The Rostec State Corporation announced that flight tests of the domestic VK-650V engine, developed by JSC United Engine Corporation (UEC), for Ka-226 (Kamov Design Bureau) and Ansat (Kazan Helicopter Plant Design Bureau) helicopters, will begin next year. Its certification is also scheduled for 2024.
The engine, which began development in 2019, is designed for air transport with a take-off weight of up to 4 tons. In various modes, the VK-650V produces from 400 to 750 hp. It is noted that the modified engine may be installed on helicopter-type drones in the future. In addition, Rostec is exploring the possibility of using the engine on Yak-152 aircraft.
Previously, the Ka-226 was equipped with an Allison / Rolls-Royce engine, and the Ka-226T modification received an Arrius 2G1 unit. The Ansat was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW200 engine.
In connection with the adoption of the import substitution program, UEC tried to localize the helicopter components as much as possible. A prototype of the import-substituted Ansat helicopter with a new engine is already ready for testing.
Www1.ru wrote that Rostec plans to supply the Russian army with Su-57 fighters with second-stage engines (product 30) under the current contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.