Bernard Barussaud appointed Executive VP Operations

16 May 2019, Bordes  

Safran Helicopter Engines has appointed Bernard Barussaud as Executive Vice-President Operations. Bernard succeeds François-Xavier Foubert who has been appointed to another position within the Group. 

Bernard Barussaud (52) joined the Snecma1 engineering department in 1992. From 1995 he fulfilled  various management roles within the manufacturing department -- manufacturing support, fan disk manufacturing -- before in 2002 being appointed Head of Management Control at the Corbeil plant. Later he served as Head of Services Cost Estimates Department at Snecma Services1. In 2011 he was appointed Director of the Snecma1 Manufacturing Excellence Center for compressor blades. 

Since 2016, Bernard has served as EVP Manufacturing at Safran Transmissions Systems. 

Bernard Barussaud is a graduate of Polytech Orléans (1990). 

Didier Nicoud appointed Safran Helicopter Engines Executive Vice-President, Engineering

16 July 2018, Bordes  

Safran Helicopter Engines has appointed Didier Nicoud as Executive Vice-President, Engineering. Didier succeeds Eric Massé who has been appointed to another position within the Group.  

Didier Nicoud joined Safran Aircraft Engines in 1987 as an aerodynamics engineer in charge of numerical methods development. In 1992, he fulfilled roles such as Head of the aerodynamics department for high pressure compressors and Head of the fan and booster design department. In 2005, he was appointed Chief Engineer in charge of large engines, the GE90 and GP7200, in cooperation with General Electric.  

In 2008, Didier joined Safran Helicopter Engines as Deputy VP Engineering with responsibility for systems engineering. He was principally in charge of engine development and certification, as well as technical support for in-service engines. Since 2013, he has served as VP Engineering of Safran Nacelles.  

Dider Nicoud (55) is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure de Mécanique et d'Aérotechnique (ISAE-ENSMA, 1986). 

Safran inaugurates new LEAP engine parts plant in Poland

July 4, 2018, Sędziszów Małopolski, Poland

The new Safran Aircraft Engines Poland plant was inaugurated today by Safran Chief Executive Officer Philippe Petitcolin, in a ceremony attended by Adam Hamryszczak, Polish Vice Minister for Investment and Development, Pierre Levy, French Ambassador in Poland and Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. This new facility will make low-pressure turbine blades for the LEAP turbofan engine from CFM International, the 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Safran invested some 48 million euros in this new 8,000 square meter (86,400 sq ft) plant, outfitted with machinery and equipment to keep pace with the very high production rate targets. The plant in located in Sędziszów Małopolski, southeast Poland, in the heart of Aviation Valley, the country's center of aeronautical expertise. It already has more than 200 employees, with almost 150 operators fully trained in precision mechanics. The new plant delivered its first parts in July 2017, and has set an objective of turning out 180,000 low-pressure turbine blades this year, rising to 350,000 in 2019 and 800,000 a year towards 2022.

Safran's investment in this new plant once again reflects its determination to develop top-flight industrial capabilities to support the unprecedented ramp-up of the LEAP engine. CFM International plans to deliver some 1,100 engines this year, then reach an annual rate of 2,000 starting in about 2020.

"I'm delighted to inaugurate our new facility in Poland, which will further cement the industrial bonds we have formed with the country over more than fifteen years," said Philippe Petitcolin, Chief Executive Officer of Safran. "The Polish aviation industry calls on a highly skilled labor force, underpinning its strong growth and making it a major player in Europe. Safran is contributing to this growth by taking an active role in various specialized training programs and by making substantial local investments, thus creating a number of jobs."

Safran set up its first plant in Poland in 2001, Safran Transmission Systems Poland. Over the years, Safran has invested more than 180 million euros in industrial facilities in the country and now has over 1,000 local employees, making it the third leading employer in Aviation Valley.

With more than 15,000 orders and commitments to date, the LEAP is the fastest-selling engine in the history of aviation. CFM International's new-generation turbofan has seen a very successful entry into service, as it passed the mark of one million flight-hours less than two years after starting commercial service. More than 350 airplanes powered by LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines are now deployed by over 50 operators from around the world.

Safran Helicopter Engines makes management appointments

18 May 2018, Bordes 

Safran  Helicopter  Engines  has  made  two  senior  management appointments:   

Florent  Chauvancy  (41)  has  been  appointed  Executive  Vice-President, OEM  Sales, succeeding  Maxime Faribault  who  is  retiring. 

Florent  joined  Safran  Landing  Systems  in  1998,  fulfilling  various  positions in  production,  supply  chain  and  purchasing  within  its  Landing  Gear  & Systems  Integration  division  in  Gloucester,  Bidos  and  Toronto.  In  2005, he  joined  the  Wheels  &  Brakes  division  and  took  responsibility  for  sales  of Regional,  Business  and Military  Aircraft  programs. 

In  2009,  Florent  joined  Safran  Helicopter  Engines  as  Vice-President  for the  Ardiden  1.  In  2011,  he  was  appointed  Executive  Director  and  board member  of  the  Rolls-Royce  Turbomeca  Limited  (RRTM)  joint  venture.  He played  a major role  in the  acquisition  of  the  Rolls-Royce shares  in  the  RTM322  program.  Following this  transfer,  in  October  2013,  Florent  was  appointed  Vice  President  for  Heavy  Helicopter  Engine Programs  at  Safran  Helicopter  Engines,  to  oversee  all  activities  related  to  the  RTM322  and  new Aneto  range. 

Florent  Chauvancy  is  a  graduate  of  the  French  National  Institute  of  Applied  Sciences  in  Lyon (Master’s  Degree  in  Mechanical  Engineering  -  1999)  and  the  Rotman  Business  School  in  Toronto (Executive  MBA).

Giuseppe  Curci  (46)  is  appointed  Executive  Vice-President,  Finance  and Administration. He  succeeds  Pierre-Jean  Flores  who  has  been  appointed to  another position  within the  Group. 

Giuseppe started  his  career  in 1997  as  a  financial  auditor with  Mazars.  In 2003  he  joined  Safran  Aircraft  Engines  to  manage  the  application  of  new international  financial  standards  (IAS/IFRS),  and  their  implications  for financial  communications.  In  2006,  he  joined  Safran  Electronics  & Defense  financial  direction,  to  manage  the  accounting  teams  and management  control  systems,  integrating  them  within  Group  financial processes.  He  was  also  involved  in  the  internal  reorganization  of  several divisions  within  the company. 

He  took  responsibility  for  Safran  Helicopter  Engines  financial  direction  in  2011,  as  Financial Controller. 

Giuseppe  Curci  is  a  graduate  of  the  UPEC  in  Paris  (Master’s  Degree  in  Financial  Engineering  – 1997)  and  the  Paris  Dauphine  University  (Master’s  Degree  Accounting  and Finance). 

Two H125s help rescue climber in Pakistan

Two H125Ms were used in the rescue of a distressed climber on Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat peak. Their transport of four members of a rescue team to within a day’s journey saved crucial time in getting Elisabeth Revol to safety.

On 26 January 2018, five members of Pakistan’s Army Aviation HA Squadron received orders from Headquarters Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) to evacuate climber Tomek Mackiewicz, who was trapped at an elevation of about 7,400 metres on Nanga Parbat, Pakistan (in the Himalayan mountain range) and Elisabeth Revol, at about 6,500 metres.

The mission involved picking up four members of a rescue team who were attempting a winter summit of another peak, K2, and dropping them at Nanga Parbat base camp to extricate Ms. Revol, who was suffering from high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) and frost bite.

On 27 January 2018, the two helicopter crews flew to K2 base camp in marginal weather conditions with clouds 500 feet above the glacier, strong winds of over 35 to 40 knots, low clouds and low visibility. They landed their two H125s at K2 base camp at an elevation of 5,560 metres above sea level.

Each helicopter picked up two members of the rescue crew with their survival equipment, and flew them first to Skardu before attempting the flight to Nanga Parbat base camp. With sunset approaching, the helicopter crews ascertained that Ms. Revol’s survival was only possible if the rescue team were dropped that same day, above the base camp, at Camp 1 of Nanga Parbat.

Faced with bad weather and never having carried out a landing at Camp 1 (at 4,900 metres), the helicopter crew’s experience and skill came to bear at Nanga Parbat, where winds at Camp 1 were over 35 knots. The two helicopters landed -- one skid touching the rocky surface – and the crews dropped off the four members of the rescue team. The helicopter crews’ actions saved the rescue team one day of trekking from Nanga Parbat base camp to Camp 1.

The next morning, the helicopter crews returned to pick up the rescue team with Ms. Revol. A delay in the rescuers’ descent from Camp 1 caused the helicopter crew to land at base camp at 4,300 metres and to switch off the helicopters’ engines at -18° C to save time and resources. (Helicopters are usually not switched off at this altitude and at such low temperatures). When the rescue team neared the base camp, the helicopter crews started up again and Ms. Revol, along with her four rescuers, was brought back to safety.

*Because of the extremely adverse weather conditions and his location on the mountain, rescuers were unable to rescue Tomek Mackiewicz

Safran signs by-the-hour support contracts with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and Rainier Heli International

Safran Helicopter Engines has signed Support-By-Hour (SBH®) contracts with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and Rainier Heli International, covering engines powering the operators’ H125 and H130 fleets.

©Yankel Murciano / Airbus Helicopters

Each contract formalizes a seven year Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agreement supporting a total of 16 Arriel 2D engines for Papillon with an additional three engines added over the next two months and six engines for Rainier with one additional engine this spring.

Commented Thierry Derrien, President & CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines USA, "it is with great pride that Safran Helicopter Engines enters into these partnerships with Papillon and Rainier. We appreciate the opportunity to provide this support solution for their H125 and H130 helicopters. Delivering best-in-class solutions is a top priority for Safran and we are delighted with the progress of our collaborations."

SBH® (Support-By-the-Hour) is a comprehensive "pay as you fly" service solution that provides financial stability through a process of predicting through-life scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs, and smooths cash flow based on a fixed cost per engine flight-hour.

©Cyril Abad / CAPA Pictures / Safran

Lon Halvorson, Principal, Papillon Airways, Inc (PAI) and President and CEO, Rainier Heli International (RHI)– "Papillon, Rainier, and Safran Helicopter Engines USA have been working towards this mutual goal for a very long time and we are pleased to have finalized this Agreement that will be a benefit to both parties"

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters is one of the largest aerial sightseeing operators in the world, flying an estimated 600,000 passengers annually on daily tours to the Grand Canyon. Rainier Heli International provides helicopter leasing solutions to the international marketplace. Both companies are owned by the Halvorson family. 

SBH® is part of EngineLife® Services, Safran's range of solutions for helicopter engines.

Coast Guard assists boaters stranded on island in Chesapeake Bay

Photo: Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensuke Caldwell, U.S. Coast Guard District 5

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, arrives to assist two boaters stranded on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay, April 29, 2018. The men intentionally grounded their vessel the previous evening when they became overwhelmed by foul weather conditions.

BALTIMORE — A Coast Guard aircrew safely recovered two men stranded on Adam Island in the Chesapeake Bay this morning.

The men intentionally ran their 17-foot vessel aground on the marshy, unpopulated island after becoming beset by foul weather Saturday night.

One of the boaters' fathers notified watchstanders in the Sector Maryland-National Capital Region’s command center at 9:45 a.m. today that the two men were still stranded and soaking wet on the island.

An already-airborne MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey, diverted from a training flight to assist. The crew landed on Adam Island, recovered the two men and transported them to Salisbury Regional Airport in Salisbury, Maryland.

The boaters are scheduled to retrieve their vessel as soon as possible.

"Adverse weather conditions can suddenly emerge and impact anyone's underway voyage at any time," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Terrence Young, operations unit controller for the case. "That's why it's vital to continuously check weather forecasts in your area and prepare for the worst-case scenario by bringing appropriate safety gear and dressing for harsh conditions."

-USCG-

Coast Guard medevacs 5 injured boaters

Photo: US Coast Guard, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard medevaced five injured boaters 23 nautical miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, Sunday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a Mayday call on VHF-FM Channel 16 at 12:03 a.m. from a boater stating they had struck a decommissioned rig and multiple persons on board had suffered injuries.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Response Boat – Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Venice and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans.

The Air Station New Orleans aircrew hoisted two patients, one suffering a broken leg and the other suffering a broken arm and possible collapsed lung. The aircrew transferred the patients to University Medical Center New Orleans in unknown condition.

The Station Venice boatcrew medevaced three patients with minor injuries and transferred them to waiting emergency medical services at Station Venice. The patients were reported to be in stable condition.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

-USCG-

Airbus presents ‘Flight Lab’ BLADE test aircraft to EU Clean Sky partners at ILA

· Showcasing its “Flight Lab” BLADE demonstrator aircraft for the first time at a major air show.

· The most extensive wing laminar flow demonstrator programme ever undertaken for commercial aviation.

· Improving aviation’s ecological footprint, with a 50% reduction in wing friction.

Airbus, which is showcasing its “Flight Lab” BLADE demonstrator aircraft for the first time at a major air show, has signed an accord with representatives of the numerous stakeholders to not only mark the joint success of bringing this unique programme to fruition, but also affirm their desire to build on this programme in the European framework of Clean Sky. The stakeholders present together with Airbus CEO Tom Enders at the ceremony included members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the German Government, European Member States and industrial partners across Europe.

The BLADE project, which stands for “Breakthrough Laminar Aircraft Demonstrator in Europe”, is part of the first phase of Clean Sky – a 1.6 billion Euro programme which has been running since 2008. BLADE has been tasked with assessing the feasibility of introducing laminar flow wing technology on a large airliner. It aims to improve aviation’s ecological footprint, bringing with it a 10 percent aircraft drag reduction and up to five percent lower CO2 emissions. Airbus worked with a team of more than 20 key partners* and around 500 contributors from all over Europe. Moreover, due to its size and complexity, this project was only possible thanks to the European Research initiative Clean Sky.

In September 2017 Airbus’ A340 laminar-flow Flight Lab test demonstrator aircraft (A340-300 MSN001) made its successful maiden flight and since then has been engaged in successful testing to explore the wing’s characteristics in flight. The test aircraft is the first in the world to combine a transonic laminar wing profile with a true internal primary structure.

On the outside the aircraft is fitted with two representative transonic laminar outer-wings, while inside the cabin there is a highly complex specialist flight-test-instrumentation (FTI) station. The extensive modifications to the A340-300 test-bed aircraft took place during the course of a 16-month working party in Tarbes, France, with the support of the numerous industrial partners across Europe. In terms of the testing technology, notable ‘firsts’ included the use of infrared cameras to monitor the laminar flow transition points and the acoustic generator which measures the influence of acoustics on laminarity. Another first is the innovative reflectometry system which measures overall deformation in real-time during flight. To date the Flight Lab has performed 66 flight hours. Flights will continue until 2019, dedicated to exploring the influencing factors on laminarity.

*Key industrial partners in BLADE:

5 micron; Aernnova; Airbus; Airtex; ASCO; BIAS – Research and Development for Applied Beam Technologies; Dassault Aviation; DLR - German Aerospace Center; DNW - German-Dutch Wind Tunnels; ETW - European Transonic Windtunnel GmbH; EURECAT; FTI Engineering; GKN Aerospace; INCAS - National Institute for Aerospace Research; ITAINNOVA - Technological Institute of Aragon; NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Center; Onera; Romaero; SAAB; Safran; SERTEC Engineering; VEW - Vereinigte Elektronik Werkstätten.

Ardiden 3C obtains EASA type certification

20 April 2018, Bordes 

Safran Helicopter Engines has received EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) engine type certification for its Ardiden 3C. Powering the Avicopter AC352, the engine has been jointly developed and built by Safran Helicopter Engines, Dongan and HAPRI, parts of the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) consortium. 

Known in China as the WZ16, it should be certified by CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) in September 2019. The Ardiden 3C/WZ16 will be the first helicopter engine to be certified by both CAAC and EASA. 

Commented Franck Saudo, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, “this certification is a major milestone in the Ardiden 3C/WZ16 program. It confirms that the engine is performing extremely well and represents a major step for the AC352 flight test program. We now look forward to CAAC certification and are fully committed to supporting Avicopter as it approaches entry-into-service.” 

The Ardiden 3C/WZ16 is a new-generation turboshaft in the 1,700 to 2,000 shp power class. It features a remarkably compact modular architecture, a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and a low cost-of-ownership. Compared to engines operating in the same power range, it offers ten per cent lower fuel consumption. 

Ardiden 3C flight test campaign started in December 2016 with the AC352’s maiden flight. Another variant, the Ardiden 3G, has also been selected by Russian Helicopters to power its Ka-62 which made its first flight in May 2017. 
Since first ground tests of its two variants, the Ardiden 3 range maturation and certification campaign has accumulated more than 10,000 hours of trials, and will demonstrate a high level of maturity at entry-into-service. 

With over 500 engines in operation, China represents a major strategic market for Safran Helicopter Engines. One of every two Chinese-registered helicopters is equipped with a Safran engine or licensed product. This level of business is the result of 40 years of cooperation with industry in China. 

Safran and GO CAPITAL invest in Turbotech, a startup specialized in new-generation turbine engines and hybrid propulsion

Safran, through its subsidiary Safran Corporate Ventures, and GO CAPITAL announced today that they are taking a stake in the company Turbotech.

Part of a 3 million euro investment round

Turbotech offers a range of turbine engines for light aircraft (turboprops and turbo-electric generators), based on innovative regenerative cycle* turbines. Featuring its patented heat exchanger technology, Turbotech's products combine reliability, exceptional performance, low fuel consumption, low acoustic signature and minimal operating costs.

Turbotech has facilities in Brittany and the greater Paris area. It was founded by four partners, all former employees of Safran, and is directed by Damien Fauvet. Another company, Le Guellec Tubes & Profilés, is also a shareholder and provides industrial support.

Safran Corporate Ventures took part in a round of funding worth 3 million euros, alongside GO CAPITAL Amorçage II, a technology seed fund for western France. Along with this investment, Nicolas Franck of Safran Corporate Ventures and Jérôme Guéret of GO CAPITAL will be joining the company's Strategy Committee.

This round of funding will enable Turbotech to finalize the development of its products and introduce them on the market starting in 2019. Turbotech will be the first company to sell a high-performance hybrid propulsion system in the general aviation, heavy drone and on-demand air mobility markets. The electric version will give hybrid propulsion aircraft several hours of endurance.

Turbotech

A technology partnership agreement

Safran and Turbotech have signed a technology partnership agreement, entailing technical support from Safran, and the use of Turbotech's technology in some of Safran's future products. The contract covers an initial period of five years.

"This agreement falls within the scope of Safran's proactive road map for hybrid propulsion solutions," said Stéphane Cueille, Safran Vice President for R&T and Innovation. "Safran is already at the cutting edge of this field, and is considering the use of Turbotech's heat exchanger in some of its products, so we can offer a level of performance that sets us apart. The agreement signed today will enable the two companies to pool our skills and effectively transform the basic technological building blocks developed by Turbotech into products that will be attractive in both Safran's and Turbotech's markets."

* The regenerative cycle involves using a heat exchanger to recover the energy contained in a turbine's exhaust gases, thus significantly reducing its fuel consumption.

For more informations: www.turbotech-aero.com

HELICAL becomes first operator in the South Pacific to choose HCare Smart

Operating an H125 in New Caledonia, HELICAL recently opted for Airbus Helicopters’ HCare Smart support package, becoming the first South Pacific operator to use the service.

HELICAL, a member of the HCM Group of New Caledonia, recently became the first South Pacific company to choose Airbus’ HCare Smart contract. Under the service, scheduled and unscheduled events are covered by a dedicated worldwide original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pool, ensuring the helicopter’s availability at all times, while maintenance costs are optimised and therefore lower. 

“Airbus Helicopters’ parts-by-the-hour contract allows our spares stock to be reduced and lets us better manage our maintenance costs,” says Thierry Epplin, chief pilot at HELICAL.

HELICAL employs an H125 helicopter for nickel mining and drilling prospecting in New Caledonia’s mountainous regions. The H125 transports personnel and equipment to remote sites, and uses its external sling to complement mineral exploration.

www.hcm.nc

80th anniversary Safran

During 2018 Safran Helicopter Engines celebrates its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1938 by Polish engineer Joseph Szydlowski, the original Turbomeca company opened for business in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, and in October that year its first aeronautical component, the S39 centrifugal compressor for a Hispano-Suiza engine, took off aboard a Dewotine D520.

Safran

From the very beginning, the company's fortunes were closely aligned to that of the helicopter. Its Artouste II powered the maiden flight of the SNCASE SE.3130 Alouette II; the first serially-produced turbine-engine helicopter in the world. 60 years later, both airframe and engine are still flying, and part of the proud heritage of the worldwide helicopter community.

Safran

Safran

Safran

The company has always stayed at the forefront of rotorcraft innovation and names such as Turmo, Artouste, Astazou, Makila and Arriel are renowned throughout the industry.

With more than 100 million flight hours, the global Safran fleet adds to this 80-year legacy every day. Based in Bordes, Tarnos and Mantes-Buchelay in France, and in 14 sites worldwide, its engines have been selected to power almost all recent helicopter models, including the Airbus Helicopter H160 and Racer, Bell 505, Leonardo AW189K, Indian LUH, Chinese AC352 and South-Korean LAH. 

All Safran Helicopter Engines team-members are very proud of its history and will celebrate the anniversary next September with its customers and friends.

Aneto selected to power Airbus Helicopters Racer high-speed demonstrator

​Airbus Helicopters has selected Safran’s new Aneto engine to power its Racer (Rapid and Cost-Efficient Rotorcraft) high-speed demonstrator. Twin Aneto-1X engines will contribute significantly to the new rotorcraft’s cruise speed performance of up to 400 kph. Unveiled in June 2017 at the Paris Airshow, Racer is a technology demonstrator funded by the European Commission’s H2020 research programme, through the Clean Sky 2 initiative.

Safran

The 2,500 shp Aneto-1X is one of a family of engines unveiled last October and will offer significant benefits: Thanks to an exceptional power-to-volume ratio, it delivers 25 % greater power than existing engines of the same volume. This results in increased mission capabilities, especially during those requiring more power (such as offshore transport, search and rescue, fire-fighting or military transport), as well as better performance in "hot and high" conditions.

"Selection for such an Airbus Helicopters research programme marks a major achievement for our Aneto program", commented, Bruno Bellanger, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Programs. "We are convinced that the Aneto-1X will not only meet Racer's performance and environmental targets, but will also establish a strong basis from which Airbus Helicopters and its partners can satisfy the technology development objectives of this ambitious European research programme. This new selection in less than six months clearly shows that Aneto is the right engine solution for a high-speed, cost-efficient helicopter with strong environmental targets".

"The Aneto will help us achieve the demanding performance and environmental targets set out in the frame of this pan-European research initiative, notably thanks to the engine's innovative Eco Mode" said Tomasz Krysinski, Airbus Helicopters Vice-President for Research and Innovation. "It will therefore play a key role in supporting the wider Racer demonstrator project, which brings together technologies from a wide network of more than 25 industrial, academic and research partners from across the European Union in order to make a significant and durable contribution to the competitiveness of the European aerospace industry", he added.

PAD (Production Autrement Dit)

The Racer will be the first rotorcraft to feature Safran's Power Pack® Eco Mode configuration, whereby its engines exploit hybrid technologies to enable more efficient use of the power generated.

Developed in partnership with Safran Electrical & Power and the result of a study funded by France's civil aviation authority DGAC (Direction générale de l'aviation civile) the Power Pack® Eco Mode configuration allows a pilot to "pause" one engine while in the cruise, generating fuel savings of around 15% and greater mission range. Whenever needed (during acceleration, landing or autorotation for example), the idling engine is rapidly and automatically restored to full power using an innovative electric motor. Developed by Safran Electrical & Power, this motor is a high-power density electric motor that satisfy the increased safety requirements.

The Power Pack® Eco Modeconcept has been validated during ground tests and will be flight-tested for the first time aboard the Racer.

First H160 for the Latin American market

Santiago, Chile, Airbus Helicopters has signed the first order for one H160 with an undisclosed customer in Brazil for private and business aviation operations. This order, the first from a Latin American customer, came after a flight demonstration in Marignane where the customer experienced first-hand the step-change in passenger comfort that the H160 brings to the market.

“We are proud to announce the first sale of an H160 in Latin America where it has a lot of potential as we have been seeing a lot of interest in the aircraft,” said Mesrob Karalekian, Head of Latin America at Airbus Helicopters. “It is easy to see why the H160 appeals to private and business aviation customers as it is not only stylish but its cutting edge technology offers passengers an elegant, safe and extremely comfortable way to travel” he added.

The H160 has been designed to offer all its passengers, whether for private and business aviation flights, Oil and Gas passenger transport, emergency medical services, or public services missions, with an exceptional flight experience thanks to the panoramic views provided by the large cabin windows, low sound levels, and smooth flight even at high speeds. External visibility for pilots is also highly prioritized with a large windshield, lateral and floor level windows that allow them to see below the aircraft when landing. This is combined with the visibility provided by the aircrafts’ cameras that can be displayed one of the four multi-functional displays in the cockpit. Helionix, Airbus Helicopters’ digital avionics suite, further contributes to the aircraft’s safety by significantly reducing pilot workload. Presenting the right information at the right time, along with the H160’s integrated automatic functions, allows the pilot to concentrate on the mission at hand.

The H160 has also been designed to facilitate maintenance allowing it to reach levels similar to that of a light twin. The aircraft’s optimized accessibility has been praised by customers who have recently had the opportunity to fly in the H160 during its North American demo tour.

ÖAMTC subscribes to new Safran Health Monitoring service

Safran Helicopter Engines is proud to announce ÖAMTC (Österreichischer Automobil-, Motorrad- und Touring Club) as one of the first major customers to sign a Premium Health Monitoring contract.

Obrusnik Wolfgang - Airbus Helicopters

The Health Monitoring service for helicopter engines, launched last October at Helitech International allows customers to track engine life data and thus reduce unplanned events. Engine life can be improved with the early detection of low signals, prognosis analysis and maintenance plan customization.

Health Monitoring is available at an Essential level, where the customer is responsible for data collection and analysis, and at a Premium level where maintenance recommendations fromSafran Helicopter Engines experts are tailored to the customer's fleet, missions and usage rates. Most of the parameters are gathered continuously by an electronic recorder designed by Safran partners. 

ÖAMTC is going to use this service, in its Arrius 2B2-powered H135 fleet. Marco Trefanitz, ÖAMTC CEO, commented: "We look forward receiving from engines experts a large range of recommendations, from performance analysis to usage advises. We expect that Premium Health Monitoring will have a positive impact on our maintenance costs which helps to reduce our operation run rate. Additionally it will optimize the availability of our H135 fleet and will pay off in reduction of downtime costs and therefore costs for spare helicopters."

Frédéric Bugeon, Safran Helicopter Engines VP Sales, Marketing and Customer Satisfaction, added "By subscribing to the Premium solution, ÖAMTC will benefit from Safran Helicopter Engines analysis and maintenance reports. Over 100 of our operators are already using the Essential solution to visualize their Engine Power Check trends." 

The Health Monitoring service is made available online at the Safran Helicopter Engines Customer Portal, anytime, from anywhere with any device. Health Monitoring is part of Safran's EngineLife® Services, a range of solutions for helicopter engines.

Safran Helicopter Engines rolls out game-changer Power Pack® brand

Reflecting its commitment to offering its customers innovative and best-in-class solutions, Safran Helicopter Engines presents its new Power Pack® brand. Thanks to partnerships fostered with other Safran entities, the engine manufacturer is now able to position its engine range at the center of innovative power solutions.

Safran

These Power Pack® solutions integrate engines and innovative technologies to deliver significantly optimized performance and management. 

Maxime Faribault, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP, OEM Sales says, "thanks to the long and sustained technology-development strategy conducted within the Safran group, we can now offer innovative power solutions to the rotorcraft market that result in significantly improved performance giving more value to our customers".

The first two helicopters to benefit from the Power Pack® concept will be the Leonardo AW189K and Airbus Helicopters RACER.

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The AW189K Power Pack® Onefeatures two Aneto-1K engines and an e-APU60 auxiliary power unit, designed by our Safran Power Units partner. Comments Maxime Faribault, "combining engines with an APU is one integrated Safran offer that results in improved availability and easier support operation".

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The Racer demonstrator will feature a Power Pack® Eco Mode, configured with two Aneto-1X engines and combining hybrid technologies developed with Safran Electrical & Power, which will enable more efficient use of the power generated. With this solution, the pilot can "pause" an engine while in cruise flight, generating fuel savings of around 15% and a greater mission range. 

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"In the near future", says Maxime Faribault, "we will bring to the market new types of Power Pack® to address the needs of other VTOL aircraft. It will soon be regarded as a game-changer in terms of performance, operating costs and flexibility."

Safran to power Qatar’s new NH90 fleet

Qatar has selected Safran Helicopter Engines as engine supplier of its new NH90 fleet. The 28 NH90 military helicopters, whose acquisition was announced on 14 March, will all feature RTM322 engines.

Anthony Pecchi - Safran

They will be assembled in Bordes (France) and delivered to Airbus Helicopters' facility in Marignane, where the NH90 tactical transport version (TTH) is assembled, and to the Leonardo Venice-Tessera facility in Northern Italy for integration with the naval (NFH) configuration. Safran Helicopter Engines now powers 80 % of the worldwide NH90 fleet.

RTM322 is a 2,100 to 2,600 shaft horsepower engine (shp) designed for ten-to-fifteen ton military helicopters. It features state-of-the art technologies that enable it to perform in extremely demanding environments.

Commented Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines VP Heavy Helicopter Engine Programs, "the RTM322 has once again demonstrated that it is the best engine for the NH90. Since our acquisition of the program in 2013, we have generated a high level of operator satisfaction through increasing engine robustness and operability, and by implementing simpler and more efficient maintenance practices".

Cyril Abad - Safran

The Qatar Armed Forces NH90 will feature the RTM322-01/9A version. It features a 7% power increase over the baseline RTM322-01/9 variant. This additional power increases mission capabilities in "hot and high" conditions.

Today, 1,100 RTM322 have been delivered worldwide, accumulating over 1.3 million flight-hours.

As part of this agreement, Qatar has also ordered 16 H125 light single-engine helicopters for operation by the its Armed Forces Air Academy. These rotorcraft will also be Safran-powered, by the Arriel 2D .

Airbus Helicopters H160

H160 #3 ©Sthéphane Kervella

(Airbus Helicopters)

Desde que el H160 PT1 despegó por  primera vez en junio de 2015, entre los tres prototipos (#1, #2 y #3) han  superado las 600 horas de vuelo en las que se han ido realizando todos los  ajustes necesarios, tanto sobre toda la  envolvente como respuesta a los mandos y comportamiento de los sistemas de aviónica. Asimismo ya se han desarrollado buena parte de los test necesarios para su certificación bajo condiciones meteorológicas extremas, principalmente en ambientes gélidos con temperaturas bajo cero.

Se espera su salida al mercado y puesta en servicio, comenzando con el Oil & Gas, para el próximo año 2019 (la  línea de montaje final para el H160 en  Marignane ya se encuentra prácticamente lista para comenzar con su producción en serie).

En paralelo se está desarrollando una nueva sección de soporte al cliente a  través de  la  campaña “Operator  Zero”, utilizando para ello los tres prototipos además de todos los medios sobre los que se están realizando las pruebas necesarias para verificar y mejorar el plan de mantenimiento, tarjetas digitales de trabajo, toda la  documentación técnica necesaria y las herramientas específicas.

Además de la primera variante que se certificará y saldrá de cadena de montaje una vez comience su producción, la previsión del fabricante es que la siguiente versión que entre  en servicio sea la EMS.

Los helicópteros H160 estarán  motorizados únicamente por la también compañía francesa Safran  (Turbomeca), no existirán versiones  de este modelo propulsadas por turbinas de otros fabricantes.

Safran Arrano es la denominación de la nueva serie de turboejes pensados para helicópteros monomotor de 2 y 3 toneladas, así como bimotores de 4 a 6 Tons. Sus rangos de potencia oscilan entre los 1.100 y los 1.300 CV (c/u), además poseen el hándicap de una  importante reducción en su consumo,  entre un 10 y un 15% menor (Arrano forma parte del programa Clean Sky). A todo ello se suma que las nuevas turbinas aumentan considerablemente el rendimiento (rango y carga) de los helicópteros de nueva generación, al mismo tiempo que reducen su huella ambiental. Además su diseño minimiza  y facilita el mantenimiento y la sustitución de piezas y/o secciones,  dentro de un tamaño por turboeje de dimensiones más reducidas respecto a otras con sus mismas características. También incorporan  varias innovaciones técnicas, entre las  que se incluye un revolucionario  núcleo termodinámico desarrollado para el demostrador tecnológico Tech 800 (éste fue el resultado de un estudio  de investigación financiado por el  programa Clean Sky de la Comisión  Europea, una asociación de carácter  públicoprivado con la industria  aeroespacial perteneciente a la UE). La  división Safran Helicopter Engines  desarrolló el Tech 800, con 1.100 CV de potencia, en colaboración con treinta y cuatro socios, de los cuales diecisiete fueron PYMES y el resto  universidades y centros de investigación de diez países europeos.

Arrano incorpora un compresor  centrífugo de dos etapas, diseñado  para ofrecer un magnífico rendimiento y fiabilidad. Cuenta con una cámara de combustión de flujo inverso y una  turbina de potencia de una sola etapa. El sistema IGV, compuesto por álabes  de paso variable montados encima del  compresor, mejoran el ciclo  termodinámico del motor durante el  vuelo a velocidad de crucero (lo que  también contribuye a su notable  reducción en el consumo de combustible)...

Artículo completo en: Hlcopters Magazine n°8