Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has completed ground emissions testing of 100% neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on its G700 aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. The testing was performed at Gulfstream’s Savannah, Georgia facility.
The testing involved the use of different fuel types, including a 30/70 SAF blend and 100% neat SAF, which is a non-fossil-based fuel with no sulfur content. The SAF used for the tests was supplied by World Energy and transported by World Fuel Services. The emissions data collected during the testing is expected to support further research into minimizing the climate impact of business aviation.
Data collection focused on both gaseous and particulate emissions and was carried out using equipment and instrumentation from the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, Aerodyne Research, and Missouri University of Science and Technology. The test aimed to evaluate the environmental effects of using different fuels, with particular attention to sulfur contamination and greenhouse gas output.
Preliminary results suggest that the 100% neat SAF used in the test showed minimal to no sulfur contamination and indicated a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Additional observations suggested that the use of such fuel may contribute to improved local air quality near airports and could potentially reduce the formation of condensation trails, though more data would be required to confirm these effects.
Gulfstream stated that the findings will be used to help the aviation industry better understand fuel properties and guide future sustainability efforts.
