Airbus Taps Turbomeca as Sole Engine Supplier for X4 Helicopter

Turbomeca has been selected by Airbus Helicopters to power their new X4 helicopters. Airbus originally planned for the PW210 engine to be used in the X4 helicopters. However, due to a comprehensive market assessment along with the need for an increase of engine power, the Turbomeca Arrano was selected. The Turbomeca Arrano 1,100 – 1,300 shaft horse power engines will provide up to 15% in fuel efficiency compared to other engines in the market. Commercially known as the TM800, the engine is designed to power four to six ton helicopters and fit the Arriel and Ardiden performance ranges.

The X4 helicopter is a medium class rotorcraft that will be larger than the 4.3t AS365 and 4.9t EC155. With the goal of replacing the EC155 Dauphin medium lift passenger transport helicopter, Airbus attempts to replace its bestselling model for a heavier and more versatile helicopter. The X4 will feature new innovative technologies and can be used in various applications such as oil and gas operations, emergency medical services, public services, business, and private aviation. The Turbomeca Arrano has completed its first bench testing and will be included in the full scale development of the X4 helicopter, with the final product planned to be showcased at the HAI HELI-EXPO 2015.

Turbomeca is a French manufacturer of low and medium power gas turbine turbo shaft engines. Although their primary products are made for helicopter applications, Turbomeca also manufactures gas turbine engines for aircraft, missiles, land, industrial, and marina applications. In 2001, the company, along with Rolls-Royce won a USD$1 billion contract to provide 399 NH90 helicopters with RTM322 engines for Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Their products are used on several leading helicopter manufactures such as Euro copter and Sikorsky. As a subsidiary of SAFRAN, the company has over 5,000 employees and has met yearly revenues of over 870 million euros.

ASAP Aerospace, a parts purchasing resource created by ASAP Semiconductor, offers a wide range of Airbus and Turbomeca parts. We provide genuine quality Airbus industries aircraft parts that go through our stringent quality control and trace verification process. Our aviation parts come with warranty for perfect fit, form and functionality. Prospective customers can browse our inclusive catalogue of obsolete and in-production Airbus and Turbomeca parts at www.asap-aerospace.com.  If you are interested in a part, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable sales staff at sales@asap-aerospace.com or call toll-free at 1-866-756-8540 for a quote.

1. jacob luiz
2. Posted on March 3, 2015
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