GE Aerospace and NASA Partner on Flight Tests to Study Contrails

NASA is partnering with GE Aerospace's Boeing 747 Test Bed aircraft in a series of test flights to better understand contrails development.

GE Aerospace and NASA are collaborating on groundbreaking flight tests to enhance our knowledge of contrails using innovative methods and equipment.

The research comes at a crucial time as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to address both carbon and non-carbon environmental impacts. When aircraft fly through cold, humid conditions, they can create contrail clouds composed of ice particles.

These lasting contrails are believed to contribute to global warming, with some studies suggesting their climate impact could be as significant as aircraft CO2 emissions. The upcoming tests will help researchers better understand contrail formation and develop technologies to reduce non-carbon emissions.

CODEX Flights from Virginia

Starting November 18, the Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) will take place in Virginia. A NASA Langley Research Center G-III aircraft will track GE Aerospace’s Flying Test Bed. The shadowing aircraft will use Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to create detailed 3D images of contrails.

This advanced imaging will reveal crucial information about contrail development and behavior patterns. This will enable scientists to better understand their formation and lifecycle in various atmospheric conditions.

The project marks an expansion of GE Aerospace’s 747 Flying Test Bed capabilities, preparing for future tests of new commercial engine technologies.

These include Open Fan and advanced combustion systems being developed through CFM International’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program.

Towards Better Contrail Management

“By partnering with NASA again, we’re leading the charge toward more sustainable aviation,” says Arjan Hegeman, GE Aerospace’s general manager of future flight technology.

“Using cutting-edge detection technology to study contrail behavior is crucial for innovation. These tests will provide valuable insights for developing next-generation aircraft engines that significantly improve efficiency and reduce emissions.”

The GE Aerospace-NASA partnership spans over 50 years of driving aviation innovation forward, with numerous breakthrough technologies emerging from their collaborative efforts.

Dr. Rich Wahls, NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership manager, adds further comment. “We’re advancing contrail science to make informed decisions about contrail management that balance climate impact and economic factors. Working with GE Aerospace on this pioneering flight experiment is extremely exciting.”

At the July Farnborough International Airshow, aviation industry leaders requested increased government research into non-CO2 effects. This included contrails, nitrogen oxides, sulfur, aerosols, and soot. This call for action highlights the growing recognition of aviation’s complex environmental footprint.

Weather Forecasting Collaboration

NASA is working with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and SATAVIA to predict optimal conditions for contrail research. DLR will forecast contrail formation zones and their development to guide aircraft effectively. The collected data will help validate and improve contrail prediction models.

SATAVIA, recently acquired by GE Aerospace’s Aerospace Carbon Solutions, will use the test results to enhance its contrail forecasting service. This service predicts the formation in ice super saturated regions (ISSR). This technology could eventually help airlines plan routes that minimize contrail formation.

Advancing Engine Technology

The CFM RISE program, launched in 2021, has completed over 250 tests, making it one of aviation’s most comprehensive technology initiatives.

The program develops innovative technologies like Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

RISE aims to improve fuel efficiency by over 20% while reducing CO2 emissions by 20% compared to current commercial engines. The program also focuses on meeting strict non-CO2 and noise emission standards.