Safran to Supply Engines for Qatar’s NH90 Helicopters

Qatar has selected Safran RTM322 Engines for its 28 NH90 military helicopters, whose acquisition was announced on 14 March.

They will be assembled in Bordes (France) and delivered to Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane, where the NH90 tactical transport version (TTH) is assembled, and to the Leonardo Venice-Tessera facility in Northern Italy for integration with the naval (NFH) configuration. Safran Helicopter Engines now powers 80 % of the worldwide NH90 fleet.

RTM322 is a 2,100 to 2,600 shaft horsepower engine (shp) designed for ten-to-fifteen ton military helicopters. It features state-of-the art technologies that enable it to perform in extremely demanding environments.

Commented Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines VP Heavy Helicopter Engine Programs, “the RTM322 has once again demonstrated that it is the best engine for the NH90. Since our acquisition of the program in 2013, we have generated a high level of operator satisfaction through increasing engine robustness and operability, and by implementing simpler and more efficient maintenance practices”.

The Qatar Armed Forces NH90 will feature the RTM322-01/9A version. It features a 7% power increase over the baseline RTM322-01/9 variant. This additional power increases mission capabilities in “hot and high” conditions.

As part of this agreement, Qatar has also ordered 16 H125 light single-engine helicopters for operation by the its Armed Forces Air Academy. These rotorcraft will also be Safran-powered, by the Arriel 2D.