Tests will compare emissions from conventional Jet A and
100% SAF
EAST
HARTFORD, Conn., March 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX
(NYSE: RTX) business and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
will work together with Missouri
University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T),
Aerodyne Research, Inc., and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to study non- CO2 aviation emissions, to help
understand and reduce the environmental impact of those emissions.
As part of the FAA's ASCENT program, the project will measure
emissions from a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine combustor rig test
stand using conventional Jet A and 100% sustainable aviation fuel
(SAF).
"As the aviation industry targets a goal of net-zero
CO2 emissions by 2050, we continue to pay close
attention to addressing the environmental impact of other
emissions, including cruise non-volatile particulate matter and
NOx," said Sean Bradshaw, senior
technical fellow of sustainable propulsion at Pratt & Whitney.
"Combustor rig tests with 100% SAF provide a controlled environment
for generating valuable baseline data, which will support future
studies using full scale engines on-wing at ground and flight test
conditions."
The project will compare emissions from Jet A kerosene and SAF
comprised of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic
Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK), a biofuel derived from vegetable
oils and animal fats; the fuel is supplied by World Energy.
"By bringing together expertise from industry, government, and
academia, this project represents an important step towards
understanding and reducing the environmental impacts of aviation,
including those arising from non-CO2 emissions," said
Dr. Philip Whitefield of
Missouri University of Science and
Technology. "SAF containing low sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbon
concentrations could contribute to reduced sulfur dioxide and
non-volatile particulate emissions, which are associated with
contrail formation and the impact to global
warming."
The rig tests will take place at Pratt & Whitney's facility
in Middletown, Conn., using an
advanced Rich-Quench-Lean (RQL) combustor. The rig allows testing
of the full range of combustor operating conditions, including at
take-off, ground, and cruise altitudes, to help understand the
environmental and emissions benefits of using SAF. Pratt &
Whitney, the FAA, Missouri S&T, Aerodyne Research, and the EPA
will collaborate on test design, execution, and emissions data
analysis.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a
world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft
engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit
www.prattwhitney.com.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of
technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our
world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace,
Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation,
engineering integrated defense systems, and developing
next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help
global customers address their most critical challenges. The
company, with 2023 sales of $69
billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact
corporatepr@rtx.com
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