A propósito da eventual compra de A 109 LUH para o GALE
Handover of the First Agusta Westland A109 Light Utility Helicopters to the South African Air Force
(Source: Turbomeca; issued Oct. 19, 2005)
BORDES, France --- As part of the South African Air Force’s order of 30 twin-engine A 109 LUH helicopters powered by the Turbomeca Arrius 2K2 engine, the first four aircraft have been received today by the SAAF at the Bloemfontein Base.
The A 109 LUH will carry out EMS, surveillance, troop transportation and rescue missions.
The assembly and the testing as well as the production of certain parts of the Arrius 2K2 engine are carried out by Turbomeca Africa, Johannesburg. Turbomeca’s South African site, recently modernized with new machine tools and deep maintenance workshops, will also very soon ensure local support up to the repair and overhaul of engines.
Turbomeca has worked closely with the South African Defense Forces for more than a quarter of a century, notably for the support and deep maintenance of the Artouste engines which equip the Alouette, and the Makila engines which equip the Oryx and Rooivalk.
Turbomeca Africa Pty Ltd is the result of an agreement signed in mid-2002 between the South African company Denel Ltd and Turbomeca, with the French parent company acquiring majority participation with 51% of the shares.
The Arrius 2K2 delivers a take-off power of 716 shp with a 3 000 hour TBO (time between overhauls).
The Arrius 2K2 has been ordered by Sweden and Malaysia – 20 and 11 A 109 LUH helicopters respectively.
Engines of the Arrius family now rest confidently on the experience of more than 1,800 engines delivered, totaling more than 2 million flying hours for 430 customers in 60 countries.
Turbomeca (SAFRAN Group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 50 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. With more than 2 000 customers in over 140 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 14 sites, 3 subsidiaries, 25 TurboSupport Centers, 32 repair centers and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians. The Head Office is based in Bordes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (south-west France). Microturbo, a subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.
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