GE Honda Aero Engines (GHAE) HF120 turbofan engine has successfully completed a second 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) test. Testing was performed using ATJ-SPK, which is converted from alcohol-sourced feedstock. This test was led by Honda at the Research and Development Centre for aero engines located in Saitama, Japan.
Test results were favourable, supporting the study to compare engine performance when using 100% SAF, conventional jet fuel, and a mixture of both fuels. Effects of Lean Blow-out*2 characteristics on the engine during testing were evaluated to gain further insight. In October 2022, the first SAF test on the HF120 was successfully conducted using HEFA-SPK at Peebles Test Operations Centre in Ohio, USA.
Mel Solomon, president of GE Honda Aero Engines, said: “There is significant expectation put into sustainable aviation fuel to solve the challenge of decarbonising aviation. Recognising the imperative to include SAF as part of aviation’s commitment to a 2050 carbon neutral industry, GE Honda continues to utilise our parent companies’ R&D work to advance the development of a more diverse supply of SAF to the industry.”
GHAE’s parent companies, GE Aerospace and Honda, are both part of an international OEM Review Panel which evaluates the safety of SAF and supports the development of new fuels and fuel additives, playing a pivotal role in the transition to a more sustainable aviation industry. Insight gathered from the latest SAF test will be used for R&D of aero engines to support activities related to the international standardization of SAF by the OEM Review Panel.
Mr Solomon added: “Our active involvement in the OEM Review Panel and the successful completion of a second 100% SAF engine test within 12 months with a different blend is a testament of GE Honda’s commitment to accelerate the right solutions for the industry.”
The HF120 engine currently demonstrates best-in-class fuel efficiency and can operate today in-service on approved SAF blends up to 50%. GE Honda Aero Engines remains dedicated to the critical effort to create a more sustainable future for aviation.