from used cooking oil using the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology and has a carbon footprint four times smaller than that of a fossil fuel. As such, it meets the European Union’s 65% reduction requirement for sustainable fuels.
The test flight took place on February 3, at the DGA Essais en vol de Istres center of expertise and tests. It marks the first for a military helicopter with such a high SAF content, and without any engine modifications. The fuel meets the aviation industry’s goal of accelerating decarbonization without making any modifications to the aircraft, engine or logistics infrastructure, known as dump fuel.
In December 2022, a bench test at Safran Helicopter Engines’ Bordes facility validated the use of this fuel in the RTM322.
Christian Caneilles, Head of Heavy Helicopter Engines Programs at Safran Helicopter Engines, said: “This is an important step in our roadmap for the large-scale deployment of SAF, which will start a process of decarbonisation within the armed forces to gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels”.
SAF is one of Safran Helicopter Engines’ initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions from engines in service. Its range of turbines is already certified to operate at 50% SAF.
Safran Helicopter Engines is working to certify operations with 100% SAF, while assessing any operational impact with its partners and customers. When a 100% incorporation level is achieved, SAF offers potential CO reduction2 emissions of 80%.
