The ADVISAR project (ADdressing feasibility studies towards cleaner aVIation and environmental impacts research with SAf on unRegulated engines) continues the successful research on aircraft engine emissions at the ZHAW. The project focuses on the influence of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) on the emission of soot and combustion gases from aircrafts. Further, the investigation of the emission characteristics of "smaller" engines with a thrust of < 26.7 kN is a core topic of the project. These engines have not yet been taken into account in emissions certification and have only been examined in a few scientific studies.

In 2023, researchers at the ZHAW successfully carried out the first indicative measurements on a Cessna 560 XL Citation Excel. The influence of fuel composition is of particular interest here, as previous studies have shown that the use of sustainable fuel components - within the existing fuel specifications for kerosene - can significantly reduce soot emissions. However, differences in the emissions behavior of high-performance engines and engines with lower thrust have been observed. In order to investigate these aspects in more detail and to be prepared for the engines of the future, the ZHAW's SMARTEMIS mobile emissions system is also being modernized and enhanced with new components. The ADVISAR project will also provide important foundations for future fuel studies at the SR Technics engine test rig at Zurich Airport and for investigating the influence of aircraft emissions on lung cells.

The project consortium consisting of Empa, Paul Scherrer Institute, SR Technics, University of Fribourg, Pilatus Flugzeugwerke and ZHAW combines the necessary expertise to carry out this holistic research approach from the origin of the emission to its characterization and health effects.