Safran Helicopter Engines has obtained a validation of type certification (VTC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its Arriel 2H engine powering the Avicopter AC312E.

The VTC is based on the EASA type certificate obtained in 2018 and confirms that an imported engine conforms with Chinese airworthiness standards. This Arriel variant was selected in 2015 to power the helicopter, developed by AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, a subsidiary of Avic (Aviation Industry Corporation of China), and certified by EASA in April 2018. The AC312E made its maiden flight in July 2016.

Safran senior VP for light helicopter engines Nicolas Billecocq says: “This Chinese certification is an important milestone for the Arriel engine programme. It emphasises our ability to support new Chinese helicopters' entry into service.”

Developed from the Arriel 2+, the 2H is one of the most powerful Arriel variants with a take-off power rating of 986 shp. The Arriel 2H is designed to deliver reliability, power and performance during demanding missions.

Over the past 40 years, more than 12,000 Arriel units have been produced, logging more than 50 million flight hours. With power outputs ranging from 650 to over 1,000 shp, the Arriel family now powers 40 different helicopter types, and an Arriel-powered helicopter takes off every 15 seconds.