Ardiden 1U engine receives EASA type certification
Safran Helicopter Engines’ Ardiden 1U engine, installed in India's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), has received EASA type certification.
The LUH single-engine, multi-purpose helicopter designed by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) made its maiden flight in September 2016. Since its first ground test in 2015, the Ardiden 1U maturation and certification campaign has accumulated around 1000 of hours of operation.
The 1U is a derivative with increased power of the 1,400shp Ardiden 1H1 and includes a control system specifically designed for single-engine helicopters. The Ardiden 1H1 was co-developed by Safran and HAL and is now in production designated Shakti. It powers HAL's Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter with more than 250 units in service.
Benoit Gadefait, vice president medium helicopter engines programmes, said: ‘This certification marks a major milestone in both the Ardiden 1 programme and our long-lasting partnership with HAL. The engine performs extremely well and has contributed to the success of the flight test campaign.
‘Recently, the helicopter conducted 'hot & high' tests in the Himalayas, showing its abilities to operate in this demanding environment. It took off from remote areas at more than 5,500 meters elevation in hot conditions (ISA +30°C), lifting more than the expected payload. The engine revealed high level of reliability and performance, to the satisfaction of all the armed forces and Indian [Ministry of Defence] representatives witnessing the tests.’
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