Leonardo Helicopters
Leonardo Helicopters is another OEM that is researching multiple options for cleaner, greener helicopter propulsion. As such, it is considering all of the options outlined so far.
“We have four streams of R&D on this matter,” said Matteo Ragazzi, the company’s director of engineering. “The first stream is looking at conventional turboshafts and ways in which we can reduce their fuel consumption also through advanced power management solutions. The second is SAF, which is really low- hanging fruit for us. Our helicopters can already fly with a 50% SAF blend in their fuel, and we are heading towards 100%.”
The third propulsion stream being explored by Leonardo Helicopters is hybridization. The company would love to build all- electric long distance helicopters powered solely by batteries, but says that current lithium ion technology is not up to the task and a solution doesn’t seem to be on the horizon.
“Actually, the problem is not a technological issue in itself, but it is rather driven by manufacturing,” Ragazzi explained. “If you go to the battery suppliers, they are concerned with producing cells for the electric car mass market, rather than the comparatively small helicopter market. Therefore, their pursuit of increased power density is driven by automotive more than aviation, which means their battery
cells are too heavy for practical helicopter long-distance applications and they are not interested in investing and researching for small quantities of high-performance cells.”
Leonardo’s fourth stream is hydrogen. “We are interested in burning hydrogen directly to drive the turbines, or indirectly using electrical engines and hydrogen fuel cells,” Ragazzi said. “The first option is still very new, while the second is still facing weight, volume and thermal management issues associated with the fuel cells.
“This is the roadmap we are following. The fact that other OEMs are doing the same doesn’t surprise me, because we are all considering every available option.”
Pratt & Whitney Canada
As an engine OEM, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) can directly affect change when it involves making helicopter propulsion cleaner and greener. This is exactly what it is doing.
For example, P&WC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Air BP to work towards using SAF up to 100% in Pratt & Whitney engines from now through 2024. “Neat SAF from a major integrated energy company that is highly focused on SAF initiatives enables the evaluation, testing, and validation needed to ensure that our engines are fully capable of operating with 100% SAF,” said Graham Webb, chief sustainability officer at Pratt & Whitney.
70 May/June 2022
In November 2021, Pratt & Whitney Canada joined a long- term SAF pilot program with German air rescue operator ADAC Luftrettung and its fleet of H135 helicopters. The collaboration commits them to using SAF at blends of 30-40% over 36 months.
It’s worth noting that P&WC’s carbon offset service allows its
engine users to
Sikorsky offset
the carbon footprint of their aircraft by sourcing carbon offset credits from South Pole, a globally recognized carbon offset provider. This program is available for all P&WC-powered business jet, helicopter and regional aircraft customers enrolled in a P&WC Eagle Service Plan (ESP) or Fleet Management Program (FMP).
Sikorsky is currently supporting S-76 and S-92 helicopter operators who are interested in using SAF blends. To this end, “Sikorsky conducted technical reviews in conjunction with engine manufacturers to give service letter guidance on use of biofuel in alignment with the FAA drop-in (fuels) approach under existing certification of Jet A fuel limitations,” said Sikorsky spokesperson John Dorrian. “The result is that 50/50 SAF fuel operation is currently permitted for both S-76 and S-92.” He added that S-92 operators such as CHC and Milestone have conducted
demonstration flights using SAF fuel concentrations up to 50%.
As for other options? “We are actively developing powertrain electrification technologies but are not yet publicly sharing details,” Dorrian said. “We are publicly engaging in the developing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market and sharing our perspective on the current opportunities and challenges to achieving the full potential of this expansion of current helicopter missions in, around, and between cities.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
