- July 19, 2010, 8:57 AM
Under a plan first revealed two years ago, Rolls-Royce and British Airways have invited fuel suppliers to participate in tests to evaluate alternative aviation fuels in a study to seek practical alternatives to kerosene, the current standard fuel. The two companies have requested samples for possible laboratory and rig trials and, ultimately, tests on a Rolls-Royce RB211-524G engine from a British Airways Boeing 747-400.
Funding will come from the U.S. Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (Cleen) program, the Federal Aviation Administration’s principal next-generation environmental effort to demonstrate new technologies, procedures and sustainable alternative jet fuels. If sufficient volumes of candidate fuels are available, tests would be carried out on a Rolls-Royce indoor engine testbed in the UK.
Candidate fuels for consideration are expected to be derived from
non-petroleum sources, be used neat or blended to meet requirements and have potential for a better overall environmental footprint than kerosene. They also must not unduly compete with food production, cause land or water stress, have potential adverse effects on eco-systems or lead to deforestation.
Testing the engine in a Rolls-Royce testbed enables more accurate data to be gathered in a controlled and consistent environment. The trial aims to explore fuel types different from those currently approved or undergoing certification.
Funding will come from the U.S. Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (Cleen) program, the Federal Aviation Administration’s principal next-generation environmental effort to demonstrate new technologies, procedures and sustainable alternative jet fuels. If sufficient volumes of candidate fuels are available, tests would be carried out on a Rolls-Royce indoor engine testbed in the UK.
Candidate fuels for consideration are expected to be derived from
non-petroleum sources, be used neat or blended to meet requirements and have potential for a better overall environmental footprint than kerosene. They also must not unduly compete with food production, cause land or water stress, have potential adverse effects on eco-systems or lead to deforestation.
Testing the engine in a Rolls-Royce testbed enables more accurate data to be gathered in a controlled and consistent environment. The trial aims to explore fuel types different from those currently approved or undergoing certification.
