Marignane, 18 February 2015 – In 2012, Airbus Helicopters launched the X4 initial design concept around two highly capable turboshaft engines options: Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW210E and Turbomeca’s ARRANO.
At the conclusion of this preliminary phase, and founded upon a comprehensive market assessment, Airbus Helicopters has decided to amend the product positioning, consequently necessitating a significant engine power increase.
Multiple scenarios have been studied with both engine manufacturers. Airbus Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney Canada have decided not to pursue a growth version of the PW210E engine for the X4 Program. Nevertheless, Pratt & Whitney Canada will continue to provide support until completion of the initial phase.
Airbus Helicopters values Pratt & Whitney Canada as a strong partner on the existing EC135 and EC175 platforms and is collaborating with P&WC on new opportunities including the PW210.
The X4 program will therefore enter into the full-scale development with a new uprated Turbomeca ARRANO engine. The X4 is Airbus Helicopters’s new generation medium twin-engine helicopter. Incorporating innovative technologies, the X4 will be tailored for a wide range of applications, including oil and gas operations, emergency medical services, public services, business and private aviation.
X4 will be presented to the public for the first time at HAI on the 3rd of March 2015.
About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.
