Three significant aviation sector firms, Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, have come together to create the future ENGHE (European Next Generation Helicopter Engine) to bolster European sovereignty in the field.
This 100% European engine is intended for the upcoming generation of European military helicopters and is expected to enter service around 2040.
The agreement signed by the three companies at the recent Paris Air Show calls for long-term collaboration among the firms, aiming to develop a cutting-edge engine with affordable operating and maintenance costs.
To this end, Safran, MTU, and Avio Aero will evenly divide the work to confront this challenge, promoting a broader European partnership that will also involve other nations of the “Old Continent”.
Back in 2023, Safran and MTU had announced their intention to collaborate on a new helicopter engine, and in 2024, they established a 50-50 joint venture, EURA (EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance), for the development of said engine.
Joining this partnership this year is Avio Aero, bringing noteworthy experience and proven engine-making capabilities for military helicopters.
According to Safran, the future ENGHE (European Next Generation Helicopter Engine) will be equipped with innovative technologies that will significantly increase its efficiency while simultaneously reducing operating and maintenance costs.
The ENGHE appears particularly suitable for the ENGRT (European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies) and NGRC (Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability) projects.
Indeed, the exceptional characteristics of the ENGHE will provide these future helicopters with improved capabilities, such as greater range, higher speed, superior maneuverability, and greater operational availability.
In addition to these improvements, the engine will also have lower fuel consumption, will be 100% compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and will incorporate an advanced electric hybridization system.
Source and image @Safran.
