The HF120 turbofan engine successfully completes the second test using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Honda’s R&D (Saitama, Japan), the research and development center for Honda’s aero engine.

For this engine test, the SAF called “ATJ-SPK^*1”, which is converted from alcohol sourced from feedstock such as grains, was used. Previously, in October 2022, GE Honda Aero Engines led SAF test using HEFA-SPK^*2 was successfully conducted on the HF120 at GE’s Peebles, Ohio test facility with favorable results. This latest test was conducted to study the primarily effects on engine performance from the ratio of SAF (100% SAF, conventional jet fuel, and mixture of both fuels). Effects of Lean Blow-Out characteristic on the engine was especially evaluated and gained further insight. This insight will be used for R&D of aero engines in general and to support activities related to the international standardization of SAF by the OEM SAF Review Panel.

Prior to the engine test, engine test facility modifications were made to add a new fuel supply line dedicated for SAF. This enabled switching fuel between SAF and conventional jet fuel. With this expansion, engine test using the SAF had become more efficient, while maintaining the test function of the conventional fuel. After this 100% SAF engine test, SAF blends up to 50% (upper limit under current approved standard) has been used for the HF120 engine test at Honda R&D.

Honda is aiming carbon neutrality including the activities from the research and development. As for the aero engine, Honda strives to continue seeking various possibilities including SAF to realize carbon neutrality.

*1 ATJ-SPK: Alcohol to Jet Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene. Aviation fuel which is converted from alcohol sourced by the feedstock such as grains.
*2 HEFA-SPK: Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene. Aviation fuels synthesized from hydrotreated oil of animal and plant origin.

<Related link>
- October 18, 2022  : GE Honda completes 1st HF120 engine test using 100% SAF (Link)
- June 23, 2022       : Honda Joins Sustainable Aviation Fuel Review Panel (Link)
- March 1, 2023       : Honda’s activity on the “Carbon Neutrality” (Link)