Safran Helicopter Engines has received certification for its Aneto-1K from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This crucial milestone paves the way for the Leonardo AW189K's introduction into the Chinese civil market. This validation of type certificate (VTC) by China succeeds the earlier type certificate (TC) by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2019.

"Having received certification across Europe and Brazil, the Aneto-1K has now obtained certification in China, a pivotal development in the worldwide rollout of the AW189K. Equipped with our cutting-edge engine, the AW189K is particularly well-suited for the most demanding helicopter transport missions, in the most difficult conditions.”, said Valentin Safir, Safran Helicopter Engines Executive Vice-President, Programs.

The 2,500-shp Aneto-1K is the first model in the Aneto engine family, covering a power range from 2,500 to 3,000 shp and designed for super-medium and heavy helicopters.

Aneto engines are 25% more powerful and more responsive than existing engines of the same size. This additional power margin contributes to increase helicopter capabilities during missions, such as offshore, transport, search and rescue and fire-fighting. This translates in particular into increased payload during flights in “hot and high” conditions.