Safran Helicopter Engines has received FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) type certification for its Arrano 1A engine, installed in the Airbus H160 helicopter. Arrano is a new-generation turboshaft in the 1,100 to 1,300 shp power range. It integrates the best in aero-engine technologies and offers a 15 % reduction in fuel consumption over other in-service helicopter engines. Arrano received EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) type certification in June 2019.
Arrano Program Director Cyrille Ressejac-Duparc said, “Arrano is now certified in both Europe and United States, and is more than ever ready for Airbus H160 entry-into-service. This engine lies at the vanguard of Safran Helicopter Engines’ new range. As well as the H160’s iminent arrival in service, Safran Helicopter Engines is strongly committed to supporting Airbus and French Armed Forces in developing the “Guépard” military variant”.
Arrano innovative design features a new-generation digital control system that offers greater in-flight responsiveness, enhancing both safety and pilot handling. It combines a highly efficient two-stage centrifugal compressor, with new-design variable inlet guide vanes (IGV). Through improving the engine’s thermal efficiency, these components contribute to reducing fuel consumption by 15% over other in-service engines. The gyratory combustion chamber features fuel injectors made using additive manufacturing (3D-printing) techniques. These enhance engine start performance in all weathers and altitudes, and contribute to reducing emissions. In common with all Safran engines, the Arrano is certified to operate on up to 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel, including biofuel.
