Airbus tested the A400M Atlas military transport aircraft powered by green fuel for the first time

Airbus conducted the first flight test of the A400M Atlas aircraft fueled with environmentally friendly aviation fuel. The tests took place in Seville, Spain.

Here's What We Know

The tests were aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the aircraft's fuel system when using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). According to Airbus, it will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by 85%.

The A400M program specialists supervised the tests together with representatives of Airbus Defense and Space Military Air Systems division. The test flight lasted 60 minutes. During this time the A400M Atlas flew from Seville to Huelva and back.

The aircraft was filled with an environmentally friendly organic fuel without sulfur and aromatics, made from residues of oils, fats and vegetables. Ana Belén Blanco, technical director of the A400M-SAF project, told this story.

The importance of creating an alternative to jet fuel was first discussed 15 years ago at a session of the International Civil Aviation Organization. By 2030, Norway, Sweden and Finland want to switch 30% to SAF. Australia and the United States plan to replace conventional fuel by 50% by 2050.

Flashback

The Airbus A400M Atlas is a four-engine aircraft that was adopted in 2010, a year after it first flew. It has a payload of 37 tons and can reach in-flight speeds of up to 802 km/h. Cruising speed is 781 km/h.

The aircraft entered service with the air forces of Great Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Malaysia, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Approximately €25 billion was invested into the development of Airbus A400M Atlas. The cost of a single aircraft is €145 million.

Source: Aibus