Story ID: 
Helicopter SAF Trials Show Reduced Soot Emissions
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Emergency medical operator ADAC partnered with aerospace research group DLR
Word Count: 216
Germany’s DLR aerospace research agency and air rescue operator ADAC Luftrettung have completed a study on the use of a bio-kerosene for emergency medical flights. In a report published last week, the partners said that 1,800 hours of flight trials using a pair of ADAC’s helicopters showed a significant reduction in ultrafine particles (UFPs), also referred to as soot.
During the trials, ADAC’s Airbus EC145s were run on a fuel mix that included 38% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from recycled vegetable or animal fats, including used cooking oil. Researchers from DLR’s Institute of Combustion Technology conducted six ground-based measurement exercises, focused on measuring emissions of UFPs and also carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.
According to the report, during idle operations before takeoff when rotor speeds are high, researchers recorded a 44% reduction in UFPs. At engine power levels set for cruise, the particle emissions were 33% lower than if the aircraft had operated on conventional jet-A.
“Following these promising first results, we aim to expand our research and development activities in this field and increase the SAF content,” said ADAC Luftrettung managing director Frédéric Bruder. “Our long-term goal is to significantly advance the decarbonization of aviation, including in the emergency services sector.”