Implications of Sustainable Aviation Fuel for the Rotorcraft Industry

Abstract

International governments and the airline industry have set goals to progressively replace aviation fossil fuels with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is presently less than 0.1 % of the global aviation fuel supply but projected to be greater than 50% by 2050. SAF is kerosene synthetically produced from sustainable agriculture and recycled waste. SAF has lower contrail-forming particulates and has substantial benefit of lifecycle CO2 reduction from using sustainable feedstocks rather than petroleum. The rotorcraft industry consumes less than 1% of the global aviation fuel supply and is not driving the transition to SAF but will need to have compatibility with SAF. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed a process in conjunction with the FAA and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) whereby SAF blends are approved as drop-in equivalent to ASTM D1655 Jet A/A1 fuel and can then be seamlessly distributed and utilized under existing aircraft approvals for Jet A/A1. SAF candidates are comprehensively evaluated by an OEM task group. Global aviation industry, certification agencies, and military are harmonizing around this approach. The FAA has encouraged rotorcraft manufacturers to monitor OEM task group proceedings and provide input for concerns to rotorcraft. A unique rotorcraft concern regarding suction lift fuel systems is explained as an example.