Safran's 1000 SHP Class Arriel 2K Finds New Home in Upcoming Light Helo

Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines have joined hands on the next-gen AW09 single-engine helicopter.

The production aircraft will feature Safran's 1,000-shaft horsepower class Arriel 2K engine, the latest and greatest from Safran. The selection is hoped to provide Leonardo customers with a greater measure of future-proofing heading into their next aircraft purchase. The Arriel should provide better fuel economy and lower cost per flight hour, thanks to a range of digital services built around the design. The engine selection builds on a longstanding cooperation between Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines, which has previously included everything from light twins up to super medium class helicopters.

Gian Piero Cutillo, MD of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “Since the integration of Kopter into our organization and the introduction of the AW09 into our product range, we have firmly maintained our commitment to deliver to the market exactly what it expects from a single engine of the latest standards backed by an efficient and responsive global support network. The decision to select this propulsion system is totally consistent with this strategy and we look forward to working with our partner to bring the most modern single engine on the commercial market.” 

Franck Saudo, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, commented: “We are proud that Leonardo has placed its trust once again in Safran Helicopter Engines to power its latest light helicopter. We will bring to the AW09 our strong expertise in single-engine helicopter applications together with the specific features of the engine. The Arriel 2K engine is the latest version of the well-known Arriel engine family and will clearly bring a high level of capability, reliability and ease of operations to the AW09.”

FMI: www.leonardo.com