Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) selected Safran Helicopter Engines as the engine supplier for the South Korean Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH), Safran said June 6.
Safran was selected jointly by the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), KAI, and the South Korean-based aeronautics company Hanwha Techwin to provide a new engine called the Arriel 2L2 for the LAH. The LCH is set to be powered by the existing Arriel 2C2 engine.
Safran and Hanwha Techwin also signed an agreement for the joint development and manufacturing of the Arriel 2L2 in South Korea. The new engine will be the latest member in the Arriel engine family. Hanwha Techwin is set to perform license production of the engine, which involves manufacturing major parts and will also perform the final assembly and tests in its plant in Changwon before delivery to KAI. Hanwha Techwin will also be responsible of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the Arriel 2L2 for the LAH.
The Arriel 2L2 is derived from the Arriel 2N and features both new and proven technologies, Safran said. Its improvements include a new axial compressor, new high-pressure compressor diffuser, new high-pressure turbine material and new-generation dual-channel Fadec.
“Arriel 2L2 will be the most powerful Arriel variant and will provide better safety, reliability, power and performance during demanding missions,” Safran said.
“This partnership is a new step in the Arriel program history. We are proud in the confidence placed in us by Hanwha Techwin. Together, we are committed to offer a cutting-edge engine solution with world-class services to the Republic Of Korea Army,” Maxime Faribault, Safran Helicopter Engines executive vice president for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sales, said in a statement.
The Arriel 2C2 was first certified in 2002 and currently powers the Airbus H155 helicopter.