EASA has issued a type certificate for the Turbomeca Arriel 2N turboshaft. Remy Bertrand Image/Turbomeca
Turbomeca (Safran) has gained EASA type certification for its Arriel 2N turboshaft, the latest member of the Arriel 2+ family. The new engine, which first ran in September 2011 at Bordes, offers lower operating costs, increased reliability and superior performance over its predecessors.
Airbus Helicopters has selected the Arriel 2N to power its new AS565 model, the AS565 MBe Panther. Like the two other family members, the 2D and 2E, the Arriel 2N features a combination of new and proven technologies. It has a new axial compressor, new high-pressure compressor diffuser, new high-pressure turbine material and new-generation dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
This combination delivers 17 percent more takeoff power (986 shp/735 kW compared to 840 shp/626 kW) than the current Arriel 2C. It has also been provided with a special 30-minute takeoff power rating for the most demanding missions.
A new engine data recorder, together with a turbine blade-creep monitor, further shifts the emphasis from traditional to preventive maintenance. The innovations also drastically reduce unscheduled removals, significantly improve airframe availability and contribute to a time between overhaul (TBO) of up to 3,500 hours (at entry into service), then up to 4,000 hours at maturity.
During the past 40 years, around 11,500 Arriel units have been produced, together logging more than 42 million flight hours. With power outputs ranging from 650 to 990 shp, the Arriel family now powers over 40 different helicopter types.
An Arriel-powered helicopter takes off every 15 seconds — all day, every day.
