First Flight Planned For July

Turbomeca says the first run of its latest engine was successfully achieved recently. This significant milestone opens the development and test phases, allowing the validation of the aeromechanical behavior and performance of this new generation engine.

Some testing of its components, carried out on a test rig before this first run, has demonstrated the appropriateness of the technological choices.

This stage will be followed by the first flight planned for July 2006 and completed by CASA certification in December 2006.

Ardiden has been designed in response to the most demanding missions at higher altitudes and in hot weather. Developed in cooperation with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) under an industrial partnership contract signed in February 2003, this engine combines simplicity, a high level of technology, robustness and modernity for a cost of ownership much lower than that proposed by competitors. The Ardiden 1H turbo-shaft engine (called Shakti in India) will first be used to power the twin-engine Dhruv helicopter developed by HAL.

This new turbo-shaft engine completes Turbomeca's range, the largest in the market.

FMI: www.turbomeca.fr