Safran Arriel 2H Engine Certified

Safran Helicopter Engines has received EASA engine type certification for its Arriel 2H engine, installed in the Avicopter AC312E. This Arriel variant was selected in 2015 to power the helicopter developed by Avic Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China. Developed from the Arriel 2+, the 2H has a takeoff power rating of 986 shp. The AC312E made its first flight in July 2016 and is slated for certification later this year.

The AC312E is a light-medium twin derived from the previous “A” model, itself a descendant of the Harbin Z-9, which was based on the Airbus Helicopters AS365 and manufactured in China under license since the early 1980s and in service since the early 1990s. A substantially upgraded model featuring Arriel 2C engines was introduced in 2002.

According to Avic, the 312E will feature improved high/hot performance and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics to support growth for synthetic vision, helicopter Taws, and electronic flight bag. Other options for the platform include the RTA-4112 MultiScan weather radar and the TTR-4100 TCAS traffic surveillance system. The 312E will be able to carry nine passengers, have a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots, a maximum takeoff weight of 9,921 pounds, and a service ceiling of 19,685 feet.

Avic has produced more than 200 Z-9s.