Press release
MTU and Safran to form an all-European team for development of helicopter engine technologies
21 June 2023, Paris - MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines are stepping up their joint effort to develop technologies for a new helicopter engine anticipating the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) project. Taking advantage of this year’s Paris Air Show, the two engine manufacturers are rallying additional partners to this exciting project.
More than 25 representatives of industry and academia from14 different countries attended an initial information meeting held by MTU and Safran. The two lead companies aim to form a versatile team of top-flight European partners to develop technologies for a future military helicopter engine. Following an initial technology development phase from 2025 to 2029, the partners intend to develop the engine from 2030 onwards for an entry-into-service by 2040.
MTU Aero Engines and Safran Helicopter Engines will team up with partners from across Europe to develop helicopter engine technologies that set new standards in terms of performance, robustness, affordability and sustainability. In short, the team aims for a high-performance all-European engine to provide a perfect solution to power the future European military helicopter.
Wholly designed, developed, produced and supported in Europe, this new engine will bolster Europe's technological and industrial base and supply chains. Tackling the technology development with a capable team will also foster cross-border collaboration within the industry and further consolidate European sovereignty.
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Director Corporate Communications
About MTU Aero Engines
MTU Aero Engines AG is Germany's leading engine manufacturer. The company is a technological leader in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors and turbine center frames, as well as manufacturing processes and repair techniques. In the commercial OEM business, the company plays a key role in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-tech components together with international partners. Some 30 percent of today’s aircraft in active service worldwide have MTU components. In the commercial maintenance sector the company ranks among the top three service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines, both under the MTU Maintenance brand. MTU Aero Engines is also Germany's industrial lead company for practically all engines operated by the country's military. MTU operates a network of locations around the globe, with corporate headquarters in Munich. In fiscal 2022, the company had more than 11,000 employees and posted consolidated sales of 5.3 billion euros.
About Safran Helicopter Engines
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 83 000 employees and sales of 19.0 billion euros in 2022, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.
Press
François JULIAN: francois.julian@safrangroup.com