Safran and MTU Launch EURA Alliance for Next-Gen European Military Helicopter Engine

Safran and MTU Launch EURA Alliance for Next-Gen European Military Helicopter Engine

(IN BRIEF) Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines have established a 50/50 joint venture named EURA (European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance). This alliance aims to develop a new European engine for future military helicopters by 2040, focusing on enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. The agreement, signed at the French Embassy in Berlin, marks a significant step towards bolstering European defense capabilities and securing sovereignty in military aviation.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 27-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant move for European defense and technological advancement, Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines have formalized their collaboration with the establishment of EURA (European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance), a 50/50 joint venture. This initiative is poised to drive the development of a new, fully European engine for future military helicopters, engaging with a network of industrial and technological partners from across Europe.

The signing ceremony for this landmark agreement was held at the French Embassy in Berlin, attended by notable figures such as François Delattre, France’s Ambassador to Germany, and Thomas Hitschler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Defense. The agreement was signed by Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, and Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer of MTU Aero Engines, highlighting a continuation of the longstanding partnership between the two companies. EURA’s headquarters will be located in Bordes, France, with the CEO to be selected from MTU.

EURA’s primary objective is to develop a new heavy helicopter engine intended for deployment in European military helicopters by 2040. This engine aims to enhance efficiency while reducing operating and maintenance costs, aligning with the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) project. The advanced engine is expected to deliver superior capabilities, including extended range, increased speed, improved maneuverability, and higher availability.

The formation of EURA is anticipated to stimulate specific calls for military helicopter engines within the European Defence Fund (EDF), with Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines prepared to lead a consortium of partners in response.

“EURA represents a commitment to European sovereignty in military aviation,” said Cédric Goubet. “This joint venture will allow us to innovate with new technologies such as hybrid-electric propulsion and high-temperature materials, meeting the future needs of helicopter projects.”

Michael Schreyögg added, “This initiative for a new European engine is a crucial step in enhancing European defense capabilities and the high-tech supply chain. Efficient project management and agile decision-making, facilitated by EURA, are essential for developing this next-generation engine.”

The agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Paris Air Show in June 2023, reinforcing Safran and MTU’s dedication to advancing European military aviation. This venture complements their ongoing collaboration in powering the New Generation Fighter within the FCAS program.

Safran  is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 92 000 employees and sales of 23.2 billion euros in 2023, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.

MTU Aero Engines AG is Germany’s leading engine manufacturer. The company is a technological leader in low-pressure turbines, high-pressure compressors and turbine center frames, as well as manufacturing processes and repair techniques. In the commercial OEM business, the company plays a key role in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-tech components together with international partners. Some 30 percent of today’s aircraft in active service worldwide have MTU components. In the commercial maintenance sector the company ranks among the top three service providers for commercial aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines, both under the MTU Maintenance brand. MTU Aero Engines is also Germany’s industrial lead company for practically all engines operated by the country’s military. MTU operates a network of locations around the globe, with corporate headquarters in Munich. In fiscal 2023, the company had a workforce of more than 12,000 employees and posted consolidated sales of 6.3 billion euros.

Media Contacts:

François JULIAN
francois.julian@safrangroup.com

Markus WOELFLE
markus.woelfle@mtu.de

SOURCE: MTU Aero Engines AG