Anastasia Solovyova, Chief designer of the VK-650V UEC-Klimov engine, said that the certification of this engine was also planned for 2023
ST. PETERSBURG, December 13. /tass/. Flight tests of the latest Russian VK-650V engine on the Ka-226T light multipurpose helicopter will begin in 2023 in accordance with joint plans with Russian Helicopters JSC. This was reported to journalists by the chief designer of the VK-650V engine "ODK-Klimov" (part of the United Engine Corporation Rostec) Anastasia Solovyova.
"It is in 2023 that we will get on the Ka-226T for flight tests, and later we will continue to work with Ansat," she said, adding that the certification of the engine is also planned for 2023.
Currently, the engine is undergoing a stage of engineering tests, confirmation of the embedded design solutions. According to Solovyova, the engine already has a fairly good operating time and confirms the design decisions made.
"Next year is an active test of the engineering program, preliminary confirmation of all characteristics and confirmation of all test parameters for the submission of documentation, for obtaining a type certificate," the designer noted.
In 2019, the company "ODK-Klimov" announced the beginning of the development of a new VK-650V gas turbine turboshaft engine. This power plant is designed for Ka-226T and Ansat helicopters.
The Ka-226T is adapted for flights in the highlands, so the modernization project of the machine received the working name "Climber". It is distinguished from the previous models of the family by a new airframe and fuselage design with increased aerodynamic characteristics. The helicopter body is made using modern lightweight materials. The helicopter is equipped with a shock-resistant fuel system that meets the increased safety requirements. Flight tests of the light upgraded Ka-226T are currently being conducted on the basis of the test complex of the National Helicopter Building Center "Miles and Kamov". Serial production of the upgraded helicopter is planned to begin in 2022 at the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant in close cooperation with the Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise.
