LEONARDO/SAFRAN

Leonardo and Safran Helicopter form a partnership to produce an unprecedented propeller for the next-generation AW09 single-engine helicopter

Leonardo and Safran Helicopter recently announced that they have joined forces to further enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of the next-generation AW09 single-engine helicopter(image above). The production aircraft will feature the 1,000 shp class Arriel 2K engine, the newest generation of the Arriel family.

The selection of the new engine ensures the most efficient level of industrialization, global supply and support capability for customers. Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines' combined support network will provide innovative, streamlined and competitive maintenance solutions and cost of operations, underpinned by customized service plans and SBH (Support by the Hour) contracts, as well as a wide range of digital services.

Leonardo and Safran Helicopter engines have a long standing and now expanding partnership, covering light propulsion systems up to super medium class helicopters. The two companies also now share the highest level of interest and commitment to the single-engine commercial market and its future evolution.

The new propulsion system is already installed on the latest AW09 prototype, PS4 (Pre Series 4), which is about to start flight test activities at Kopter's facility in Mollis. PS4 includes all developments implemented and tested on P3, the previous prototype, allowing to reach the final configuration of AW09. PS5, the next and final prototype is planned to follow in late 2023.

The AW09 program has taken major steps forward in 2022, in parallel with the integration of the production propulsion system, including the flight of the new main rotor blades and final blades and agreeing on the basis of type certification with the AESA (European Agency for Air Safety Aviation).

The AW09 will continue to be developed by Kopter in Switzerland with input from joint Leonardo-Kopter teams. Kopter is to become a center of competence for new light helicopters and an incubator of new technologies for vertical flight. As such, it will contribute to the development of new hybrid and electric propulsion systems and will play an important role within Leonardo's Be Tomorrow 2030 strategic plan, which aims to be at the forefront of the civil aircraft market and modern air mobility.