The Arriel 2K engine that powers Leonardo’s AW09 helicopter has received EASA type certification, an important milestone towards entry into service of the single-engine helicopter.

The Arriel 2K underwent its first bench tests in 2022 and made its maiden flight on the AW09 in March 2023. Since then it has accumulated more than 4,100 hours of testing, including over 600 hours in flight. Ground tests were carried out at the Safran Helicopter Engines site in Bordes, as well as at the DGA testing centre in Saclay, near Paris, which included icing and endurance tests.

“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,” says CEO Cedric Goubet.

The Arriel 2K is a new variant of the Arriel 2 family of engines, in the 1,000shp power class. It features an engine interface optimised for the AW09 and has been designed around a proven and robust gas generator comprising a two-stage compressor (one axial stage and one centrifugal stage) that delivers high compressor efficiency in a particularly compact package. The annular combustion chamber ensures clean and efficient fuel combustion. The Arriel 2K is also equipped with a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an EACB (Engine Auxiliary Control Box), which reduce pilot workload.

AW09 operators will benefit from Safran Helicopter Engines global support network and its complete service offer, which maximise engine availability and reduce operating costs.