Turbomeca’s Arrius 2F engines will power the first Russian light turbine helicopter, Sapsan built by Russian Helicopters.

The Sapsan or M-34S2 can be employed for a range of uses including corporate, private, training, medevac and surveillance operations such as in eco-control and oil operations and with police forces.

The new memorandum of understanding signed by the two firms will regulate engine deliveries for the Sapsan helicopter over the next five years.

Russian Helicopters CEO Andrei Shibitov said that they now have a product with a very popular and reliable French turboshaft engine, boasting good specifications and economy.

“This gives our helicopter a new status, a new life,” Shibitov said.

Sapsan will enter production in 2011 as a part of the ‘resumption of Mi-34 type helicopter serial production’ initiative by the company.