Paris, March 26, 2014
In 2008 Safran Turbomeca and Avic Dong'an launched a joint project to develop, produce and support a new-generation turboshaft engine, the WZ16/Ardiden 3C, to power the AC352 helicopter.
Initial ground tests of this engine confirmed the technical choices and its performance targets. Certification by Chinese aviation authorities is expected at the end of 2015.
Safran and AVIC are pleased to announce today an initial order for 120 engines.
Given the success of this cross-border partnership, the two companies have decided to launch a new project, this time for turboprop engines.
They signed today a Memorandum of Understanding for this program, in a ceremony attended by French President François Hollande, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping.
Both Safran and AVIC said that they were very pleased with this new phase in their collaboration, which will sustain and strengthen its dynamic momentum.
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Group has 66,200 employees and generated sales of 14.7 billion euros in 2013. Working alone or in partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.8 billion Euros in 2013. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC40 index.
For more information, www.safran-group.com / Follow @SAFRAN on Twitter
Safran
Communications Department
2, bd du Général Martial Valin
75724 Paris Cedex 15 – France
www.safran-group.com
Press Contacts: :
Catherine MALEK
Tél +33 (0)1 40 60 80 28
catherine.malek@safran.fr