Safran is considering development of a variant of its rotorcraft powerplant that will be dedicated to future aircraft. To develop this new version of the Ardiden, Safran actively relies on its subcontractors' support and expertise.
The Ardiden 3 that, at the moment, record 2 versions certified by the EASA, the Ardiden 3G & 3C, has been deeply tested with more than 10 000 hours of testing that confirmed a high-level of maturity and maintenance cost.
Ardiden family includes also the Ardiden 1 and has more than 250 currently operating and 200 000 of flying time.
This variant will rely on the Tech TP turboprop demonstrator developed during the European program Clean Sky 2. First test sessions based on gaz generation application of the Ardiden 3, will take place in Safran Helicopter Engines' facilities of Tornas in the coming months.
Key technologies identified for research, include a small-sized core, advanced propeller, air inlet and gearbox. Safran is working with several partners on the project, including two sister divisions - transmission systems and aerostructures - who are major suppliers for the power and accessory gearbox, and nacelle and air intake, as well as Germany's MT-Propeller.
Safran has yet to indicate how many of the 24 suppliers may be retained for the new programme.
Under EU rules, the Tech-TP can be taken to technology readiness level 6 and must deliver significant reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and noise against a 2000 baseline.
Ardiden 3 engines are in the 1,700-2,000shp (1,270-1,490kW) power range. Two variants – the 3C and 3G – are certificated in Europe.
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