Continental, a subsidiary of Continental Aerospace Technologies Holding Limited, is finalizing testing of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a sustainable fuel option in its CD-100 series of engines. This research and development investment signifies Continental’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable general aviation industry aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.

Continental CD-100 Jet-A Engine Series: aircraft engine facing right.

HVO is a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel alternative. This biofuel is produced from vegetable oils, using hydrogen as a catalyst instead of methanol. In addition to vegetable oils, this premium quality fuel product can be produced from tallow and used cooking oil. By approving HVO for use in CD-100 engines, Continental enables aircraft owners and operators to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising their engine’s performance.

Hydrotreated vegetable oil is one of many sustainable alternative fuels. While the industry continues to work through a wide variety of diverse, sustainable options on their path to reach decarbonization, Continental is proud to take this incremental testing step to potentially bring a cleaner fuel to our CD-100 Jet-A owners.

Our extensive analysis has thus far demonstrated results that confirm our 4-cylinder Jet-A engines exhibit seamless performance equal to traditional Jet-A fuel.

—Dr David Dörner, Vice President of Global Research and Development for Continental

Continental’s action to evaluate HVO in the CD-100 series engines demonstrates the company’s approach to reducing the use of fossil fuels in the industry. Continental remains dedicated to further research and development in eco-friendly technologies.

Continental has produced and shipped more than 7,500 of its General Aviation Jet-A piston engines. These Jet-A fueled engines operate on universally-available aviation fuel kerosene (Jet Fuel, Jet-A and other certified aviation Jet fuels). The CD-155 and CD-170 run on both jet fuel and diesel (DIN EN590).