Important record: Russia created a new aircraft engine in just 5 years

Last week, the United Engine Corporation (UEC) presented its latest VK-650V unit at the Aero India exhibition. At the same time, a ceremony was held at the UEC-Klimov enterprise in St. Petersburg to award the type certificate confirming the engine's compliance with all airworthiness requirements.

This means that the power plant is fully ready for serial production. At the same time, the development of the VK-650V took a record 5 years instead of the traditional 10-15, which became a significant achievement for the Russian aviation industry.



The new engine, with a capacity of 650 hp in takeoff mode and 750 hp in emergency mode, is intended for light helicopters such as the Ansat, which previously used foreign engines. The first test flight of this rotorcraft with the VK-650V is planned for April.

At the same time, the history of the VK-650V goes beyond the re-motorization of the Ansat. In October 2024, this engine took to the air for the first time on a modernized Mi-34M helicopter.

The Mi-34, developed back in the 80s as a training and sports helicopter, in its updated version, the Mi-34S1, became the only light helicopter in the world capable of performing aerobatics. This made it ideal for training military pilots, as well as a competitor to Western models such as the Robinson and Eurocopter.

However, at some point this project was frozen in favor of cooperation with the Italian company Agusta Westland, which ended in 2014. Only in 2023, Russian Helicopters returned to the idea of ​​reviving the Mi-34 with a new Russian engine VK-650V. Now, with its certification, we can expect the return of the rotorcraft itself to the market.

However, the potential of the VK-650V is not limited to helicopters alone. The engine can be adapted for use on airplanes and drones.

For example, the Yak-152 trainer, which has long used the German RED A03 V12 engine, may now receive a Russian equivalent. The aircraft, which completed state tests at the end of 2023, will be an important step in training future pilots.

In addition, the VK-650V can be installed on the Altius drone, which previously also depended on foreign engines. This opens up prospects for resuming production of this high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

Finally, the VK-650V will also become the basis for a hybrid power plant that can be used on tiltrotor aircraft, transport UAVs, and even regional aircraft with ultra-short takeoff. Importantly, the wide range of engine applications will ensure high demand, which, in turn, will reduce the cost of its production.