LAH Engine Undertakes First Run; Ka-62 Engine Gets EASA Nod

Safran Helicopter Engines has performed the first ground run of its Arriel 2L2 engine at the company’s Bordes facility. The engine was selected last year to power the Korea Aerospace Industries LAH (light armed helicopter), which is based on the Airbus Helicopters H155.

Korea’s Hanwha Techwin is to build the Arriel 2L2 under license at its Changwon plant, and will also provide maintenance, repair and overhaul support for the engine. The company played a part in the 2L2's development, which has resulted in the most powerful member of the Arriel family to date.

Derived from the Arriel 2N, the 2L2 has new axial compressor, high-pressure compressor diffuser and high-pressure turbine material, and features a new-generation dual-channel Fadec. The engine is rated at 1,024 shp for take-off, and offers improved reliability as well as more power.

Certification is expected in late 2020, leading to the LAH’s planned entry into service in 2022. The 944-shp Arriel 2C2 that is currently used in the H155 helicopter will also power the LCH (light civil helicopter) that is being developed alongside the LAH.

Safran also supplies the engine for the Russian Helicopters Ka-62, which made its first flight on May 25. The Ka-62’s Ardiden 3G powerplant has just received EASA certification after a maturation campaign that included over 8,500 hours of test running. The related Ardiden 3C powers the Chinese Avicopter AC352 that made its first flight late last year.