Safran Helicopter Engines has received EASA type certification for the Ardiden 1U engine, installed in India’s LUH (Light Utility Helicopter). LUH is a new three-ton, single-engine, multipurpose rotorcraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). The aircraft made its maiden flight in September 2016.
The 1,430-shp 1U is an increased power derivative of the 1,400-shp Ardiden 1H1, an engine that was co-developed by Safran and HAL and is in production with the designation "Shakti." It powers HAL’s Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter and more than 250 units are in service.
Since its first ground run in 2015, the Ardiden 1U has accumulated approximately 1,000 ground and flight test hours and has performed well, said Benoit Gadefait, Safran v-p of medium helicopter engine programs. “Recently, the [LUH] conducted ‘hot and high’ tests in the Himalayas, showing its abilities to operate in this demanding environment. It took off from remote areas at more than 5,500 meters elevation [18,044 feet] in hot conditions--up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), lifting more than the expected payload.”
The 1U also features what Safran calls “an innovative control system specifically designed for single-engine rotorcraft.” The engine also features dual-channel Fadec, automatic power check, and APU mode.
Safran Helicopter Engines (Booth 4924) has received EASA type certification for the Ardiden 1U engine, installed in India’s LUH (Light Utility Helicopter). LUH is a new three-ton, single-engine, multipurpose rotorcraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). The aircraft made its maiden flight in September 2016.
The 1,430-shp 1U is an increased power derivative of the 1,400-shp Ardiden 1H1, an engine that was co-developed by Safran and HAL and is in production with the designation "Shakti." It powers HAL’s Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter and more than 250 units are in service.
Since its first ground run in 2015, the Ardiden 1U has accumulated approximately 1,000 ground and flight test hours and has performed well, said Benoit Gadefait, Safran v-p of medium helicopter engine programs. “Recently, the [LUH] conducted ‘hot and high’ tests in the Himalayas, showing its abilities to operate in this demanding environment. It took off from remote areas at more than 5,500 meters elevation [18,044 feet] in hot conditions--up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), lifting more than the expected payload.”
The 1U also features what Safran calls “an innovative control system specifically designed for single-engine rotorcraft.” The engine also features dual-channel Fadec, automatic power check, and APU mode.