Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arriel 2K engine, selected to power Leonardo’s AW09 single-engine helicopter, has received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), marking a key step towards the helicopter’s entry into service. The certification follows an extensive testing programme covering both ground and flight operations. The Arriel 2K completed its first bench tests in 2022 and made its first flight on the AW09 in March 2023. Since then, the engine has accumulated more than 4,100 hours of testing, including more than 600 hours of flight testing.
Ground testing was conducted at Safran Helicopter Engines’ facility in Bordes, France, as well as at the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) testing centre in Saclay near Paris. The programme included icing and endurance tests designed to assess the engine under demanding operating conditions.
Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, said the certification brings the AW09 closer to entering commercial service. “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,” he said.
The Arriel 2K is a new member of Safran’s Arriel 2 engine family and delivers power in the 1,000-shp class. It features an engine interface developed specifically for the AW09 and is based on a proven gas generator architecture. The engine uses a two-stage compressor comprising one axial stage and one centrifugal stage. This configuration is designed to provide high compressor efficiency within a compact package. An annular combustion chamber supports efficient fuel combustion, while a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system manages engine operation.
The Arriel 2K also incorporates an Engine Auxiliary Control Box (EACB), designed to reduce pilot workload and simplify engine management. Following entry into service, AW09 operators will have access to Safran Helicopter Engines’ worldwide support network and service portfolio. This includes digital tools for engine health monitoring and predictive maintenance, aimed at improving engine availability and helping operators manage maintenance costs.
The Arriel family is Safran Helicopter Engines’ best-selling helicopter engine range, with more than 15,500 engines produced for over 40 helicopter types. The family has accumulated more than 66 million flight hours, establishing a strong track record in reliability, durability and operational performance. The EASA certification of the Arriel 2K represents an important milestone for both Safran and Leonardo as the AW09 moves closer to commercial introduction and expands the next generation of light helicopter capabilities.
