Safran delivers first U.S.-built Arrius 2R

Safran Helicopter Engines has delivered on schedule the first Arrius 2R engine made in the U.S.A. Celebration of this handover to Bell Helicopter took place at Safran Helicopter Engines' USA facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. It marks a major step in the 2R program and Safran's commitment to supply Bell Helicopter with best-in-class products, assembled in the United States.

The Arrius 2R powers the new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light single-engine rotorcraft. Until now, units had been assembled at Safran Helicopter Engines headquarters located at Bordes, in the southwest of France.

Jean-François Sauer, Arriel & Arrius Programs Vice President, commented, "Safran Helicopter Engines can claim a long and successful partnership with customers in United States, and we are proud to have a member of the Arrius family in production at Grand Prairie. Having this engine produced in the United States will simplify the delivery process to Bell with greatest reactiveness".

Formally launched at the 2013 Paris Air Show alongside the Bell 505, the Arrius 2R has followed a fast development schedule. A rigorous evaluation campaign started in April 2014 with its first ground run. The flight test program started in November 2014 with the first flight of the Bell 505 at Bell Helicopter's Mirabel facility. The Arrius 2R was certified in December 2015.

To date, more than 3,150 Arrius engines have been sold by Safran, to 430 customers in 60 countries. Reliability is built into the 2R and reinforced by a 3,000 hour Time-Between-Overhaul offered at service entry. The new variant will also benefit from Safran's renowned service and support capabilities.