(Boursier.com) — Airbus supports the German Air Force in its long-term transformation to increase the sustainability of its aircraft fleet. Airbus is working with the German Air Force to obtain technical clearance to begin flight testing of the A400M with fuel loads of up to 50% short-term sustainable aviation fuel . Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a proven alternative fuel that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional fuels over the entire life cycle.
Germany, which has ordered a total of 53 aircraft, thus becomes the first customer nation to launch a gradual transformation towards sustainable aviation fuel for its A400M fleet.
“The Luftwaffe’s goal is to initiate a transformation towards sustainability in its fleet. Their mission is ours. We are pleased to support these important efforts, not only for the A400M but also for their entire fleet of Airbus aircraft, ranging from VIP transport to combat aircraft,” said Mike Schoellhorn, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defense and Space.
In addition to supporting these activities, Airbus is committed to a long-term roadmap to achieve 100% SAF A400M readiness and certification. Initially, in 2022, Airbus is planning a test flight of an A400M with a fuel load of up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel. This initial test flight will be carried out with a single engine in order to better assess the overall behavior of the aircraft. After the success of this flight with one engine, Airbus plans to continue the tests with 4 engines in 2023. Once the tests on the basis of 4 engines are completed, the A400M customers will be officially authorized to use 50% of FAS. In addition, Airbus, OCCAR and the A400M nations have initiated discussions to develop a roadmap towards certification and operational use with 100% SAF.
In 2022, Airbus has already performed the first flight of its C295 testbed aircraft, for a research and development project of the European Clean Sky 2 (CS2) program and the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program , which aims to use new technologies and new materials to achieve reductions in noise, CO2 and NOx. Airbus also aims to conduct a C295 test campaign for flights with 50% SAF in 2022 and 100% SAF in 2023.
©2022 Boursier.com