Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines declared today that they have collaborated to advance the capabilities and competitiveness of the innovative AW09 single-engine helicopter. The production aircraft will incorporate the 1,000 shp class Arriel 2K engine, representing the latest evolution in the Arriel family.
The choice of this latest engine ensures the utmost efficiency in industrialization, worldwide supply chain, and support for clients. The united support network from Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines will deliver pioneering, streamlined, and cost-effective maintenance solutions alongside operational expenditure, backed by customized PBH (Power-By-The-Hour) and SBH® (Support-By-the-Hour) agreements, in addition to a comprehensive suite of digital services.
Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines enjoy a long-standing, continuously expanding collaboration spanning propulsion systems for light twin helicopters to those in the super medium category. These two companies now also share a strong commitment and interest in the single-engine commercial sector and its future advancements.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, remarked: “Since incorporating Kopter into our structure and launching the AW09 into our portfolio, we have consistently demonstrated our resolve to provide the market with exactly what is anticipated from a state-of-the-art single engine, supported by an efficient, adaptive global support network. The decision to adopt this propulsion system aligns perfectly with our strategy, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with our partner to introduce the most advanced single-engine on the commercial market.”
Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, stated: “We are thrilled that Leonardo has once again placed its confidence in Safran Helicopter Engines to power its newest light helicopter. We will contribute our extensive expertise in single-engine helicopter applications along with the unique attributes of the engine to the AW09. The Arriel 2K engine is the most recent addition to the renowned Arriel engine lineup and will undeniably provide exceptional capability, dependability, and operational simplicity to the AW09.”
The new propulsion system is already fitted on the latest AW09 prototype, PS4 (Pre Series 4), which is set to commence flight test operations at Kopter’s facility in Mollis. PS4 integrates all advancements tested on P3, the previous prototype, enabling the final configuration for the AW09. PS5, the succeeding and ultimate prototype, is anticipated to follow later in 2023.
The AW09 program achieved significant progress in 2022 alongside the integration of the production propulsion system, which included flying the newly designed final main rotor blades and establishing the type certification foundation with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).
The AW09 will remain under development by Kopter in Switzerland, with support from joint Leonardo-Kopter teams. Kopter aims to evolve into a Centre of Competence for new light helicopters and an incubator for innovative vertical flight technologies. In this capacity, it will contribute to the advancement of new hybrid and electric propulsion systems and play a vital role within Leonardo’s Be Tomorrow 2030 strategic initiative, which seeks to lead the civil rotorcraft market and modern air mobility.
The single-engine AW09 provides enhanced modularity, contemporary electronic systems, advanced digitalization, and the most spacious cabin and cargo area in its class. Its superior specifications—including rapid cruise speeds and exceptional performance in hot-and-high conditions—are complemented by a minimal noise signature resulting from the newly designed dynamic assembly and encased tail rotor.
Safran Helicopter Engines is a leading player in the propulsion market for single-engine helicopters. The Arriel engine is one of Safran’s top-selling models, with over 15,000 units operational worldwide. Daily, the engine strengthens its reputation as a safe and reliable asset, particularly for operators engaged in rigorous EMS, search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime surveillance, and aerial tasks.
