Airbus Helicopters has decided to retain Turbomeca’s Arrano (Safran) as exclusive engine for its new twin-engine X4 helicopter, currently under development.

This decision marks a major achievement for Turbomeca and confirms the global competitiveness of its products and services, and more specifically the excellent technological and economic performance of the Arrano. In today’s market, this 1,100 to 1,300 shaft horse-power engine is unmatched in its category. Its major benefit is a 10 to 15% reduction in fuel consumption, compared with previous generation engines.

First bench testing of the Arrano took place in February 2014. Type-certification is in-line with the milestones of the X4 helicopter.

Turbomeca (Safran) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced 70,000 turbines based on its own designs 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 15 sites, 30 proximity 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.