Low Cost & Regional

Deutsche Aircraft conducts PtL SAF test flights

photo_camera PtL synthetic SAF being tested in D328 testbed

Deutsche Aircraft, alongside engine supplier Pratt & Whitney Canada, has conducted a number of emission and contrail measurement flights on a D328 UpLift research aircraft using a fully synthetic Fischer-Tropsch fuel.

Due to having the same chemical and technical properties, Fischer-Tropsch synthetic paraffinic kerosene (FT-SPK) served as a proxy for future PtL (power-to-liquid) SAF, which will be produced using water, CO2, and renewable energy in the future. PtL is expected to be a way to meet future demand for SAF and help meet net-zero CO2 emission by 2050, as well as reduce non-CO2 emissions due to enabling low to zero aromatic and sulphur content.

“This test flight is a testament to our shared commitment to enabling more sustainable aviation through the development of more efficient aircraft and enabling alternative fuels,” said Dave Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “To achieve our industry goals, we must enhance collaboration in research and technology while securing strong support from government and energy providers to scale up Sustainable Aviation Fuel and PtL production.

READ: D328 testbed flies with 100% synthetic fuels

“The successful test flight of the D328 UpLift is a major achievement towards our goal of ensuring that the D328eco is ready to operate with future 100% SAF specifications from the EIS stage,” said Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft. “This new capability, along with the overall performance and efficiency of the D328eco and its PW127XT-S engines, will establish new benchmarks in regional aviation. Additionally, the insights gained from D328® UpLift’s test flights using synthetic fuel without aromatics will support the overall effort to reduce the environmental footprint of the aviation industry.”

“The development of the PW127XT-S for the next generation Deutsche Aircraft D328eco reflects our shared goal of changing the standards of efficiency and sustainability in the aviation industry, and continues our 40-year-long collaborative relationship,” said Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada. “Our PW127XT engine series delivers unrivalled performance in terms of fuel burn, emissions, and operating economics, and will further drive sustainability by operating with more sustainable aviation fuels, including future specifications for 100% SAF.”

Launched in 2021, PW127XT engines offers over 3% better fuel efficiency, 40% improved time on and wing, and 20% reduced maintenance costs. All Pratt & Whitney Canada engines are certified to operate with SAF blended up to 50% with conventional Jet A/A1 kerosene fuel and the company is actively supporting industry efforts to develop future specifications for 100% SAF.

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