Introduction to Deutsche Aircraft’s Sustainability Initiative
Deutsche Aircraft, a pioneering German aircraft manufacturer, is making significant strides in the field of sustainable aviation with its latest development, the D328eco aircraft. This next-generation regional aircraft is engineered to operate entirely on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly aviation technologies. The D328eco is scheduled for entry into service in 2027, aligning with the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
Collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada
Deutsche Aircraft has partnered with RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada, a leader in aerospace powerplant innovation, to ensure that the D328eco is optimized for 100% SAF usage from its very first flight in commercial service. This collaboration builds on a robust 40-year partnership between the two firms, with recent joint efforts focusing on testing and certifying the compatibility of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW127XT-S engines with synthetic fuels.
Testing and Certification Process
The partnership recently completed a notable series of emission and contrail measurement flights using Deutsche Aircraft’s D328 UpLift research aircraft. These tests utilized fully synthetic fuel, demonstrating the practicality and feasibility of using future SAF produced via Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology. This series of test flights is a crucial step towards achieving certification for the D328eco to operate with 100% SAF. The synthetic fuel used, known as Fischer-Tropsch synthetic paraffinic kerosene (FT-SPK), possesses the same chemical and technical properties as future PtL SAF, which will be produced using water, carbon dioxide, and renewable energy.
Benefits of the PW127XT-S Engine and SAF
The PW127XT-S engine, which powers the D328eco, is the latest and most advanced model in Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW100 engine series. The engine offers over 3% better fuel efficiency, 40% improved time on wing, and 20% reduced maintenance costs compared to previous models. Currently, all Pratt & Whitney Canada engines are certified to operate with up to 50% SAF blended with conventional jet fuel. However, efforts are ongoing to support the development of specifications for 100% SAF, enhancing the sustainability of aviation.
Industry Impact and Future Directions
The successful integration of 100% SAF and the introduction of the D328eco are expected to set new benchmarks in regional aviation, particularly in terms of environmental performance and efficiency. The insights gained from the D328 UpLift’s test flights will significantly contribute to reducing the aviation industry’s environmental footprint. Further, these advances support the International Civil Aviation Organization’s goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada continue to advocate for enhanced collaboration in research and technology, as well as strong support from government and energy providers, to scale up SAF and PtL production.