arrano

France-based Turbomeca, a subsidiary of Safran, has announced the launch of its latest turboshaft engine, Arrano, which is designed to power 4t to 6t helicopters.

The new 1,100 shp engine was launched at the Heli Expo 2013 event, which ran from 5-7 March in Las Vegas, Nevada, US.

Incorporating the technological developments of Turbomeca’s R&T strategy, the Arrano, the commercial name for TM800, combines the results of a number of upstream research projects, including products and processes authorised by the Tech 800 demonstrator.

It also takes advantage of operational feedback from across the Turbomeca engine performance ranges, including Arriel and Ardiden.

Scheduled for its first test run in 2014, the Arrano will offer 10% to 15% lower fuel consumption, contributing to enhanced performance and reduced environmental footprint.

Through Turbomeca’s optimised maintenance concept, which is designed to decrease the need for on-site servicing, the engine will also reduce ownership cost.

"The Arrano will offer 10% to 15% lower fuel consumption."

In July 2012, Eurocopter selected the Arrano engine to power its new-generation, 5t to 6t X4 rotorcraft.

The development and certification plans for the Arrano are in line with the entry-into-service of initial configuration of X4.

Meanwhile, Turbomeca also unveiled the Arrius 2B2 Plus engine, which will be used on Eurocopter EC135T3 at the event.

Featuring technical improvements compared with Arrius 2B2, the Arrius 2B2 Plus offers 5% increased takeoff power, improves mission capabilities, while offering a higher safety level.

With more than 2,700 Arrius engines being delivered, accumulating over five million flight hours, Turbomeca provides after sales support of Arrius to 430 customers in 60 countries worldwide.

Image: Turbomeca’s new turboshaft engine, Arrano is scheduled for first test run in 2014. Photo: courtesy of groupe SAFRAN.

Defence Technology