Aneto: Safran’s New Medium Helicopter proposition

Added Value

Safran’s Aneto engine offers the optimum propulsion solution for the Leonardo AW149 that will enable the UK New Medium Helicopter (NMH) to operate unconstrained by environmental conditions at maximum payload whilst offering the additional power margin for through-life weight growth. In parallel, Safran’s social value proposal will provide the greatest number of new UK jobs alongside the industry’s most proactive approach to decarbonisation.

Proposal

Working in support of Leonardo, Safran is the only engine manufacturer able to provide the AW149 with a complete package of Aneto engines, Auxiliary Power Units and robust through-life support that has been proven in previous military campaigns.  This solution will cost-effectively enable the best helicopter performance whilst maximising the programme’s contribution to UK prosperity.

 

The advantages of the Aneto solution in 5 main themes

• Embracing social value

Safran’s solution offers maximum UK content with a £10m internal investment and over 30 dedicated new local jobs delivering engine manufacturing, test, maintenance, repair and customer support for UK NMH and all future export sales. We also offer meaningful additional social value contributions such as market leading proposals for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and exciting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives with local schools. 

• Our investment commitments:

- Safran will invest in a new Aneto engine and eAPU assembly and test facility in Fareham

- Safran will invest in a new Aneto engine and eAPU overhaul and test facility in Fareham

- Safran will further invest in an overhaul facility for the RTM322 supporting the UK MOD

- This solution will create a significant number of new high skill jobs in Fareham area.

• Unrivalled engine performance

The Aneto-1K engine delivers unrivalled power and responsiveness, enabling maximum payloads to be carried in hot and high environments or with One Engine Inoperative (OEI).  The Aneto-1K's ability to operate in the harshest environments is based on the experience gained with the RTM322 engine over its two million hours in flight. Furthermore, the Aneto-1K is already approved for the use of SAF.

 

• Optimised overall cost of ownership

Best overall cost of ownership will be offered thanks to Safran’s highly competitive pricing for both initial acquisition and through-life support. Economies of scale will be achieved as a result of the commonality with existing tooling, support equipment and training which is already in place for the UK Armed Forces AW101 Merlin RTM322 engine fleet.

• Rapid route to operational capability

The fastest route to military certification and a rapid entry-into-service will be possible thanks to an ITAR free engine and Safran’s broad experience of the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulatory environment. Engines can be provided in the required timelines thanks to existing stock and short lead-times along with the existing facilities already in place at our UK Fareham facility.

• Proven support to UK MOD

Trusted service excellence alongside the highest levels of engine availability and reliability will be assured, as demonstrated by Safran’s current Merlin/Apache engine support contract. Simple engine maintenance and optimised maintenance hours per flying hour will minimise military maintainer workloads.