Helicopter turboshaft engines — the four families that power modern rotorcraft

Four engine families power the vast majority of civilian turbine helicopters flying today: Rolls-Royce M250 (formerly Allison 250), Safran Arriel, Pratt & Whitney PT6 and Honeywell LTS101 / T53. This guide explains what each does, what they cost to buy and overhaul, and which airframes they power.

A turboshaft is a turbine engine optimised to produce shaft power rather than thrust — perfect for spinning a rotor. The four civilian families below cover everything from the Robinson R66 to the AW139, and knowing their TBO, HSI cost and approved MRO network is the foundation of every used-helicopter purchase decision.

ChopperSwap's Turbine Engines marketplace lists serviceable, overhauled and core units across all four families, with TSN, TSO, hot-section status, LLP remaining life and tag enforced at upload.

Steps

Rolls-Royce M250 (formerly Allison 250) — The most common civilian helicopter turbine in history. Variants C20 (420 shp), C28, C30 (650 shp), C47 (715 shp). Powers Bell 206/206L/407, Hughes/MD 369/500/520N, AS350 BA/B1/B2 (C20), Robinson R66 (RR300 derivative). TBO 3,500–6,000 hrs.
Safran Arriel (1B, 2B, 2D, 2S) — French twin-spool turboshaft. Powers AS350 B2/B3 (Arriel 1D/2B/2D), AS355 (twin Arriel 1A), EC130, EC135 P2/P3, AW109, S-76C. Module-based maintenance philosophy. TBO 3,000–5,000 hrs.
Pratt & Whitney PT6B / PT6C — PT6B variants in S-76A/B/C+, AW119; PT6C in EC135 T-variants and AW139. Built for endurance and IFR/twin operations. TBO 3,500 hrs typical. Highest overhaul cost of the four families.
Honeywell LTS101 / T53 — LTS101 in BK117 (early), AS350 D, AW109A. T53 in Bell 204/205/212/214 and UH-1 series. Robust military lineage. Smaller approved MRO network than M250 or Arriel.
Engine cost ranges (2026 indicative) — M250 mid-life used: $80k–

Why ChopperSwap

All four families in one marketplace

Search M250, Arriel, PT6 and LTS101 side by side, with comparable structured data.

Approved MRO directory

Cross-link from any engine listing to Part-145 shops with type-approval scope for that engine family.

Free to browse and request

Buyers pay nothing — browsing, messaging, document requests and Wanted posts are free.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Rolls-Royce M250 and Allison 250?

They are the same engine. Allison Engine Company developed the Model 250 in the 1960s; Rolls-Royce acquired Allison in 1995 and now markets it as the Rolls-Royce M250. Logbooks may use either name.

Which helicopter engine is most popular?

By installed base, the Rolls-Royce M250 / Allison 250 family — tens of thousands flying across Bell, Hughes/MD, Airbus light-singles, Agusta and many more.

How much does a helicopter turbine engine cost?

Mid-life used: M250 $80k–

Can I buy a turboshaft engine for an experimental aircraft?

Yes — surplus M250 and Lycoming derivatives are listed on ChopperSwap for experimental and rotorcraft kit projects, clearly labelled as non-certified.

How do I find a Safran Arriel for an AS350?

ChopperSwap's Turbine Engines marketplace — filter by Arriel and variant (1B, 1D, 2B, 2D). If nothing matches, post a free Engine Wanted request that broadcasts to every seller.