Safran selected as engine supplier for South Korean LCH and LAH helicopters

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

Safran Helicopter Engines and Hanwha Techwin have signed an agreement for the joint-development and the manufacturing of the Arriel 2L2 in South Korea. This new engine is the latest member of the Arriel family. Hanwha Techwin will perform licensed production of the engine: it will manufacture major parts and will perform the final assembly and tests in its plant in Changwon before delivery to KAI. Hanwha Techwin will also be responsible of the 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. Arriel 2L2 will be the most powerful Arriel variant and will provide better safety, reliability, power and performance during demanding missions.

Maxime Faribault, Safran Helicopter Engines executive vice president OEM sales, said “This partnership is a new step in the Arriel program's history. We are proud in the confidence placed in us by Hanwha Techwin. Together, we are committed to offering a cutting-edge engine solution with world-class services to the Republic Of Korea Army”.

Certified in 2002, the Arriel 2C2 already powers Airbus Helicopters H155.

Arriel is the best-selling helicopter engine solution in its class. During the past 40 years, over 12,000 Arriel units have been produced, together logging more than 45 million flight hours. With power outputs ranging from 650 to 1024 shp, the Arriel family now powers over 40 different helicopter types. Arriel engine is equally as reliable as the CFM56 engine is in its category.

An Arriel-powered helicopter takes off every 15 seconds, all day, every day.