Rostec revealed details about the first flight of the new Ka-226T helicopter with the import-substituted VK-650V engine, which will replace the French Safran on domestic machines. The test trials lasted only 20 minutes.
Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of the state corporation, noted that the power unit operated normally, demonstrating reliable integration with all helicopter systems.
The technical characteristics of the engine will improve the flight and operational capabilities of the machine. We expect that the refined machine will be widely in demand in Russia and abroad.
The initial resource of the VK-650V in the certificate is only 74 hours. In addition, the continuous operation mode at 590 hp is limited to 20 minutes.
However, international requirements suggest up to 60 minutes. It is likely that these characteristics will be improved during refinement.
The VK-650V surpasses its main competitors – Safran Arrius and the Canadian PW207 – in three key criteria: power, mass, and fuel consumption.
