GE Honda Aero Engines (GHAE) HF120 turbofan engine has successfully completed a second 100 per cent SAF test. Testing was performed using ATJ-SPK (alcohol to jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene), 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 per cent SAF, conventional jet fuel and a mixture of both fuels. The effects of lean blow-out 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 (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene), a fuel synthesised from hydrotreated oil of animal and plant origin, at Peebles Test Operations centre in Ohio, US.

“There is significant expectation put into sustainable aviation fuel to solve the challenge of decarbonising aviation,” says president Mel Solomon. “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 that 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 standardisation of SAF by the OEM review panel.

“Our active involvement in the OEM review panel and the successful completion of a second 100 per cent 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,” adds Solomon.

The HF120 engine currently demonstrates best-in-class fuel efficiency and can operate today in-service on approved SAF blends up to 50 per cent.