In support of the H225M Caracal acquisition by the Polish Armed Forces, Turbomeca (Safran) is delivering an optimum engine solution and comprehensive industrial benefits for the nation’s manufacturing sector. Turbomeca, a company founded by Joseph Szydlowski, a Polish engineer, is the world leader in helicopter engines.
The H225M is powered by the Turbomeca Makila 2. This 2,100-shp turboshaft is one of the highest-performing and most reliable engines in its category. This combat-proven engine is particularly effective when operating in military transport and rescue missions and has earned a reputation as a safe and reliable partner for operators flying in challenging conditions, notably the North Sea and extreme military environments. Certified in 2004, the Makila 2 powers the H225 and H225M helicopters (manufactured by Airbus Helicopters).
Turbomeca is delivering a complete and comprehensive industrial cooperation package to Poland’s aerospace industry. In April 2013, Turbomeca and Airbus Helicopters agreed with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze 1 (WZL 1) to establish two full assembly lines, one for the H225M and one for the Makila 2. In 2014, Turbomeca has proposed to the Polish Government a unique partnership with WZL 1 covering both the manufacturing of new Makila 2 engines and the setting up of a repair center in the factory of WZL 1 in Deblin. The transfer of such industrial capabilities will be fully supported by Turbomeca through a deep training program and reliable technical assistance.
The extensive involvement of WZL 1 within the Makila 2 Caracal program will create unique ties with Turbomeca and Safran, based on cutting-edge technologies and the sharing of technical know-how and expertise. Such long-term partnership will enhance WZL 1 capabilities and skills with regard to the aerospace standards to the benefit of the Polish Armed Forces, thus reinforcing the sovereignty and the autonomy of Poland in Europe.
Maxime Faribault, Turbomeca Executive Vice President for OEM Sales, said “Turbomeca is fully supporting the acquisition of the H225M by Poland and the creation of this industrial cooperation package. The Makila 2 is a proven and reliable solution for the Polish Armed Forces and the involvement of WZL 1, in both manufacturing and MRO support activities, will form the basis of a long-term cooperative venture. We are confident it will succeed.”
Safran has operated in Poland since 2001 via Hispano-Suiza, the world's leading maker of power transmissions for civil and military fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. The company's local subsidiary, Hispano-Suiza Polska, has over 600 employees at its Sedziszow plant. Safran plans to create 100 new jobs in the country to sustain its growth. The company has a broad customer base in the country, including not only aerospace, but also the defence and security industries, and also calls on more than 30 Polish suppliers.
Turbomeca (Safran) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer and, since its foundation in 1938, has produced over 72,000 turbines. Turbomeca offers the widest range of helicopter engines in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries. Turbomeca has 15 sites and operates on each continent, providing its customers with a proximity service through 39 distributors and certified maintenance centers, 18 Repair & Overhaul Centers, and 90 Field Representatives and Field Technicians. Turbomeca subsidiary Microturbo is the leading European manufacturer of turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.
For more information: www.turbomeca.com and www.safran-group.com.
