Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream successfully use 100% SAF on trial G650 flight

Rolls-Royce and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. have successfully conducted the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) test flight of an ultra-long-range business jet powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The test involved a BR725-powered Gulfstream G650 twin-engine jet with the flight taking place over Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.

This test has laid down the groundwork for moving this type of fuel towards certification having demonstrated that current Rolls-Royce engines for business jet and large civil applications can operate with 100% SAF as a full “drop-in” option. Currently, SAF is only certified for blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel and which can be used with all current Rolls-Royce engines.

The SAF for this test comprised of two components: HEFA (Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids), produced from waste fat and waste plant oils by World Energy in Paramount, California (a low-carbon fuel specialist), and Synthesised Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) made from waste plant-based sugars by Virent Inc. based in Wisconsin. This innovative and fully sustainable fuel in development will eliminate the need for the addition of further petroleum-based components, enabling a 100% drop-in SAF that can be used in existing jet engines and infrastructure without any modifications. This sustainable fuel has the potential to reduce net CO2 lifecycle emissions by about 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, with the possibility of further reductions in future.

“At Gulfstream, leading our industry closer to decarbonisation is a long-standing priority, and testing, evaluating and promoting new developments in SAF takes us another step closer to that goal,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “We are grateful for our partnership with Rolls Royce to be able to demonstrate yet another milestone in these efforts.”