Moscow/24 February 2010 – The Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engine has been chosen by Russian Helicopters, JSC for the upgraded Ka-62, in the frame of the Protocol of Intentions signed on January, 21st. Offering a high growth potential, this state-of-the-art engine is the response for the strongly expanded five up to eight tons helicopters market.

In January 2010 a group of representatives of Russian Helicopters and its constituent manufacturing and service companies visited the head office and facilities of Turbomeca, Safran group. The sides discussed ways of broadening the Russian-French partnership in prospective Russian rotorcraft development programs. Turbomeca and Russian Helicopters also agreed to start joint work on aftersale service of Russian rotorcraft fitted with French engines. The Russian side shared its vision of the way the helicopter market will develop through 2020. Russian Helicopters demonstrated a prospective lineup of state-of-the-art helicopters and voiced the parameters of engines they will need.

Russian Helicopters COO Andrei Shibitov, said that: “Our long-term cooperation with Turbomeca has been very pleasant and successful and we are looking forward to enhance our partnership. Turbomeca engines are well-known all over the world, including Russia, not just in France and Europe. It will be easier for our prospective helicopters to move onto the global and European markets if they are fitted with Turbomeca engines. The Ardiden 3 is the modern engine Ka helicopters need for their specific requirements, with a double advantage: a low operating cost thanks to high reliability and an exceptionally low fuel consumption”

At this time Russian Helicopters is expanding it’s segment of light and medium twin helicopters capable of multiple missions such as transport, EMS, aerial work and surveillance. The Ka-62 will be used for Oil&Gas, EMS, Utility, Corporate, SAR missions.

“I am very happy about this agreement which is a major milestone for Turbomeca and its Ardiden engine, our latest product designed from a proven architecture and benefiting of our latest technologies. Furthermore, this agreement reinforces the relationship between Turbomeca and the Russian Helicopter Industry, started years ago.” confides Pierre Fabre, Chairman & CEO of Turbomeca.

Ardiden 3: a modern product line

Dedicated to 6 to 8 tons helicopters, the Ardiden 3 line aims to perform various missions, such as off-shore, EMS, utility or VIP missions. Thanks to its modular design and its dual channel FADEC, the Ardiden 3 is easy to use. From its low fuel consumption result a large range of operation and a low operating cost.

Ka-62: new Russian-made medium helicopter

Medium multiporpuse helicopter, a commercial version of the Ka-60 and is designed to transport 15-16 passengers in the cabin or the 2,500-kg load on the external string.

A long-lasting relationship is started

This new agreement follows different contracts, signed recently:

In November 2009, Safran signed a cooperation and partnership framework agreement with Russian state-owned company Rostechnologies, in particular concerning engines for helicopters such as the Ka-226, Ka-62 and Mi-34.

In 2009, Turbomeca and Russian Helicopters contracts for the development and serial engine production of the Arrius 2G1 to be installed on the Ka-226T, the Russian twin-engine helicopter with double counter-rotating rotor. The certification of this aircraft is expected in 2011.

Six months ago, Turbomeca has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russian Helicopters for the Arrius 2F to power the Mi-34 Sapsan helicopter.

Source: Russian Helicopters