Ukraine company Aviakon has recently been conducting some flight tests of a the Mi-8MTV fitted with the new TV3-117VMA-SBM1V engine model, in association with engine manufacturer Motor Sich.  The TVZ-117VMA-SBM1V is based on turboprop engine TVZ-117VMA-SBM1 used by the Antonov AN-140 regional aircraft, and adapted for helicopter use – the “V” suffix relates to the Russian word Vertolet, meaning “Helicopter”.

On Wednesday 19th May, the test aircraft undertook some time-to-climb exercises and is now claiming a new record – ascending 8100m in 13 minutes, exceeding its previous trial achievement of 5000m in 9 minutes.  No record claim has yet been recorded on the FAI Records site.

In developing this new engine, the following approaches were made:

• Upgraded cooling system disks, bearings and turbine nozzle;
• Redesigned nozzle;
• Improvements to the erosion resistance at compressor blades with a titanium nitride protective coating;
• Upgrade to the design of the combustion chamber in place measures to eliminate coking of fuel in the fuel reservoir;
• Apply the new materials with improved properties and put heat-resistant coatings.
• increase overhaul life to 4,000 hours TBO

Engine testing work towards certification covered the usual wide range of tests, including use of altitude chamber at the CIAM research test centre in Moscow.  This confirmed engine performance at altitudes up to 9000 m in the range of ambient temperatures from – 60 to +60 Сelsius, and speed ranges up to 400 kmh, and engine starts at an altitude of 6000m.

The Ukrainian Air Force is already looking at a re-engine project for other TVZ-117V powered helicopters, including their Mi-24s.

At present JSC “Motor Sich” being made to develop modifications TV3-117VMA-SBM1V Series 1 with automatic control system and control type FADEC. Use of this system will further improve the characteristics of the engine and the helicopter.