Leonardo and Pratt & Whitney Canada today announced the successful completion of the first flight of an AW139 helicopter, equipped with PT6C-67C engines, using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
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Conducted at Leonardo’s facilities in Cascina Costa di Samarate (Italy) on November 21, the 75-minute flight and ground tests evaluated the engine performance with multiple power variations and other systems.
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The test demonstrated an excellent response to the new fuel, with no significant differences compared to using Jet A1 fuel.
This achievement marks a historic innovation for both Leonardo helicopters and the PT6 engine family of Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Earlier this year, AW139 helicopters in service performed flights with SAF, mixed with traditional aviation fuel under current certification standards, in Japan, Malaysia, and most recently, in the United Arab Emirates. All major civil-certified types within the Leonardo helicopter line are certified for operations using SAF with a combined ratio of up to 50%.
The AW139’s 100% SAF demonstration flight is further proof of the aircraft’s excellent design and performance and its systems, being rated as the most successful helicopter in its class with a growing and unparalleled impact. With over 1,100 AW139s in service worldwide and nearly 4 million flight hours recorded to date, this result demonstrates another tangible benefit of the aircraft’s possibilities for the many operators performing missions in all weather and environmental conditions, as they pursue more ambitious sustainability goals.
Photos and video: Courtesy of Leonardo
