German air rescue service DRF Luftrettung has taken delivery of the first of 20 EC145 T2s from Airbus Helicopters in Donauwoerth. This new version of the EC145, certified in April 2014, is powered by the latest member of the Turbomeca Arriel engine family, the Arriel 2E.
Certified in January 2013 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Arriel 2E is an 894 shp turboshaft that delivers over 20 per cent more power than the Arriel 1E2 fitted to the original EC145. The 2E benefits from a new axial compressor and new turbine blades, which improve performance and lower the fuel consumption of a proven design.
A new-generation dual-channel FADEC reduces pilot workload and features a 30-minute emergency power rating. A new Engine Data Recorder further shifts the emphasis from traditional to preventive maintenance. Such innovations, with enhanced troubleshooting and monitoring tools, also drastically reduce unscheduled removals and significantly improve availability.
The increased power output of the 2E, coupled with its new-design components, ensures that the Arriel remains the most reliable engine in its class. Since 1977, Turbomeca has produced over 11,000 Arriel engines in 28 variants. These have recorded 40 million flying hours while in service with 1,300 customers in 110 countries.
A modular design, combined with a higher TBO (Time Between Overhaul) of 4,000 hours at entry into service, then up to 6,000 hours at maturity, simplifies maintenance and reduces direct maintenance costs by some ten per cent.
Hamburg-based Turbomeca Germany GmbH will provide support and maintenance to DRF Luftrettung engines. Founded in 1991, Turbomeca Germany employs 46 persons and provides 24/7 support for 250 customers in 29 countries (located in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Russia).
