The certification of the Russian VK-800 engine and AV-901 propeller for the light multi-purpose "Baikal" aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. This was announced by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov.
According to the minister, UZGA should complete the work this year. At the same time, he admitted that certification tests might face objective difficulties, but currently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade sees no reasons that would prevent them from meeting the set deadline.
This refers to two elements of the Russian "Baikal" power plant – the VK-800 turboprop engine and the AV-901 propeller. Their joint tests on the aircraft began in December 2025. During the first flight, the power plant operated without any issues.
In May 2026, the "Baikal" with VK-800 and AV-901 performed a control flight with measuring equipment. The data obtained should be used for further certification tests.
The VK-800 is designed for various applications. Depending on the modification, its power is approximately 807–870 hp. The engine is also intended for the UTS-800 training aircraft, the LMS-192 "Osvey" regional aircraft, and for re-engining localized L-410s. The design allows for further modernization, including installation on An-2 type aircraft.
The "Baikal" itself is being created for local air routes and is intended to replace the An-2. Initially, the project envisioned the American General Electric H80-100 engine and Hartzell Propeller propellers, but then the aircraft was redesigned for a Russian power plant.
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