S-92 helicopter completes 1st flight using biofuel

Best-in-class safety and reliability, the S-92 helicopter can operate on approved sustainable aviation fuel. (Photo: CHC Helikopter Service of Norway)

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has approved the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the S-92 helicopter, and the aircraft completed its first flight, Lockheed Martin announced Sept. 22. CHC Helikopter Service of Norway was the first to fly the S-92 helicopter using synthetic paraffinic kerosene (HEFA-SPK), made from waste and residual feedstock such as used cooking oil.

“The aircraft is known for its unmatched advantages, and the use of biofuel is one more attribute on that list,” said Jason Lambert, Sikorsky’s vice president of global commercial and military systems.

GE Aviation manufactures the CT7-8A engines that power the S-92 helicopter and supports Sikorsky’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions through the use of SAF. GE is heavily involved in the qualifying and testing of approved SAF blends.

Harry Nahatis, vice president and general manager of GE turboshaft engine programs, said, “All GE engines are capable of using approved SAF blends without any modifications, and we firmly believe flights like this demonstrate how SAF can contribute to more sustainable flight across the aviation industry.”

Norwegian offshore helicopters will be the first to fly commercial flights on biofuel on the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. The use of biofuel across the S-92 global fleet is an additional benefit to the offshore oil and gas mission.