Gulfstream G800's First Flight with 100% SAF Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 Engines
On July 8, 2026, Gulfstream G800 completed its inaugural flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), utilizing Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. This flight is pivotal for demonstrating the potential of SAF to significantly reduce contrail-forming emissions, influencing future aviation fuel standards and environmental strategies.
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The Gulfstream G800 conducted its first flight on July 8, 2026, using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. This flight was part of a high-altitude test campaign led by Gulfstream Aerospace, in collaboration with the FAA, NASA, and several universities and research organizations.
The team focused on comparing conventional Jet-A fuel, low-sulfur Jet-A, and neat HEFA SAF to analyze their impact on non-CO2 emissions. Early findings indicate a notable reduction in particulate emissions linked to contrail formation when utilizing neat SAF.
All Rolls-Royce engines can operate on 100% SAF, a key step towards certification, with current regulations allowing only 50% SAF blends. These advancements are crucial for informing future fuel standards and reducing the environmental footprint of aviation.
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