Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has selected Safran Helicopter Engines as engine supplier for its Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH). The LCH will be powered by the existing Arriel 2C2 engine. On the LAH, Safran has been selected by Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), KAI and Hanwha Techwin. The LAH will feature a new engine designated Arriel 2L2.

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.

Safran Helicopter Engines and Hanwha Techwin have signed an agreement for the joint development and manufacturing of the Arriel 2L2 in South Korea. This latest member of the Arriel family will be licence-produced by Hanwha Techwin, which will manufacture major parts and perform final assembly and tests in its plant in Changwon before delivery to KAI. Hanwha Techwin will also be responsible for MRO of the Arriel 2L2 for the LAH.

Derived from the Arriel 2N, the Arriel 2L2 features a combination of new and proven technologies. Compared to the previous Arriel 2 generation, it has a new axial compressor, new high-pressure compressor diffuser, new high-pressure turbine material and new-generation dual-channel Fadec. The Arriel 2L2 will be the most powerful Arriel variant and will be designed to provide better safety, reliability, power and performance during demanding missions.