First Ground Run of Safran’s Tech TP Turboprop Engine

Safran Helicopter Engines has made the first ground run of its Tech TP, a turboprop technological demonstrator aimed at 15% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than current engines.

It is based on an Ardiden 3 turboshaft and developed as part of the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The test took place at Safran Helicopter Engines’ facility in Tarnos (France), on 12 June 2019. More than 20 European partners1 are contributing to this technological demonstrator.

The Tech TP aims are to validate the technologies required to develop a new-generation turboprop,  featuring a compact, lightweight architecture and fuel efficient engines. Tech TP would then form the basis for developing a turboprop derivative of the Ardiden 3, ready for integrating into future aircraft designs through leveraging the skills of European partners.

The Tech TP test campaign will validate the behavior of a complete propulsive system, integrating a gas generator, nacelle, air intake and propeller. It will also evaluate the case for more “electric” technologies, notably in the accessory gearbox and propeller controller components.

Didier Nicoud, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Engineering said, “Supported by the European Commission, the Tech TP technological demonstrator relies on the skills and know-how of more than 20 European partners1, through the Clean Sky 2 framework. This first run is a very important milestone toward the validation of a new European turboprop engine, offering increased performance, competitive operating costs and low environmental footprint.”

The Ardiden 3 is a new-generation turboshaft in the 1,700 to 2,000 shp power range. Two EASA-certified models, the Ardiden 3C and 3G, have completed over 10,000 hours of tests. The Ardiden 3 features a remarkably compact modular architecture, a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and low cost-of-ownership.