Airbus Helicopters has selected the Turbomeca Arrano engine over Pratt & Whitney Canada’s (P&WC) PW210 for its new X4 helicopter, saying a shift in product positioning is requiring a higher-power engine.

Airbus Helicopters has evaluated both engine models since it launched the initial design concept of the X4 in 2012.  But after assessing the market and studying multiple scenarios, “Airbus Helicopters has decided to amend the product positioning, consequently necessitating a significant engine power increase,” the helicopter manufacturer said. 

Both the Turbomeca Arrano and PW210 were said to offer 1,100 shp.  But Airbus Helicopters and P&WC opted against pursuing a growth version of the PW210E.  -Instead, the two companies are collaborating on other potential new opportunities for the PW210, Airbus Helicopters added.

P&WC will continue to support the X4 program through the initial phase, Airbus Helicopters said.

The decision was announced in advance of the planned public debut of the X4 on March 3 at Heli-Expo in Orlando. Airbus Helicopters said the medium twin-engine helicopter, the successor to the EC155/Dauphin, will be designed for a range of applications, from oil -and -gas support to emergency medical services, public operations and business and private aviation.