New version of Arrius engine for highest performance EC 135
Turbomeca Press Release
New version of the Arrius engine for highest performance of the EC 135
"TURBOMECA announces that a new version of its ARRIUS engine, the ARRIUS 2B1A_1, has been certified for the light twin-engine helicopter EC 135 of Eurocopter. This version will allow a performance level never before obtained in category A (V.T.O.L) : the increasing of the take-off weight of the EC 135 up to 2835 kg, which is the maximum allowable weight for the helicopter and authorised by Eurocopter. This take-off weight can be operated at outside temperatures up to ISA + 5° (20°C at sea level). This range corresponds to the needs of the majority of customers. Cette
Therefore, available as a dual-source on the EC 135, the ARRIUS offers the best market performances.
"Through the certification of this new version, TURBOMECA has once again shown its great capacity to develop the performance of its engines, without making major changes to the helicopter, and to respond quickly to the needs expressed by its customers: for example, Thames Valley Police (England) have just chosen their second EC 135 helicopter with Turbomeca engines. It will be equipped with the ARRIUS 2B1A_1 engines, the sole engine available to date that allows a 2835 kg take-off weight on that aircraft in category A.
"The ARRIUS 2B2, an even higher performing version, should authorise take-off weights of 2835 kg at even higher temperatures. This should be certified by the end of 2001 and brought into service mid 2002.
"The engine reliability is a result of the experience demonstrated by the other engines of the ARRIUS family. The first version was brought into service in 1981. To date, 1,000 engines have been delivered.