John McArthur_Unsplash
Military
Aviation
/ Europe
100% SAF
Airbus A330MRTT completes first flight fully fueled with SAF
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 11/25/2022
Airbus A330MRTT
Image: RAF
November 16, 2022 marked the first flight to use 100% SAF on a military aircraft in service in the world. The Royal Air Force, Airbus, the Defense Equipment and Support agency of the UK Ministry of Defence, British aircraft leasing company AirTanker and engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and fuel supplier Air bp, were the responsible for the flight, which was also the first 100% SAF fueled flight in UK airspace.
The flight took place with the military variant of the Airbus A330 jet, called the RAF Voyager. Both of the plane's engines were fully fueled with SAF on the 90-minute flight from Brize Norton. The RAF performed a demonstration of a refueling flight and said there was potential for its future operational capability.
"True to our purpose of 'pioneering aerospace', we support the Royal Air Force on this landmark sustainable fuel test flight. I congratulate our British customer on this achievement which helps pave the way for a sustainable reduction in the carbon emissions of our fleets of military aircraft. Airbus engineers have made a significant contribution to this RAF mission, providing expertise on the ground in recent weeks and securing the necessary MoD military flight clearances," said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space.
In addition, the test pilot stated that there was no observed operational difference compared to flying with fossil fuel.
The flight is also the first for a widebody powered by SAF, which could pave the way for this type of operation to become more common in commercial aviation.
“The Royal Air Force has performed the UK's first military airlift flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel in one of its operational Voyager aircraft. They should be proud of this achievement; It is a defining moment for the RAF and an exciting development for the MoD,” said Baroness Goldie, Minister for Defence.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
|
|