Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

NH90 helicopter achieves sustainable fuel milestone

14th February 2023 - 14:30 GMT | by Shephard News Team in London

RSS

The test flight of the NH90 with SAF was preceded by bench testing of the engine. (Photo: DGA)

The sustainable aviation fuel used in the test flight of an NH90 required no modification to the helicopter or its RTM322 engines.

France’s DGA defence procurement agency has carried out the first test flight of an NHI NH90 helicopter with one of its two Safran RTM322 engines running on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

This flight took place on 3 February 2023 at the DGA Essais en vol test centre in Istres, marking a first for a military helicopter with such a high content of SAF, and without any engine modification. The fuel supplied by TotalEnergies meets aviation industry objectives of accelerating decarbonisation without making modifications to aircraft, engine or logistics infrastructure (drop-in fuel).

This was preceded by bench testing at Safran Helicopter Engines' Bordes facility, validating use of this fuel on the RTM322, in December 2022.

DGA missile test unit puts surveillance on a tether

Safran signs engine support contract for New Zealand NH90 fleet

Indra to help develop third NH90 sim for Spain

Christian Caneilles, head of heavy helicopter engines programmes at Safran, said: 'This is an important step in our roadmap for the large-scale deployment of SAF, which will kick-start a decarbonisation process within the armed forces to gradually reduce the use of fossil fuels.'

RTM 322

NH90 TTH