Safran Helicopter Engines has received European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the 3G variant of its Ardiden powerplant for the Kamov Ka-62 medium twin.
Granted on 12 June, the approval is the culmination of a 10-year effort, with certification for the Ardiden 3G originally applied for on 11 September 2007, according to EASA documents.
So far, the Ardiden 3G has accumulated more than 8,500h of ground and flight testing.
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Bruno Even, Safran Helicopter Engines’ chief executive, says: “This first certification is a major milestone in the Ardiden 3 programme.
“The engine is also performing extremely well and represents a major step for the Ka-62 flight-test programme. We are fully committed to support Russian Helicopters as it approaches entry into service.”
The 6.5t maximum take-off weight Ka-62 made its maiden sortie on 25 May, having performed low hovers about a year earlier.
EASA documents list the Ardiden 3G as producing 1,170shp (870kW) maximum continuous power, 1,360hp at take-off or 1,500shp with one engine inoperative.
A separate variant, the 3C, has been selected to power the Avicopter AC352, the Chinese-built version of the Airbus Helicopters H175.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
