The Arriel 2K, the engine developed by Safran Helicopter Engines for Leonardo's AW09 helicopter, has received its type certificate from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The milestone brings the AW09, Leonardo's new single-engine helicopter, a step closer to entry into service.

The Arriel 2K underwent its first bench tests in 2022 and made its maiden flight on the AW09 in March 2023. Since then it has accumulated more than 4,100 hours of testing, including over 600 hours in flight. Ground tests were carried out at Safran Helicopter Engines' site in Bordes and at the DGA testing centre in Saclay, near Paris, covering icing and endurance trials.

Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, says: “The certification of the Arriel 2K marks another defining step towards the entry into service of the AW09. All the teams at Safran Helicopter Engines are ready to support Leonardo and its customers in bringing this brand-new helicopter into service.”

The Arriel 2K is a new variant of the Arriel 2 family, in the 1,000shp power class, with an engine interface optimised for the AW09. It is built around a two-stage compressor gas generator, comprising one axial and one centrifugal stage, paired with an annular combustion chamber for efficient fuel burn. A dual-channel FADEC and an Engine Auxiliary Control Box reduce pilot workload.

AW09 operators will have access to Safran's global support network, including health monitoring and predictive maintenance services designed to maximise engine availability and reduce operating costs. Arriel is Safran's best-selling helicopter engine family, with more than 15,500 units delivered across over 40 helicopter types and more than 66 million flight hours accumulated to date.