Will Power Eurocopter AS355 NP

The Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 engine, with a take-off power of 463 shp, has been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The Arrius 1A1 will power the Eurocopter AS355 NP helicopter. The first production engines at the certification standard are scheduled for delivery in early in 2007. 30 engines should be delivered this year.

Two Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 engines will power the AS355 NP helicopter. On this new version, a new HP turbine has been integrated in order to increase emergency power for improved OEI (One Engine Inoperative) performance: the FADEC-controlled 1A1 has a higher thermodynamic OEI rating which means the helicopter can retain Category A performance hotter, higher or heavier.

For this new variant Turbomeca proposes a higher TBO (Time Between Overhaul) for the mature engine, with direct effect on operating and maintenance costs, thereby making the aircraft highly cost-effective.

The Arrius 1A1 prototype engine was conceived by CGTM, a subsidiary of Turbomeca. CGTM participated in the development, test and installation of the engine on the AS355 NP helicopter.

More than 2,000 Arrius engines have been delivered, totaling more than two million flying hours for 430 customers in 60 countries.

Turbomeca (SAFRAN Group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 50 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. With 2,200 customers in over 150 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 14 sites, 2 subsidiaries, 25 TurboSupport Centers, 26 repair centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians.

FMI: www.turbomeca.com