The first engine test bench run of Turbomeca's new Arrius 2R turboshaft took place on April 29th 2014 at the company's Bordes factory in southwestern France.

The latest Arrius variant is destined for Bell Helicopter's new Jet Ranger replacement, the Bell 505 Jet Ranger XTM, and the initial rotations were witnessed by Bell Helicopter's 505 Program Director Paul Watts and the new rotorcraft's development team.

The Arrius 2R is designed to deliver performance and power within the 500 shaft horsepower range, while improving safety and lowering pilot workload via a Full Authority Dual-channel Engine Control (FADEC). The twin-module configuration will reduce fuel consumption and lead to lower operating costs.

More than 3,000 Arrius engines have been sold by Turbomeca, accumulating 6.6 million flight hours for 430 customers in 60 countries. This proven reliability is built into the 2R and reinforced by a 3,000 hour Time-Between-Overhaul to be offered at service entry. The engine will also benefit from Turbomeca's renowned service and support capabilities.

Launched in 2013, development of the Arrius 2R is proceeding to schedule and certification is planned for the end of 2015.

The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X was unveiled last February at the Heli-Expo 2014 convention in Anaheim, California, and approximately 200 letters of intent have already been signed, indicating a high level of market acceptance.