Bern – The Swiss Air Force conducted two days of tests on the use of sustainable aviation fuel under the direction of the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). This is intended to reduce the amount of soot emissions and fossil CO2.
The Swiss Air Force, together with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation(FOCA), has tested the use of sustainable aviation fuel. According to a press release from the FOCA, the tests were carried out on 23. and 24. May at the military airfield Payerne VD.
Other partners involved in the investigations included the research institutes of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences(ZHAW) and the Paul Scherrer Institute(PSI). An Air Force Cessna 560 XL Citation Excel, used in its civilian version as a business jet, was used for the tests. The measurements focused on ultrafine soot emissions and volatile ultrafine particles, but also gaseous pollutants.
The fuel mixture used, which contains around 35 percent sustainable fuel, did not require any technical modifications to the aircraft or refueling system. It can be used directly and is thus an immediately effective measure for reducing emissions in aviation, the FOCA continues. The fuel mixture used contains less sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons and around 35 percent less fossil carbon (CO2). Organic waste such as used cooking oil and animal fats are used to produce the sustainable portion of the fuel blend.
During the tests, the FOCA, which is leading the project, provided the engine data and the exhaust probe for the measurement. The Air Force provided the aircraft. The army logistics base organized and financed the fuel. The ZHAW operates the Swiss measurement system for exhaust gas measurement on aircraft engines. And the Paul Scherrer Institute provides expertise and measuring instruments for further analysis of the pollutants and particles. ce/gba
