Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arrano 1A has received FAA type certification for installation in the Airbus H160 medium twin helicopter, clearing the way for that helicopter’s entry into service shortly. The engine received EASA approval in June 2019.
The 1,100- to 1,300-shp Arrano features reduced maintenance, new digital controls, a two-stage centrifugal compressor, and variable inlet guide vanes that combine to reduce fuel consumption by more than 15 percent and reduce emissions compared to comparable engines, according to the manufacturer. The gyratory combustion chamber features 3D-printed fuel injectors that improve engine start performance. The Arrano is certified to operate on up to a 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel blend.
Cyrille Ressejac-Duparc, Arrano program director, said the new engine “is more than ready" for the Airbus H160’s service entry. This engine lies at the vanguard of Safran Helicopter Engines’ new range. In addition to the H160’s imminent service entry, Safran Helicopter Engines is strongly committed to supporting Airbus and French Armed Forces in developing the “Guépard” military variant of the H160. Various French government agencies could take delivery of as many as 190 H160s beginning in 2024.