The Arriel 2K, the engine powering the Leonardo AW09 helicopter, has received its EASA certification

The Arriel 2K engine that powers Leonardo’s AW09 helicopter, has received its type certificate from EASA. This marks an important milestone towards the entry into service of the AW09, Leonardo’s new single-engine helicopter. Arriel 2K underwent its first bench tests in 2022 and made its maiden flight on the AW09 in March 2023. Since then, it has accumulated more than 4100 hours of testing, including over 600 hours in flight. Ground tests were carried out at the Safran Helicopter Engines site in Bordes, as well as at the DGA testing center in Saclay, near Paris which included icing and endurance tests.

Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO commented: “The certification of the Arriel 2K marks another defining step towards the entry into service of the AW09. All the teams at Safran Helicopter Engines are ready to support Leonardo and its customers in bringing this brand-new helicopter into service.”

Arriel 2K is a new variant of the Arriel 2 family of engines, in the 1,000 shp power class. It features an engine interface optimized for the AW09 and has been designed around a proven and robust gas generator comprising a two-stage compressor (one axial stage and one centrifugal stage) that delivers high compressor efficiency in a particularly compact package. The annular combustion chamber ensures clean and efficient fuel combustion. The Arriel 2K is also equipped with a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an EACB (Engine Auxiliary Control Box), which reduces the pilot's workload.

AW09 operators will benefit from Safran Helicopter Engines global support network and its complete service offer, including advanced digital services such as health monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. These services maximize engine availability and reduce operating costs.

Arriel is Safran's best-selling family of helicopter engines, with more than 15,500 units produced for over 40 different helicopter types. With more than 66 million flight hours, the Arriel engine has earned a high level of trust among helicopter operators and has become the benchmark for light helicopter engines. In terms of reliability, durability and operability, the Arriel has established itself as the benchmark in our industry.