Bell announced at European Rotors 2025 last week that its Bell 505 test aircraft had logged over 700 hours running on a blend of jet fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The US manufacturer has been testing the aircraft in conjunction with Safran Helicopter Engines since 2022, with the aim to explore technical performance and economic impacts of SAF using the Bell 505 and the Safran Arrius 2R turbine engine.
Most of the testing has been done at Bell's training academy, yielding what the company has described as "positive results" on engine operation and helicopter performance.
“Bell is proud to celebrate this next step in industry carbon reduction objectives,” said Robin Wendling, Bell's Managing Director of Europe. “Working alongside Safran Helicopter Engines has given us the cutting-edge advantage of exploring opportunities in greener aviation practices.”
In 2023, the Bell 505 became the first single-engined helicopter to fly on 100% SAF, which Safran says is the ultimate aim of the test program.
“We are particularly pleased with these SAF flights in partnership with Bell," said Jean-François Sauer, Safran Helicopter Engines, EVP Programs. "SAF is key towards more sustainable helicopter use. The Arrius 2R, like all our engines, are currently able to operate with up to 50% drop-in SAF.
"Very soon, our engines will be capable of 100% drop-in SAF, paving the way for wider use of this type of fuel for increased sustainability of helicopter operations.”
Bell said the company was commitment to SAF usage and introducing sustainability practices in its flight operations.