Turbomeca (Safran Group) and SAIC / AVIC International Signed a New Cooperation Agreement on Arriel 2B1A to Power the AC311 Helicopter

During the China Helicopter Exposition in Tianjin, Turbomeca (Safran group), leading manufacturer of gas turbines for helicopters, announces the signature of a new cooperation agreement on Arriel 2B1A with SAIC (South Aero-engine Industry Corporation) and AVIC International (AVIC International Holding Corporation). This cooperation includes engines deliveries which are scheduled in the course of 2012.

“Our cooperation in the range of light turbines is expending the scope of our joint perspectives, this engine under cooperation will power the AC311 and I am confident this new engine cooperation combined with the AC311 will meet a prompt success,” said Olivier Andries, chairman & CEO of Turbomeca.

Turbomeca in China

Turbomeca is continuing and creating even closer links between Chinese and French industries. Local presence and proximity support are reinforced with Turbomeca (Beijing) Helicopter Engines.

Furthermore, Turbomeca performed industrial worksharing with Beijing Turbomeca Changkong, the first joint company between Turbomeca and an AVIC company, to assemble and tests the hydro-mechanical modules (HCU, FCU) of turbine engines.

Powering more than 300 helicopters in China, Turbomeca is the local leading helicopter engine supplier: one helicopter out of two is equipped with Turbomeca engines or licensed products.

Turbomeca has established ties with Chinese airframers HAIG (Harbin Aircraft Industries Group) & CAIG (Changhe Aircraft Industry Group), as well as with AVIC's helicopter engine manufacturing entities Dongan and SAIC through various collaboration programs in the 2.5 to 7 ton helicopter market.

Turbomeca (Safran group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 68 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. Offering the widest range of engines in the world and dedicated to 2,350 customers in 155 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 16 sites, 26 Maintenance Centers, 24 Repair & Overhaul Centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. Microturbo, the subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.