Turbomeca (Safran) is scheduled to obtain type-certification for its new Arrius 2R engine by the end of 2015. Selected to power Bell Helicopter’s Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, Arrius 2R is the only engine in the 500 shp range to feature a dual-channel FADEC. With seven million flight hours already logged by Arrius models, the 2R will also offer an unmatched level of maturity at entry-into-service.

Launched in 2013, the Arrius 2R is following a fast development schedule with milestones such as its first ground run, on April 2014 at the company’s Bordes factory (France), and a first flight on the Bell 505 at the OEM’s Mirabel facility in November. Four flightworthy test-engines have already been delivered to Bell Helicopter and the first production model will be handed in August 2015, as initially forecast.

Cyrille Poetsch, Executive Vice President Programs, said: “We are perfectly on track to meet Bell Helicopter’s expectations in terms of on-time deliveries, engine maturity and customer support. We are moving at a steady pace towards engine certification by end 2015. These objectives are among Turbomeca’s top priorities.”

The Arrius 2R is designed to deliver performance and power within the 500 shp range, while improving safety and lowering pilot workload via the FADEC. The twin-module configuration helps to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.
The engine will be produced out of Turbomeca USA’s facility in Dallas, Texas.

To date, more than 3,000 Arrius engines have been sold by Turbomeca, to 430 customers in 60 countries. This proven reliability is built into the 2R and reinforced by a 3,000 hour Time-Between-Overhaul offered at service entry. The new variant will also benefit from Turbomeca’s renowned service and support capabilities.

Over 300 letters of intent have already been signed for the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.
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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 16 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.

For more information: www.turbomeca.com and www.safran-group.com.