Gulfstream Completes 100% SAF Emissions Tests

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Gulfstream Completes 100% SAF Emissions Tests

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The weeklong program compared emissions from several fuels

Gulfstream Aerospace has completed a ground-test program on its G700 using various fuels, including 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The goal of the test regimen was to understand the environmental characteristics of different fuels with a focus on unblended SAF without sulfur contaminants or aromatic compounds.

While the former contributes to environmental pollution, the latter is important in the functioning of legacy engines, making gaskets swell to prevent leaks. Modern aircraft and engine systems are designed to not require the presence of aromatic compounds in fuel, but their absence in 100% SAF is leading fuel producers to investigate the use of plant-based aromatic additives to ensure the fuel is suitable for the entire turbine aircraft spectrum.

The weeklong test program was conducted at the airframer’s Savannah, Georgia headquarters facility using SAF produced by World Energy and transported by World Fuel Services. Personnel measured the gaseous and particle emissions from the G700’s Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines using special instrumentation from the FAA, NASA, Aerodyne Research, and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Preliminary data showed minimal to no sulfur contamination and a decrease in non-CO2 greenhouse gas production, demonstrating the potential of 100% SAF for improving the air quality near airports and possibly lessening the formation of contrails.

“Gulfstream has a rich history of innovating for sustainable aviation dating back to 2004 with the first ISO certification for our Savannah facility,” said Mark Burns, the airframer’s president. “Our journey continues today as we work to enhance our understanding of fuel properties and their environmental characteristics to assess business aviation’s impact on the climate, chart the path forward in decreasing that impact, and lead the industry in driving its sustainable aviation goals.”


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