The United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Russia has earned a type certificate for the VK-650V aviation engine, which is intended for light helicopters weighing up to 4 tonnes. This certification authorises the engine’s usage in the Russian Ansat and Ka-226T helicopters. The VK-650V is Russia’s first helicopter engine capable of producing between 650 and 750 horsepower. The VK-650V’s development began in 2019, and engineering testing were finished in 2023. The engine acquired its type certificate in early 2025.
The VK-650V engine has a take-off power of 650hp and is designed to operate as part of the Russian Ka-226T light-class helicopters. It can also be installed on Ansat-U, VRT-500 helicopters and foreign helicopters of the same payload class. The main advantages of the new engine are the modularity of the design, the use of additive technologies, a high resource and the presence of an automatic control system (ACS) of the FADEC type, which is also being developed by JSC “UEC-Klimov”
During the VK-650V project’s execution, the engine’s after-sales servicing received special attention. To guarantee effective maintenance and repair, JSC UEC-Klimov created a mobile service unit (MSB), which is basically a mobile service facility. This unit may be quickly installed to the place of operation in 7-10 days, offering manufacturing facilities for all types of engine maintenance and repair. The MSB is built around a 40-foot container, housing both a warehouse and a production facility, and is designed to be transportable by any means.
Russian authorities are scheduled to submit and renew their proposal to sell the KA-226T to India at Aero India 2025. ROSTEC intends to present a replica of the Ka-226T during the event. Aero India 2025 begins on February 10.
A previous attempt to jointly build the KA-226T in India was stalled owing to conflicts over knowledge transfer and the unavailability of the French-made Safran engine that was originally intended for the helicopter.
The latest plan might involve assembling the VK-650V in India, following successful partnerships in engine manufacture and assembly for the Su-30MKI aircraft. The VK-650V is intended to replace foreign engines on the Ansat and Ka-226T helicopters.
The initial agreement between India and Russia, signed in 2015, aimed to jointly manufacture 200 Ka-226T helicopters at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. The first 40 helicopters were to be built in Russia, with the remaining 160 to be manufactured and assembled in Tumkur, Karnataka, with increasing local production.
The local manufacturing in India is planned via a joint venture called Indo-Russian Helicopters, with HAL owning 50.5%, Russian Helicopters holding 42.5%, and Rosoboronexport holding 7%.
The KA-226T is suited for operations in the Himalayas and can operate on one engine and rotor blade set in emergencies. Its detachable payload compartment can be modified for troop transport, cargo delivery, and medical evacuation.
