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Safran Helicopter Engines is developing the use of Sustainable Air Fuel (SAF) in helicopter engines, and has used biofuel for the first time at its UK site. The group has signed a memorandum of understanding with ST Engineering to assist helicopter operators in their transition to this new type of fuel.
The latest SAF applications by Safran
Safran Helicopter Engines began using SAF on its first site outside France, in Fareham, UK. The engine test cells at this site now use 38 percent SAF. This rate will gradually increase to 50%, the maximum currently allowed. The sustainable fuel is made by Neste from residues such as used cooking oil. Safran Helicopter Engines intends to promote the use of SAF on its test benches, with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions at all its sites worldwide. This has already been the case since last June at all of its sites in France, where 10% of SAF is used, with a target of 50% by 2025. Safran’s helicopter engines are currently certified to run on up to 50% sustainable fuel. The goal of the collaboration is to certify 100% use, which will reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.
With this goal in mind, in September 2021 Safran conducted a ground test campaign of a Makila 2 running on 100% biofuel at its Bordes site (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), a world first. This led to flight tests on an Airbus H225 helicopter last November using 100% fuel derived from used cooking oil, supplied by TotalEnergies. Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technical Officer Stefan Thome, said in a statement that « SAF is an important pillar of Airbus Helicopters’ decarbonization strategy, as it allows for an immediate reduction in CO2 emissions without negatively impacting helicopter performance. »
A partnership with ST Engineering for the deployment of SAF
Safran Helicopter Engines and ST Engineering’s civil aerospace division signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 16, 2022, to study the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the French manufacturer’s turboshaft engines and assist operators in their transition to SAF. Under the MoU, Safran Helicopter Engines and ST Engineering will offer their expertise in engine manufacturing and MRO to promote biofuels to helicopter operators and transition from conventional fossil fuels to sustainable fuels. Ground testing of a Safran engine with SAF will be conducted at ST Engineering’s facilities, in parallel with flight tests with participating helicopter operators, to evaluate the technical and economic aspects of using SAF.
Safran Helicopter Engines Asia Managing Director Valérie Patuel said, « This agreement strengthens the technical and industrial partnership we have built with ST Engineering over the years. It also marks another key milestone in our shared commitment to transforming aerospace to make it more sustainable. » Tay Eng Guan, vice president and general manager of ST Engineering’s civil aerospace division, also added that « The partnership also reflects our shared belief that aerospace companies must join together in joint efforts to develop robust solutions that can effectively reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
In addition, by leveraging its expertise, ST Engineering is also working toward more sustainable aerospace by developing more environmentally friendly aerospace solutions. For example, the patented EcoPower aircraft engine cleaning system helps reduce fuel consumption and carbon footprint, or solutions for converting older airliners into cargo aircraft.
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