Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada have completed a series of test flights focused on emissions and contrail measurements.
The tests were conducted with the D328 UpLift research aircraft. This involved a specialized synthetic fuel that helps prepare for future sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) made with Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology.
These tests represent a further step forward in sustainable aviation development, as the D328eco moves towards its 2027 launch.
Preparation for D328eco launch
This collaboration strengthens the 40-year partnership between both companies and marks a crucial milestone in aviation sustainability.
It ensures Deutsche Aircraft’s new D328eco, a 40-seat aircraft launching in 2027, will be ready to use 100% sustainable aviation fuel from its first flight. The D328eco will feature Pratt & Whitney Canada’s advanced PW127XT-S engines. Pratt & Whitney operates as part of RTX.
Working closely with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the innovative UpLift-CLIM0ART project, the research team conducted extensive tests using synthetic fuel.
The D328 UpLift, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW119B engines, demonstrated performance levels matching those achieved with standard kerosene fuel. This has confirmed the viability of sustainable alternatives.
Fuel Selection in Test program
The research team specifically used Fischer-Tropsch synthetic paraffinic kerosene (FT-SPK) in their test program. This specialized fuel perfectly matches the properties of future PtL sustainable aviation fuel, which will be produced using a combination of water, CO2, and renewable energy sources.
PtL technology is increasingly recognized as crucial for meeting future SAF demand and achieving ICAO’s ambitious goal of zero net CO2 emissions by 2050. Additionally, the fuel’s low to zero aromatic and sulfur content significantly helps reduce other harmful emissions.
Deutsche Aircraft CEO Dave Jackson emphasized the importance of these successful tests. “This flight demonstrates our unwavering commitment to sustainable aviation through innovative aircraft design and alternative fuel development. It represents a major step forward in our industry’s evolution.”
He further explained, “Meeting our industry’s ambitious environmental goals requires stronger partnerships in research and technology. Plus robust government and energy sector support to dramatically increase SAF and PtL production capacity.”
Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, explained the achievement’s broader implications. “Successfully testing the D328 UpLift brings us significantly closer to ensuring the D328eco can use 100% SAF from its entry into service.”
“The D328eco’s advanced capabilities, combined with its state-of-the-art PW127XT-S engines, will set new standards in regional aviation efficiency. These comprehensive tests using aromatic-free synthetic fuel will contribute substantially to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.”
PW127XT Engine Operation
Maria Della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Canada, commented on their enduring collaboration. “Developing the advanced PW127XT-S engine for the new D328eco demonstrates our shared commitment to revolutionizing aviation efficiency and sustainability. Our 40-year partnership continues to drive meaningful innovation in the industry.”
She emphasized that their PW127XT engine series delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and superior operating costs, while supporting future 100% SAF compatibility.
The PW127XT builds on the remarkable success of their PW100 series, which has accumulated over 220 million flight hours powering regional aircraft worldwide.
Launched in 2021, the PW127XT engines offer impressive improvements across all performance metrics: 3% better fuel efficiency, 40% longer time between maintenance requirements, and 20% lower maintenance costs.
Currently, all Pratt & Whitney Canada engines are certified to use up to 50% SAF blended with conventional jet fuel. The company maintains an active role in supporting the development of industry standards for 100% SAF use in future aviation applications.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
