Airbus Helicopters has said it values Pratt & Whitney Canada as a strong partner on the existing EC135 and EC175 platforms and is collaborating with P&WC on new opportunities including the PW210.
However, Airbus Helicopters stated, the X4 program will now enter into full-scale development with a new uprated Turbomeca ARRANO engine, leading to a potential heavier machine. The X4 is Airbus Helicopters’ new-generation medium twin-engine helicopter. Incorporating innovative technologies, the X4 will be tailored to a wide range of applications, including oil and gas operations, emergency medical services, public services, and business and private aviation.
In 2012 Airbus Helicopters launched the X4 initial design concept around two turboshaft engine options: P&WC’s PW210E and Turbomecas ARRANO.
At the conclusion of the preliminary phase, and founded on a comprehensive market assessment, Airbus Helicopters said it had decided to amend the product’s market positioning, necessitating a substantial engine power increase.
Since then multiple scenarios have been studied with both engine manufacturers. Airbus Helicopters and P&WC then decided not to pursue a growth version of the PW210E engine for the X4 Program. Nevertheless, &WC will continue to provide support until completion of the initial phase.
