Safran Helicopter Engines has received EASA engine type certification for its Ardiden 3G engine, which powers Russian Helicopters’ twin-engine Ka-62. The helicopter made its maiden flight in April 2017.

Since its first ground test, the Ardiden 3 maturation and certification campaign has accumulated more than 8,500 hours of testing. According to Safran HE, this extensive test phase will ensure that the engine demonstrates a high level of maturity at entry into service.

Unveiled in 2010, the Ardiden 3 engine family is the only new-generation 1,700 to 2,000 shaft horse-power engine range designed for the 6-9t helicopter class. In 2011, the 3G variant was selected by Russian Helicopters to power the 6.5t Ka-62.

Another variant, the 3C / WZ16, has been selected by Chinese manufacturer Avicopter to power its AC352 which made its first flight in December 2016.

Russian Helicopters CEO Andrey Boginsky said that EASA certification cleared the way to accelerate the certification of Ka-62 according to international standards and to bring it to the foreign market.

The Ardiden 3 is designed to offer low operating and maintance costs, with a TBO (Time between overhaul) of 5,000 hours at entry-into-service. Ardiden 3 engines also deliver at least 10 % better fuel consumption over engines operating in the same power range, according to Safran HE.