Turbomeca details tech transfer to Poland

BORDES, France, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- French engine-maker Turbomeca is transferring to Poland technology for the assembly and repair of Makila 2 engines that power H225M Caracal helicopters.

The H225M Caracal from Eurocopter, now part of Airbus, is a tactical transport helicopter which is being acquired by the Polish military and is powered by the Makila 2. As part of a 2013 sales deal with Poland, Turbomeca agreed to transfer its engine technology to Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze 1, or WZL 1, who will manufacture the 2,100-shp turboshaft engines for the Polish Caracals.

Torbomeca on Thursday said that under the deal, it will provide WZL 1 with two assembly lines for the engines and establish a repair center in the factory of WZL 1 in Deblin.

The long-term partnership with the Polish company "will enhance WZL 1 capabilities and skills with regard to the aerospace standards to the benefit of the Polish Armed Forces, thus reinforcing the sovereignty and the autonomy of Poland in Europe," Turbomeca said.

"Turbomeca is fully supporting the acquisition of the H225M by Poland and the creation of this industrial cooperation package," said Maxime Faribault, Turbomeca's executive vice president for OEM Sales. "The Makila 2 is a proven and reliable solution for the Polish Armed Forces and the involvement of WZL 1, in both manufacturing and MRO support activities, will form the basis of a long-term cooperative venture."

Turbomeca is a subsidiary of Safran of France, which has done business in Poland since 2001 through Hispano-Suiza, a manufacturer of power aircraft transmissions.