St Petersburg, Russia-based engine manufacturer UEC-Klimov JSC, part of the United Engine Corporation of Rostec State Corporation, has begun the development of a new VK-650V gas turbine turboshaft engine.

This power plant has a takeoff power of 650 hp and also delivers from 400 to 750 hp in various modes. It is designed for the Ka-226T helicopter and only Russian-made parts and assembly units will be used for serial production.

Design documentation for the demonstrator engine and its systems, including automatic control systems, should be issued by the end of 2019 and the company expects the power plant to be certified in four years' time.

The main challenge facing designers is to create a simple and reliable design with a minimum life cycle cost. Based on the design solutions that are embedded in this engine, a family of power plants with a capacity of 500 to 700 hp can be created.

The company claims the VK-650V embodies modern technical solutions that meet the latest trends in world and domestic aircraft engine manufacturing.

JSC UEC-Klimov is engaged in the development and production of gas turbine engines and control systems for aircraft and helicopters. The company has developed helicopter engines for the TV3-117/VK-2500, VK-2500PS-03 and TV7-117V families, the RD-33, and for TV7-117C/SM/ST aircraft engines and their control systems. Its quality management system is certified according to the international standard AS 9100 rev.D. It is a member of United Engine Corporation.

United Engine Corporation JSC, a part of Rostec State Corporation, is an integrated structure specialising in the development, serial production and maintenance of engines for military and civil aviation, space programmes and the navy, as well as the oil and gas industry and energy. One of the priorities of UEC is the implementation of comprehensive programmes for the development of industry enterprises with the introduction of new technologies that meet international standards.