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Deutsche Aircraft, Pratt & Whitney Canada Conduct Synthetic Fuel Test Flights

Our Bureau - : Nov 4, 2024 - : 10:59 pm

Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada have recently completed a series of test flights aimed at assessing emissions and contrail formation using synthetic fuel on a D328 UpLift research aircraft. These flights, conducted with fully synthetic Fischer-Tropsch fuel, are part of efforts to prepare for the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) produced through Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology. This milestone aligns with the companies’ 40-year collaboration and supports Deutsche Aircraft’s plans for its upcoming 40-seat D328eco aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engines, to be compatible with 100% SAF from its anticipated Entry into Service (EIS) in 2027.

The test flights took place under the UpLift-CLIM0ART project, in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Using Fischer-Tropsch synthetic paraffinic kerosene (FT-SPK) as a stand-in for future PtL-based SAF, the flights demonstrated that the D328 UpLift, powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW119B engines, could operate with similar performance and efficiency as with traditional kerosene. PtL technology, which converts water, CO2, and renewable energy into synthetic fuel, is anticipated to play a central role in meeting future SAF demand and contributing to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Additionally, the low-to-zero aromatic and sulphur content of PtL fuel is expected to reduce non-CO2 emissions.

“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 (SAF) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) production.”

“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.”

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