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Ampaire completed its first ground test using 100 percent SAF, achieving a major milestone in sustainable aviation.
The successful test was conducted using pure 100 percent ASTM D7566 SAF produced by Dimensional Energy from electricity and carbon dioxide. The milestone has reimagined 100 percent electric flight by pairing Dimensional Energy e-fuels and Ampaire's hybrid electric propulsion systems. Ampaire's innovation doubled the efficiency of SAF usage. The recent technological advancement has made more effective use of the quickly growing technologies advancing the future of sustainable flight. Both companies received an investment from Elemental Excelerator and the subsequent collaboration has resulted in an over two-fold increase in the efficiency of SAF.
Ampaire conducted extensive ground testing using its Eco Caravan hybrid electric aircraft to verify the performance and viability of Dimensional Energy's pure e-fuel SAF. The results have demonstrated a significant increase in efficiency compared to traditional fuels, far exceeding expectations. Ampaire's AMP-H570 AMP Drive hybrid electric propulsion units can produce a 5 to 70 percent reduction in fuel and emissions compared to the conventional Pratt andamp; Whitney PT6 turboprop engines ordinarily found in Cessna Caravan turboprops. By combining hybrid electric propulsion with SAF fuel, efficiency doubles and the emissions are driven close to zero.
"The successful ground test using pure SAF from Dimensional Energy marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards sustainable aviation," Ampaire CEO Kevin Noertker said. "By showcasing the transformative efficiency gains achievable through hybrid electric propulsion, we are driving the future of eco-friendly air travel. For those already recognizing the potential of SAF, its integration into our hybrid electric aircraft enhances its appeal even further."
SAF is produced from renewable resources, like waste or oils. Sustainable fuels have become crucial in reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Dimensional Energy has two ongoing projects to produce inventory for the global supply of e-fuels. Scaling hybrid electric technology like Ampaire's propulsion systems and SAF introduces the opportunity to delve into quality and cost concerns associated with SAF and allow for the eventual broader use in the industry.
"Technology providers have to collaborate beyond innovation and into execution," Dimensional Energy CEO Jason Salfi said. "By combining Dimensional Energy e-fuels with Ampaire's aircraft technology that can reduce the amount of fuels combusted during flight, we quicken the pace up the steep curve of the energy transition and reduce the need for extraction faster. We are thrilled to collaborate with Ampaire on this groundbreaking initiative. Our partnership underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable aviation fuel solutions that offer tangible benefits to the aviation industry and contribute to a greener future."
Elemental Excelerator is a nonprofit investor focusing on scaling climate technologies with a deeper community impact. The investor has provided project development capital and many years of hands-on support to scale both Ampaire and Dimensional Energy's technologies.
"Today's announcement by two Elemental portfolio companies, both leaders in their fields, is exactly the kind of collaboration we imagined when investing in Ampaire and Dimensional Energy," Elemental Excelerator Dawn Lippert said. "Their innovations reduce pollution and noise in neighborhoods around airports, and make possible a cleaner way to fly."
Ampaire and Dimensional Energy, along with investor Elemental Excelerator, all remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology and fast-tracking the transition to a greener future. With this strategic partnership, research and innovation, the three eco-focused companies will continue to lead in decarbonizing aviation.RELATED STORIES:Ampaire completes 12-hour endurance flight in hybrid-electric demonstratorAmpaire makes first-ever hybrid-electric flight into Silicon ValleyAmpaire flies hybrid-electric Cessna to Alaska in milestone flight
Ampaire successfully flies Eco Caravan, taking a step toward sustainable aviationThis is the latest in a series of milestones Ampaire has achieved over the last year. On Dec. 10 Ampaire completed a 12-hour endurance flight in its hybrid Electric EEL demonstrator aircraft. The demonstrator set a new record for hybrid electric aircraft endurance with over two hours of fuel and battery remaining after the 12-hour flight. In November CEO Noertker flew to meet investors in Silicon Valley using the company's flagship aircraft on the first-ever hybrid electric flight into the Palo Alto Airport (PAO). On Aug. 13, following a 3,400-mile series of flights from Southern California, Ampaire successfully landed its hybrid electric aircraft at the Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). The Eco Caravan flew for the first time on Nov. 18, 2022 and is one of the many aircraft Ampaire is developing to be sustainable and use its advanced hybrid electric propulsion system.