Safran Helicopter Engines has made the first ground run of its Tech TP, a turboprop technological demonstrator based on an Ardiden 3 turboshaft and developed as part of the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The test took place at the company's facility in Tarnos, France on 12 June. More than 20 European partners are contributing to this technological demonstrator.

The Tech TP aims are to validate the technologies required to develop a new-generation turboprop, featuring a compact, lightweight architecture and offering 15 per cent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than current engines. Tech TP would then form the basis for developing a turboprop derivative of the Ardiden 3, ready for integrating into future aircraft designs through leveraging the skills of European partners.

The Tech TP test campaign will validate the behaviour of a complete propulsive system, integrating a gas generator, nacelle, air intake and propeller. It will also evaluate the case for more electric technologies, notably in the accessory gearbox and propeller controller components.

EVP engineering Didier Nicoud says: “Supported by the European Commission, the Tech TP technological demonstrator relies on the skills and know-how of more than 20 European partners through the Clean Sky 2 framework. This first run is a very important milestone toward the validation of a new European turboprop engine, due to enter the market in the coming years and offering increased performance, competitive operating costs and low environmental footprint.”

“Congratulations to Safran and its many partners across Europe on this achievement to promote European cleaner aviation by substantially reducing CO2 emissions. We look forward to the promising next steps,” adds Axel Krein, executive director of Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking.

The Ardiden 3 is a new-generation turboshaft in the 1,700 to 2,000 shp power range. Two EASA-certified models, the Ardiden 3C and 3G, have completed over 10,000 hours of tests, confirming high levels of design maturity and competitive operating and maintenance costs. In addition, more than 250 Ardiden 1 engines are already in service, completing over 200,000 flying hours. The Ardiden 3 features a remarkably compact modular architecture, a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and low cost-of-ownership.