Arriel 2K for AW09...

Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines announced on January 26, 2023, a partnership to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of the next-generation single-engine AW09 helicopter. Production examples will be equipped with the 1000 shp Arriel 2K next-generation engine. The choice of this new engine guarantees the highest level of industrialization and support. Leonardo's global after-sales service network, combined with that of Safran Helicopter Engines, ensures simplified maintenance and competitive operating costs, including PBH (Power-By-The-Hour) and SBH® (Support-By-the-Hour) service contracts, as well as a wide range of digital services.

...Already installed on PS4

The long-standing partnership between Leonardo and Safran Helicopter Engines in light twin-engine and super-medium helicopters is now being extended to light single-engine helicopters. The new engine is already installed on the latest AW09 PS4 (Pre Series 4) prototype, which is about to start flight testing at Kopter's facilities in Mollis. The PS4 incorporates all the developments tested on the previous prototype (P3), making it close to the production configuration. The final PS5 prototype is expected to fly current in 2023.

Be Tomorrow 2030

In addition to the selection of a new engine, the AW09 program reached important milestones in 2022: the flight test of new main rotor blades and the definition of the basis for the type certificate with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). The Kopter site in Switzerland, in parallel with the development of the AW09 with Leonardo teams, will become a center of competence for new light helicopters and an incubator for new technologies for hybrid and electric propulsion systems. This ambition is part of Leonardo's Be Tomorrow 2030 roadmap for helicopters and air mobility.