Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Report from Helicopter Rescue Operations
Burkhard Schneider and Marlin Beuse presented information at the French preview about the SAF project they are conducting at ADAC Luftrettung. It is a case study of SAF in helicopter rescue operations in Germany, where ADAC Luftrettung flies more than 50 helicopters including the Airbus H145 and EC135/H135 out of 37 bases. They employ 170 pilots, 600 emergency doctors, and 250 helicopter emergency management technicians performing hoist and NVIS operations.
The equipment in the H145 enables intensive care transportation and winch missions, while the EC135/H135 is for primary operations. The project’s goal is to reduce C02 emissions by 90%. They currently use vegetable oils and residues blended with conventional Jet A-1 fuel. The EU requires an SAF blend of 2% by 2025, 5% by 2030, and 63% by 2050.
Both BP and Total Energies provide fuel made in Europe and transport the fuel via multiple methods to helicopter airport locations. According to the presenters, obtaining a 2% fuel blend is easy, but obtaining higher blends is difficult in Europe.
The results thus far include “no noticeable abnormalities in flight, less odor during combustion, and less soot in exhaust gas,” Airbus related. The biggest challenge in using SAF is getting the fuel transported to the airports, which requires trucks and/or trains that add to the cost and emissions.
RACER Flies
As the experimental Airbus Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft (RACER) was unveiled to the group at the French preview, it was quite clear that significant progress had been made since February 2023. The aircraft was in its final assembly phase and was being prepared for power-up and first flights. The RACER is a disruptive design based on the X3 prototype that can demonstrate fast flight, agility and aerodynamics.
In late April, Airbus Helicopters’ Racer demonstrator performed its first flight in Marignane, France. The aircraft flew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flight test team to check the overall behavior of the aircraft. This important milestone launches the flight campaign which will take two years and will aim to progressively open the aircraft’s flight envelope and demonstrate its high speed capabilities.
The RACER offers a direct-current electric generator. “It is a compromise between speed (220 knots), cost, payload and range,” the presenter shared. It contains innovations for better fuel use and noise reduction. The chief engineer discussed the cost reduction achieved by integrating mature technologies into the development and construction. It’s fast, but its speed is appropriate for its size, he said.
Piloting this aircraft is simple and intuitive due to the familiar flight controls, systems, and characteristics, he said. In theory, a pilot can be up and running in 20 minutes following a quick briefing. A 25% drag reduction reduces fuel burning. Airbus also reduced the fuselage’s width and improved its wing design.
68 Mar/Apr 2024
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