Turbomeca subsidiary Microturbo (Stand 1543) has completed the first flight tests of its new auxiliary power unit (APU) for the AgustaWestland AW189 helicopter. In-flight start has been demonstrated already, and the test unit has also successfully restarted one of the main engines in flight. “The e-APU60 is performing accordingly with our ambitious goals,” said Pierre-Yves Morvan, Microturbo’s CEO.

In parallel, the e-APU60’s certification program is progressing well, too, said the Toulouse-based company. Two additional APUs will join the five that have already undergone trials. Certification is expected by May 2013.

The new APU is being promoted for its compactness. It is 16.5-inch long yet can supply up to 60 kW of electrical power. It has been designed to meet “more-electric” architectures in business aircraft, where more systems are migrating from hydraulics to electrical thus increasing the demand for power.