Turbomeca Astazou
A conventional engine in an usual application! The Turbomeca Astazou is a single shaft gas turbine employed as a helicopter engine. The engine is started without the load of the rotor system and then takes up the drive via a special clutch. Most helicopters are fitted with a twin or even three shaft (RR Gem) gas turbine engines, as the engine starts the drive is taken up gradually via free power-turbine. The Astazou is a high performance, responsive unit and is fitted to the Aerospacial Gazelle military helicopter. A few other variants may be found fitted to other helicopters and there is also a turbo-prop version. Turbomeca also developed a prototype Turbo-Fan variant but this did not go in to production.

An easy to operate engine as it has only one spool and a hydro-mechanical fuel control system. Nice but noisy unit when operated close up.

 

See Movie! Astazou start-up and running on youtube

 

 

Astazou Specification
Power Output..........................600 SHP
RPM........................................43,000
Compressor............................One/Two Stage Axial plus Centrifugal Impeller. Power lever operated air bleed valve.
Combustion Chamber..............Radial Unit with Rotary Atomiser
Turbine.....................................3 Stage Axial Flow
Layout.....................................Single Shaft with Reduction Gear and Accessory gearbox
Starting.....................................Electric starter-generator
Ignition.....................................2 Torch Ignitors with High Tension Spark. Electric Torch Feed Pump
Fuel System.............................Gear Pump with Centrifugal Governor and Pneumatic Controls Engine Oil also used in governor control circuits, Authority warning switch
Lubrication...............................Dry Sump with Reservoir built into front gearbox. External (Airframe mounted) Oil Cooler
Accessories..............................400 Hz AC Alternator
Oil Spec...................................MIL-L-7808 OX7 Aeroshell 390
Output Shaft Speed...................6100 rpm
Rotation....................................Clockwise when viewed from the front
Instrumentation..........................%RPM Tacho , EGT Probes, Oil Temp Probe, Oil & Fuel Pressure Switches
Weight.....................................324 Lbs
Length.....................................56 in
Width......................................18 in
Application..............................SA341 Aerospacial Gazelle Helicopter, Turbo-Prop, Navy/Industrial version

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