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Safran, ST Engineering to study use of SAF in helicopters

Safran Helicopter Engines and the commercial aerospace business of ST Engineering signed a Memorandum of Understanding to study the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in helicopter engines.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Safran Helicopter Engines and ST Engineering will share their expertise in engine manufacturing and MRO to promote and help helicopter operators switch from conventional fossil fuels to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Ground testing of Safran engines using SAF will be performed at ST Engineering’s engine test facilities, while flight tests with participating helicopter operators will be conducted to evaluate the technical and economical performances of the use of SAF on their fleet’s engines.

All Safran’s helicopter engines are currently certified to operate on up to 50 per cent SAF, according to the company. The objective of the collaboration is to also certify in the coming years the use of 100 per cent SAF, which Safran states can potentially result in carbon emission reduction by up to 80 per cent.

Safran Helicopter Engines has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions at its sites worldwide by incorporating SAF at all its test benches. Since last June, the manufacturer has been using it at every site in France, initially at a level of 10 per cent of total aviation fuel usage, with a target of 50 per cent by 2025. It has also recently deployed SAF to its UK facility at Fareham.