Safran Helicopter Engines has received EASA type certification for its new Arrano 1A engine that is powering Airbus Helicopters’ new H160 medium twin. The Arrano is a new generation engine designed to power four to six-ton helicopters and produce between 1,100 and 1,300 shp. Engine features include new-generation digital controls and an efficient two-stage compressor with new variable inlet guide vanes (IGV).
The components Improve engine thermal efficiency and yield a fuel burn that is up to 15 percent lower than comparable in-service engines, Safran said. The gyratory combustion chamber uses fuel injectors made using additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing). The Arrano 1A was designed to be more easily serviced and maintenance time required is half of that of previous generation engines according to Safran. The company offers operators complimentary services with the engine including its electronic engine logbook (BOOST) and health monitoring.
Arrano program director Cyrille Ressejac-Duparc said the new engine “features low operational and support costs, easy maintenance, and a lower environmental footprint. After a test campaign of 10,000 hours, including 2,000 in flight, we are now ready to support H160 entry-into-service.” The Arrano first flew on the H160 in 2016.