Turbomeca (Safran) and Russian Helicopters (a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec) today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the opening of a new Maintenance Centre.

In the frame of this agreement, Russian Helicopters will provide maintenance Level 1 and 2 activities on Turbomeca engines operated by the Russian helicopter operators. The engines covered are the Arrius 2G1 and the Ardiden 3G, respectively powering the Ka-226T and the Ka-62 helicopters.

This Maintenance Center is part of a global common support strategy aimed at providing a highest level of support to all operators flying with Turbomeca engines in accordance with the best practices and standards.

The new Arrius 2G1 engine with performance in the 700 to 800 shp class, has been tailored to perfectly fit the Ka-226T. This new variant is a derivative engine from the existing Arrius 2, which has proven its durability and reliability worldwide with more than 3000 engines already delivered. To address the requirement of public transport, the Arrius 2G1, among other specific devices, is equipped with a FADEC controlling the power delivery to the helicopter. The engine has been certified in 2011.

Designed for 6 to 8 tonnes helicopters to achieve multiple missions, Ardiden 3 engines offer, under all weather conditions, the most increased performances in the range of the 1,750 to 2,000 shp power engines. The modular design and dual channel FADEC, make the Ardiden 3 highly reliable, with the benefit of low operating costs and an exceptional low fuel consumption (more than 10% less than the others engines in the same range). A contract for over 300 engines has already been signed. Ardiden 3G certification is expected in 2014.

The Ka-226T light multi-purpose helicopter may be operated in urban conditions for high-rise construction works, patrolling, as well as for police operations. Coaxial main rotor system ensures Ka-226T great load capacity and flight height advantages. The Ka-226T is capable of reaching higher altitudes than most other helicopters in its class. Thanks to its maximum climb rate of 10 m/s, low environmental impact and small sound signature, the Ka-226T can operate in various climactic conditions and landscapes, including urban conditions and built-up areas.

Built using new technologies and materials, the new Ka-62 is a single-rotor design, with an enclosed tail rotor and an airframe and propeller blades consisting of over 50% polymeric composite materials. The helicopter will also feature a glass cockpit, a five-blade rotor, secondary hydraulics circuit and energy-efficient wheeled landing gear. The Ka-62 is designed for cargo transportation, medevac and search-and rescue operations, and can also be used in the oil and gas sector and for corporate purposes.

Turbomeca (Safran) is a leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced 70,000 turbines since the company was founded. Offering the widest range of engines in the world and dedicated to 2,500 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 17 sites, 28 Certified Maintenance Centers, 18 Repair & Overhaul Centers, and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units. For more information: www.turbomeca.com and www.safran-group.com.

Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of State CorporationRostec. It is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. Over 8000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in 110 countries worldwide. Traditionally the demand is highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2012 its IFRS revenues increased 21% to RUB 125,7billion. Deliveries reached 290 helicopters.

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. It is a part of Russian Technologies State Corporation. Its main tasks include: helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters, JSC) and engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company).

Rostekhnologii State Corporation (Rostec) is a Russian corporation established in 2007 in order to facilitate the development, manufacturing and export of high-technology industrial products of military and civil purposes. Today it comprises over 663 companies, which form 8 military-industrial and 5 civil industry holdings. Rostec’s subsidiaries are located in 60 regions of Russia and supply their products to over 70 countries worldwide. In 2012 revenues of the Corporation amounted to RUB 931 billion, net profits were RUB 38.5 billion and total taxation exceeded RUB 109 billion.