Ninety Engines For The Chinese Corporation

Engine manufacturer Turbomeca said Thursday it has signed a contract for 90 Arriel 2C engines with CATIC (China Aviation Technology Import-Export Corporation) and AVIC International (AVIC International Holding Corporation) for their respective export markets. The first engines will be delivered this year.

"This new contract reinforces the collaboration between Turbomeca and China, which began over 30 years ago. I am confident that this collaboration will see a bright future, bringing to Chinese helicopter industry reliable power." said Pierre Fabre, chairman & CEO of Turbomeca.

Arriel 2C is the latest version of the Arriel turboshaft engine family. The Arriel 2 features a very simple design, with a reduced number of parts and only five modules for easy maintenance. The Arriel 2 has a TBO (Time Between Overhaul) of 3,500 hours. Turbomeca, the engine manufacturer, is continuing and creating even closer links between Chinese and French industries. Local presence and proximity support are reinforced with Turbomeca (Beijing) Helicopter Engines, increasing the Turbomeca assistance to the operators locally.

In addition, Turbomeca performed industrial worksharing with Beijing Turbomeca Changkong, the first joint company between Turbomeca and an AVIC company, to assemble and tests the hydro-mechanical modules (HCU, FCU) of turbine engines.

Turbomeca has established ties with Chinese airframers HAIG (Harbin Aircraft Industries Group) & CAIG (Changhe Aircraft Industry Group), as well as with AVIC's helicopter engine manufacturing entities Dongan and SAIC through various collaboration programs in the 2.5 to 7 ton helicopter market. It claims that half the helicopters in China are powered by their engines or are equipped with other licensed products.

FMI: www.turbomeca.com