Safran Helicopter Engines announced at the Show that the first ground run of the Arriel 2L2 engine was successfully completed at its Bordes facility at the beginning of June.

The Arriel family was selected in 2016 to power the new Korean civil and military helicopters, known as the LCH (Light Civil Helicopter) and LAH (Light Armed Helicopter).

The LCH is to be powered by the existing Arriel 2C2 engine, while the military LAH will be equipped with the 2L2.

The Arriel 2L2 is co-developed by Safran Helicopter Engines and Hanwha Techwin, which will license-produce units in its Changwon plant, South-Korea. Hanwha Techwin will also be responsible for engine MRO.

Developed from the Arriel 2N, the 2L2 is the most powerful Arriel variant with a take-off power rating of 1024shp. The Arriel 2L2 is designed to deliver better reliability, power and performance during demanding missions.

Certification is planned for late 2020 and entry into service for 2022.

Both future helicopters will be developed and built by Airbus Helicopters in partnership with KAI, based on the European firm’s existing H155. Current plans call for a total of over 300 helicopters.