KAI Selects Safran Engines For Light Civil Helicopter

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has selected Safran Helicopter Engines to power its Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) with a new engine designated Arriel 2L2.

On the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), Safran has been selected by Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), KAI and Hanwha Techwin.

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 license-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 history. We are proud in the confidence placed in us by Hanwha Techwin. Together, we are committed to offer 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.