Safran and ST Engineering team up to promote the use of SAF in helicopter engines

Safran Helicopter Engines and ST Engineering have signed a memorandum of understanding to study. Its purpose is to evaluate the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the manufacturer’s helicopter engines. The objective is to help operators transition to SAF.

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According to the companies, they will offer their expertise in engine manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). With this, they aim to promote the switch from conventional fossil fuels to sustainable aviation fuel at other helicopter operators.

Ground testing of Safran engines with SAF will be performed at ST Engineering’s engine test facility. In addition, flight tests will be conducted with participating helicopter operators. Those will evaluate the technical and economic performance of using SAF in their fleet engines.

«All Safran helicopter engines are currently certified to operate with up to 50% SAF. The goal of the collaboration is to also certify in the coming years the use of 100% sustainable aviation fuel. This can potentially result in a reduction of carbon emissions of up to 80%,» assures a statement issued by ST Engineering.

For Valerie Patuel, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines Asia, «this agreement strengthens the technical and industrial partnership we have built with ST Engineering over the years. It also marks a key milestone in our common effort to transform the aviation industry towards a more sustainable future.»

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For his part, Tay Eng Guan, vice president, and general manager of ST Engineering’s commercial aerospace engine division also made an important note. «Our latest partnership with Safran combines the expertise and domain knowledge of both companies to study and promote the use of SAF by operators. The partnership also reflects our shared beliefs that aerospace companies must come together in joint efforts. In this way, we can develop robust solutions that can effectively reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.»

Working towards reducing carbon emissions

Safran Helicopter Engines has been working to reduce carbon emissions at its facilities. As of June 2021, the manufacturer is using SAF at its test benches in France and has recently implemented it at its facility in Fareham, UK.

On the other hand, ST Engineering is working on developing aerospace solutions with lower environmental impact. «Some of these solutions include its patented EcoPower aircraft engine wash system. This one helps operators to achieve lower fuel consumption and thus reduce their carbon footprint, and cargo conversions that give a new life to decommissioned passenger aircraft,» they said.

See also: 737 MAX back in service: Safran plans to produce more engines