Airbus successfully trials an A380 using SAF
The Airbus A380’s MSN1 operated one engine on 100% SAF during a recent test flight.
This milestone marked the third Airbus aircraft - following the A350 and the A319neo - to test unblended sustainable aviation fuel.
This feat of engineering is set to further enhance the company’s legacy by playing a vital role in helping to achieve certification of 100% SAF by 2030.
When the A380 MSN1 departed from Toulouse’s Blagnac airport on 25 March one of its four engines operated on 100% SAF.
It also marked the first flight test campaign to use 100% SAF on all flight phases, from take-off and climb to cruise and landing.
“This is the first time that unblended SAF has been used on an A380 flight test platform,” explained Wolfgang Absmeier, Airbus test pilot. “The flight test met all of our requirements, which will enable us to carry out the next phase of the project consisting of specific engine manoeuvers.”
“This is another great example of the aviation industry coming together to work towards achieving certification of 100% SAF by 2030. Together, we’ve clearly demonstrated that an aircraft as large as the A380 can successfully operate on unblended SAF,” added François Pfindel, Airbus head of A380 MAP.
The flight test campaignwas supported by partners including Rolls-Royce which conducted compatibility studies related to the engine adaptation for the Trent 900. Pratt & Whitney is providing support for the auxiliary power unit (APU). TotalEnergies is supplying the unblended SAF.
This milestone marked the third Airbus aircraft - following the A350 and the A319neo - to test unblended sustainable aviation fuel.
This feat of engineering is set to further enhance the company’s legacy by playing a vital role in helping to achieve certification of 100% SAF by 2030.
When the A380 MSN1 departed from Toulouse’s Blagnac airport on 25 March one of its four engines operated on 100% SAF.
It also marked the first flight test campaign to use 100% SAF on all flight phases, from take-off and climb to cruise and landing.
“This is the first time that unblended SAF has been used on an A380 flight test platform,” explained Wolfgang Absmeier, Airbus test pilot. “The flight test met all of our requirements, which will enable us to carry out the next phase of the project consisting of specific engine manoeuvers.”
“This is another great example of the aviation industry coming together to work towards achieving certification of 100% SAF by 2030. Together, we’ve clearly demonstrated that an aircraft as large as the A380 can successfully operate on unblended SAF,” added François Pfindel, Airbus head of A380 MAP.
The flight test campaignwas supported by partners including Rolls-Royce which conducted compatibility studies related to the engine adaptation for the Trent 900. Pratt & Whitney is providing support for the auxiliary power unit (APU). TotalEnergies is supplying the unblended SAF.
Loading ...
