Successful test phase for the Microturbo (Safran group) e-APU60 installed on the AW189

Further to a successful installation of the first e-APU60 on the helicopter last October, Microturbo (Safran group) has delivered two other systems to AgustaWestland as part of the AW189 test campaign.

The e-APU60 is a new-concept auxiliary power unit specifically designed to meet the demands of new-generation more-electric aircraft. It is capable of providing up to 60 kWe and delivers 30 kVa to the AW189 throughout its flight envelope.

The e-APU60 is now an integral part of the helicopter certification campaign, successfully ensuring the ground start of the main engines, supplying power for the electrical systems and providing air for the cabin air conditioning.

The e-APU60 is also capable of restarting the engines in flight and thus will contribute to flight safety (civil certification, essential category) and will make it unnecessary to oversize the main engines (weight gain and reduced fuel consumption).

AgustaWestland is fully satisfied with the high level of compactness of this system, with its performance, and also with the support provided by Microturbo during the installation process.

Moreover, the e-APU60 certification campaign is well on track as the first two tests have been successful. EASA certification is scheduled for the end of 2012 and FAA certification will follow early in 2013.