Page 37 - World Airnews Magazine December 2020

SAF

ROLLS-ROYCE TO TEST

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL

which offers a 25% fuel saving over the first

generation of Trent engines.

s part of its ongoing decarbonisa- Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Paul

Ati on strategy, Rolls-Royce is to use Stein said, “Aviation is a tremendous force

100% sustainable aviation fuel for the first for good, keeping the world connected,

time in engine ground tests on next-gener- but we have to do that sustainably. These

ation engine technology. tests aim to show that we can deliver real

emissions reductions. If SAF production can

The tests will aim to confirm that un- be scaled up - and aviation needs 500 mil-

blended SAF makes a significant contri- lion tonnes a year by 2050 - we can make a

bution to improving the environmental huge contribution for our planet.”

performance of gas turbine engines. Chief executive officer and founder

The SAF being used in the tests was pro- World Energy Gene Gebolys said, “World
duced by low-carbon fuel specialist World Energy exists to empower leaders to
Energy in Paramount, California, sourced innovate by providing the world’s most

by Shell Aviation and delivered by SkyNRG. advanced low carbon fuels. Rolls-Royce
This unblended fuel has the potential to is putting their technological prowess to

significantly reduce net CO² lifecycle emis- work to understand how to maximise their
sions by more than 75 per cent compared potential in engines and we are proud to

to conventional jet fuel, with the possibility support them.”

of further reductions in years to come. Managing director SkyNRG Theye Veen
These tests aim to demonstrate that our said, “This programme is a great example
current engines can operate with 100% of what can be achieved when companies

SAF as a full “drop-in” option, laying the from across the aviation value chain that one step closer to decarbonising Aviation.

groundwork for moving such fuels towards share an ambition of reducing emissions As well as the SAF, Shell Aviation will pro-

certification. At present, SAF is certified for work together. As a pioneer in SAF, SkyNRG vide offsets using nature-based solutions to

blends of up to 50% with conventional jet encourages innovative tests like this run by make the test net zero emissions, reinforc-

fuel and can be used on all current Rolls- Rolls-Royce.” ing how multiple measures are essential

Royce engines. In addition to supplying the SAF with if aviation is to achieve net zero carbon

Starting in the coming weeks in Derby, SkyNRG, Shell Aviation is also providing dioxide emissions.”

UK, the ground tests will involve a Trent Rolls-Royce with AeroShell lubricants for The ALECSys programme is supported by
engine which also incorporates ALECSys the ALECSys engine test programme. the European Union via Clean Sky and in
(Advanced Low Emissions Combustion President Shell Aviation Anna Mascolo the UK by the Aerospace Technology Insti-

System) lean-burn technology. said, “For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce and tute and Innovate UK; the 100% SAF testing

ALECSys is part of the UltraFan next gen- Shell have worked together to drive avia- programme is additionally supported by

eration engine demonstrator programme, tion’s progress. This collaboration brings us ATI, iUK and Gulf Aviation. Q

HELICOPTERS
US EMS OPERATOR GROWS
AW109 Trekker into the US for EMS ap- standards. The twin-engine helicopter
plications and further grows the success is equipped with Night Vision Goggles

eonardo has announced that of the AW169 in this market. (NVG), single-pilot instrument flight

LLife Link III, an EMS operator in The AW169 features a spacious 222 rules, and a customised interior built to
Minnesota and Wisconsin in the United cubic ft. cabin and Life Link III will have meet Life Link III’s requirements.

States, has signed a contract for an a FAA certified EMS interior which This sale will increase Life Link III’s

AW169 and an AW109 Trekker for air provides 360-degree patient access Leonardo helicopters fleet to 14 aircraft

medical transport missions. essential for critical care. The helicop- and the company will be the first to

The helicopters will ensure in-flight ter can travel up to 440 nautical miles, operate a mixed fleet of AW119 IFR and

critical care and transport patients with a top speed of 160 knots and it can AW109 Trekker. The AW119 will enable
across the upper-Midwest of the coun- climb to 14,500 feet. the company to undertake safer opera-

try and delivery is anticipated to take The Trekker has high-end EMS capa- tions in challenging weather conditions

place in the fourth quarter of 2021. bilities in terms of its interior, perfor- and is expected to be delivered in the
This order marks the entry of the mance, advanced avionics, and safety third quarter of 2021. Q
World Airnews | December 2020
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