Boeing has posted some unique footage of its Boeing 737 MAX and a NASA DC-8 flying in formation testing the atmospheric impact of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The tests have been conducted over the past 10 days from Seattle.

Boeing's second ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 737-10 destined for United Airlines, has been flying with 100% SAF and conventional jet fuel in separate tanks and alternate fuels during testing. NASA's DC-8 Airborne Science Lab has flown behind the 737 and has measured emissions produced by each type of fuel and contrail ice particles. NASA satellites have captured images of contrail formation as part of the testing.

The researchers aim to understand how advanced fuels, engine combustor designs and other technologies may reduce atmospheric warming. For example, tests will assess how SAF affects the characteristics of contrails, the persistent condensation trails produced when airplanes fly through cold, humid air. While their full impact is not yet understood, some research has suggested certain contrails can trap heat in the atmosphere.

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