Turbomeca Arrano

Turbomeca Arrano is a turboshaft engine designed and manufactured by Safran Helicopter Engines, a leading French company in the field of helicopter engines, in collaboration with Turbomeca, a subsidiary of Safran Group. The engine is designed to power the next generation of helicopters, including the Airbus Helicopters H160 and other medium-lift helicopters. The Arrano engine is a key component of the H160's propulsion system, which also includes the Main Gear Box designed by Safran Transmission Systems and the Fenestron tail rotor designed by Airbus Helicopters. The development of the Arrano engine involved partnerships with several companies, including MTU Aero Engines, Zodiac Aerospace, and Goodrich Corporation.

Introduction

The Turbomeca Arrano engine is a high-performance turboshaft engine that provides a significant increase in power and efficiency compared to previous generations of helicopter engines. The engine is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern helicopter operations, including high-altitude and high-temperature environments, and is capable of delivering up to 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP). The Arrano engine features a compact and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of helicopter applications, from medical evacuation and search and rescue to offshore oil and gas and executive transport. The engine has undergone extensive testing and validation, including ground tests at the Safran Helicopter Engines facility in Bordes and flight tests on the Airbus Helicopters H160 prototype.

Design and Development

The design and development of the Turbomeca Arrano engine involved a collaborative effort between Safran Helicopter Engines and several other companies, including MTU Aero Engines, Zodiac Aerospace, and Goodrich Corporation. The engine features a modular design, with a compressor section, a combustion chamber, a turbine section, and a gearbox. The compressor section is designed to provide high-efficiency compression, while the combustion chamber is optimized for low emissions and high-specific fuel consumption. The turbine section is designed to provide high-power output, while the gearbox is optimized for high-efficiency power transmission. The engine also features a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, which provides advanced engine control and monitoring capabilities. The development of the Arrano engine was supported by several organizations, including the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA).

Specifications

The Turbomeca Arrano engine has a number of key specifications that make it an attractive choice for helicopter operators. The engine has a maximum power output of up to 1,300 shaft horsepower (SHP), and a specific fuel consumption of less than 0.46 pounds per horsepower-hour (lb/hp-hr). The engine also has a high power-to-weight ratio, with a weight of less than 360 pounds (163 kg). The engine features a compact design, with a length of less than 40 inches (1,016 mm) and a width of less than 20 inches (508 mm). The engine is also designed to be highly reliable, with a mean time between failures (MTBF) of more than 3,000 hours. The Arrano engine is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and meets the requirements of several international standards, including SAE International and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Applications

The Turbomeca Arrano engine is designed to power a wide range of helicopter applications, from medical evacuation and search and rescue to offshore oil and gas and executive transport. The engine is currently used on the Airbus Helicopters H160 helicopter, which is designed for a variety of missions, including oil and gas transportation, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The Arrano engine is also being considered for use on other helicopter platforms, including the Leonardo Helicopters AW189 and the Sikorsky Aircraft S-92. The engine's high power output and efficiency make it an attractive choice for helicopter operators who require a reliable and efficient engine for their missions. The Arrano engine is supported by a global network of Safran Helicopter Engines service centers, including locations in France, United States, Canada, and Australia.

Operational History

The Turbomeca Arrano engine has a relatively short operational history, having entered service in 2019 on the Airbus Helicopters H160 helicopter. However, the engine has already demonstrated its reliability and efficiency in a variety of operational environments, including high-altitude and high-temperature conditions. The engine has been used on several high-profile missions, including search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea and medical evacuation missions in the Middle East. The Arrano engine has also been used on several demonstration flights, including a transatlantic flight from France to United States in 2020. The engine's operational history is supported by a comprehensive maintenance and support program, which includes predictive maintenance and condition-based maintenance capabilities. The Arrano engine is also supported by several maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, including locations in Europe, North America, and Asia. Category:Aircraft engines