The new Russian VK-650V turboshaft engine, which is intended to replace French Safran engines on light helicopters, has received a type certificate with severe limitations on its lifespan and operating modes. This was noted by the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (AST).
The initial service life of the aircraft engine in the certificate is only 74 hours. In addition, continuous operation at 590 hp is limited to 20 minutes, whereas international requirements assume up to 60 minutes.
The documentation also specifies restrictions on turbine temperature and operating conditions at high ambient temperatures.
The refinement of the allegedly certified VK-650V engine to a minimum usable state for actual operation, as well as its gearboxes, will take several more years.
The VK-650V surpasses its main competitors — Safran Arrius and the Canadian PW207 — in three key criteria: power, weight, and fuel consumption.
Sergey Chemezov, head of the Rostec state corporation, noted that the range of the VK-650V in terms of fuel consumption has increased to 640 km, in which it also surpasses its Canadian counterpart.
