Russian VK-650V engine gets the go-ahead for serial production

Joint-Stock Company "UEC-Klimov" has completed the development of the VK-650V turboshaft engine. The power plant is a localized replacement for foreign engines on light helicopters weighing up to 4 tons.


A significant stage in the development of domestic aviation was marked by the issuance of a type certificate. The document confirms the engine's compliance with the approved industry standards. The presentation was held in the format of a ceremonial ceremony.

The event took place in St. Petersburg. It was attended by the CEO of UEC, the head of Rosaviatsia, and the Minister of Industry and Trade.


Obtaining certification documents for the VK-650V engine opens the way to its serial production. Design, assembly and testing work took five years.

The key area of ​​application of the power plant is the re-motorization of the Ansat and Ka-226T. After the needs for these models are met, it will be used to equip other light aircraft. helicopters.

The main characteristics of the VK-650V are as follows:

✅ take-off power – 545 hp
✅ specific fuel consumption – 0,245 kg/hp*h
✅ dry weight – 105 kg

A distinctive feature of the engine is an autonomous closed-type oil complex. In addition, the Russian engine can boast of the presence of a digital two-channel automatic control system of the FADEC format.

UEC engineers also implemented a technology for emergency increase of engine power. In emergency conditions, the VK-650V is capable of briefly producing up to 630 hp for 2,5 minutes. It is assumed that in the future the power will be increased to the designed 650 "horses" in takeoff mode.

The program for creating a Russian engine is being implemented in close cooperation between several leading UEC enterprises. Certification of the engine was made possible by the following divisions:

✅ MMP named after V.V. Chernyshev
✅ "UEC-UMPO"
✅ PC "Salut"

The VK-650V is already installed on several models of domestic helicopters. One of the first was the modified Ka-226T with the index "Alpinist". This engine has also already managed to "shine" on board the light single-engine Mi-34M1 during its debut flight.


More than other helicopters, the localized modification of the Ansat is “awaiting” the power plant. According to preliminary data, its first flight will take place in April of this year.

During the above-mentioned ceremony, the head of Rosaviatsia shared the project's readiness level. Key work on certifying the import-substituting helicopter is close to completion.

The main document regulating the production of the VK-650V is the Comprehensive Program for the Development of the Aviation Industry. It assumes the production of 8 serial copies of the engine by the end of 2025. In the future, the volumes will be increased to 70-78 units every 12 months.