On May 22, 2026, an experimental Ka-226T helicopter with two new Russian VK-650V turboshaft engines made its first full circular flight in Tomilino, Moscow Region. This was reported by the Telegram channel "Vertolyotiki". The aircraft's tail number is "226". Earlier, on March 31, the prototype had already performed a hover.
Previous Ka-226T models were equipped with French Safran Arrius 2G1 engines. Now, as part of import substitution, the aircraft has been re-equipped with two VK-650V engines developed by ODK-Klimov, as well as fully Russian onboard electronic equipment.
VK-650V engines are planned to be installed on three import-substituted light helicopters: Ka-226V, Ansat-M, and the single-engine Mi-34M1. The first Ansat-M prototype with two VK-650V engines made a full flight on September 2, 2025, in Kazan. The first Mi-34M1 prototype with one VK-650V engine took to the air in Tomilino on December 25, 2025.
The development of the VK-650V has been led by ODK-Klimov for a long time. The initially declared characteristics are: takeoff power of 650 horsepower, emergency power of 750 hp. The engine received its type certificate on December 28, 2024, although in-flight testing was practically absent. The initial service life was only 74 hours. Operating modes have serious limitations: continuous operation at 590 hp (434 kW) is limited to 20 minutes (ICAO requirements stipulate 60 minutes). The maximum continuous mode is 460 hp (338 kW). The dry weight of the engine according to the certificate is 129.5 kilograms.
