JSC UEC-Klimov has developed the VK-650V, a contemporary turboshaft engine that has been expressly engineered for light helicopters with a takeoff weight of up to four tons. The first demonstrator engine was assembled within six months, a remarkable feat of engineering efficiency, following the project’s inception in the third quarter of 2019. During the subsequent five years, the development team conducted a rigorous cycle of endurance testing and engineering, which culminated in the engine receiving its type certificate in early 2025. The demand for domestically produced power plants of this class was substantially increased by the urgent need to replace imported engines as a result of international sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign suppliers, which drove this rapid development.
The VK-650V will be fine-tuned, and the first flights of three helicopter models—the Mi-34M1, Ansat, and Ka-226—equipped with this new engine will initiate in the current year, according to UEC-Klimov’s press service. The VK-650V is anticipated to enhance the efficacy and reliability of these helicopters, which are essential to Russia’s light aviation sector.
The VK-650V’s design is based on cutting-edge digital engineering technologies, such as additive manufacturing, 3D modeling, and digital duplicates. Components manufactured through 3D printing comprise approximately 12% of the engine’s mass, particularly in critical parts like the turbine and combustion chamber. This method not only expedites the development process but also improves the precision and quality of the final product. Engineers were able to reduce the engine’s weight to 105 to 115 kilograms while maintaining the engine’s long-term durability and strength through the implementation of advanced heat-resistant alloys and a modular construction philosophy.
The VK-650V’s dual-channel digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system is a critical feature that enhances operational reliability and provides highly accurate parameter control. The engine is capable of producing 650 horsepower during launch and up to 750 horsepower in emergency mode, which can be maintained for a maximum of 2.5 minutes. The VK-650V is positioned as a direct replacement for foreign engines, particularly the Pratt & Whitney PW207K, which previously powered the Ansat and Ka-226T helicopters, based on these performance figures. The Russian engine not only matches but, in some instances, surpasses the launch power and specific performance characteristics of its Western counterparts.
The VK-650V’s allure to helicopter manufacturers and operators is further enhanced by its high power-to-weight ratio and closed-loop autonomous oil system. The engine’s modular design enables easy adaptation to various aircraft classes, such as both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is designed to operate consistently in a broad range of temperatures, from as low as -55°C to as high as +60°C, and at altitudes of up to 7,000 meters, rendering it suitable for various geographical and climatic conditions.
The VK-650V project’s assimilation into hybrid powerplants is one of its most innovative features. UEC-Klimov has already created a hybrid propulsion system that integrates a conventional gas turbine engine with electric motors and batteries, using the VK-650V. This composite system has been showcased at numerous aviation and helicopter exhibitions and is considered a promising solution for advanced aircraft, air taxis, and next-generation UAVs. The hybrid demonstrator is intended to considerably broaden the potential applications of the VK-650V engine family by generating up to 500 kW of power.
Salyut, UEC-UMPO, Chernyshev MMP, CIAM, and VIAM collaborated extensively to develop and manufacture the VK-650V. These organizations ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to the project by contributing to the engine’s design, manufacturing, and testing. The use of additive manufacturing is particularly noteworthy, as VIAM provides 3D-printed components, including turbine nozzles and transition ducts, and UEC-UMPO implements welding and brazing technologies for additive parts.
Certification of the VK-650V was accomplished in an unprecedented amount of time—from the inception of the project to type approval—in a mere five years. The engine was initially verified with a takeoff power rating of 545 horsepower, with the intention of increasing this to the design target of 650 horsepower after undergoing additional certification tests. The free turbine shaft’s initial time before overhaul (TBO) is set at just under 75 hours, while other main components are subject to a life limit of 100 cycles. These figures are anticipated to substantially increase over time, with future objectives of 4,500 hours or 3,000 cycles for hot section parts and up to 9,000 hours or 6,000 cycles for cool section parts.
The VK-650V is designed to be the standard engine for a new generation of light Russian helicopters, such as the Ansat, Ka-226T, and Mi-34M1. It is also being considered for export and for installation on foreign helicopters, including Iran’s Saba 248, China’s Changhe Z-11, and the Shahed 285. The VK-650V is currently being assessed for potential use in unmanned aerial vehicles and training aircraft such as the Yak-152, in addition to its application in helicopters. The engine is a critical component of Russia’s endeavors to establish technological independence in the aerospace sector and to effectively compete in the global aviation market due to its adaptability and sophisticated features.
The VK-650V-based engine family is anticipated to expand in the future with the introduction of hybrid and electric modifications that are specifically designed for various aircraft classes. The ongoing development and refinement of the VK-650V and its derivatives are indicative of Russia’s dedication to the advancement of its domestic aerospace industry and the reduction of its dependence on foreign technology.
Official Website of Youtube Channel – Altitude Addicts