Thread: Future Fuels for Jets
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Old 12-30-2008 | 06:50 AM
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Default the latest news on Biofuel from AIAA daily
Boeing 747 Flight Successfully Tests Biofuel.

The San Francisco Chronicle (12/30, D1, Raine) reports, "Air New Zealand conducted a two-hour test flight Monday in which one of [a Boeing 747-400's] four Rolls-Royce engines on a jetliner was powered by a biofuel blend" of standard fuel and kerosene derived from Jathropha oil. "Air New Zealand's chief pilot, Capt. David Morgan, said the flight went without incident," as he "took the airplane up to 35,000 feet, to test acceleration and to see if friction of the fuel slows down its flow to the engine. The engine was shut down twice in descent, then restarted. It was shut down and restarted again while taxiing on the tarmac." The flight was a joint program between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and Honeywell subsidiary, UOP.

The AP (12/30, Lilley) says that "while Air New Zealand couldn't say whether the [50-50] blend would be cheaper than standard jet fuel since jatropha is not yet produced on a commercial scale, the company expects the blend to be 'cost competitive.'" Air New Zealand Group Manager Ed Sims "cautioned that it will be at least 2013 before the company can ensure easy access to the large quantities of jatropha." AFP (12/30) notes that "further analysis of the Rolls-Royce engine and fuel systems will now be conducted as the airline works to have jatropha certified as an aviation fuel."

Bloomberg News (12/30, Evans) reports, "Today's test was technically more demanding and used improved refining technology since Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. conducted the first biofuel test in February, Billy Glover, Boeing Commercial's environmental strategy manager, told journalists in Auckland before the flight."

Air Transport Intelligence (12/30, Ionides) reports more on the types of tests conducted during the flight. "[ANZ] says there was a typical full-powered takeoff and as the aircraft was between 20,000ft and 25,000ft the No 1 engine fuel pump was switched off to check for fuel lubricity." At its cruising height, "engine pressure ratios and other performance parameters were checked. Deceleration and acceleration tests were then carried out, followed by 'windmill start' and starter-assisted relight tests." Also, a "missed approach was then simulated with a go-around carried out at 8,000ft to test engine performance at maximum thrust, followed by a normal landing including full reverse thrust on touchdown." New Zealand's BusinessDay (12/30, Lim) and New Zealand's' TVNZ (12/30) also cover the story.
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