Gulfstream Tests Sustainable Fuel’s Impact on High-Altitude Emissions

Gulfstream Aerospace conducted a test flight with a Gulfstream G800 aircraft to measure the impact of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on particle emissions at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters). The company partnered with the FAA, NASA, DLR, Rolls-Royce, and several universities to perform the complex flight.

A Gulfstream G700, equipped with emission measurement instruments, flew in close formation with the G800 to capture near-field emissions, while additional measurements were taken kilometers behind to observe contrail development. Researchers compared conventional Jet-A kerosene, low-sulfur Jet-A, and HEFA-produced SAF, which contained no sulfur or aromatics, during the flight.

Preliminary analysis suggests using 100% SAF reduces particle-induced contrail formation. The collected data will be used to refine atmospheric models and develop future fuel standards. Gulfstream has logged over 3 million nautical miles flown with various SAF blends and aims to reduce aviation's environmental impact through these tests.