EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

Leonardo’s AW09 is a step closer to entry into service after EASA granted type certification for the Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2K that powers the light-single helicopter.

According to Safran, the 1,000-shp-class engine has dual-channel Fadec and an engine auxiliary control box that reduces pilot workload. A two-stage compressor comprising one axial and one centrifugal stage “delivers high compressor efficiency in a particularly compact package,” the French manufacturer said, while the “annular combustion chamber ensures clean and efficient fuel combustion.”

Safran has manufactured more than 15,500 Arriel engines for 40 different helicopter types, and these have amassed more than 66 million flight hours. Bench testing of the Arriel 2K started in 2022, and it first flew on the AW09 in March 2023. It has logged more than 4,100 test hours and 600 in flight.

“The certification of the Arriel 2K marks another defining step towards the entry into service of the AW09,” Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet commented. “All the teams at Safran Helicopter Engines are ready to support Leonardo and its customers in bringing this brand-new helicopter into service.”