For the first time in Russian history, the United Engine Corporation Rostec designed a VK-1600V helicopter engine using only 3D modeling. All design documentation for the power plant demonstrator created at UEC-Klimov has been released in electronic form.

The use of 3D design has a number of significant advantages: ease of reading, the use of models with annotations as design documentation, and full consideration of all adjacent nodes.

“VK-1600V is the first engine in Russian history that was designed without drawings on paper at all. All work is carried out electronically, which allows you to always have the necessary contextual information in front of your eyes. Working with 3D models makes it possible to design the engine directly “inside” the helicopter, to control the docking of objects both in the power plant itself and in the engine nacelle, ”the acting director said. Deputy Program Director – Acting Anton Kolosov, deputy chief designer of VK-1600 JSC “UEC-Klimov” .

When creating the VK-1600V demonstrator, up to 70% of the casting will be replaced with parts created using 3D printing. Elements, including the “hot” part of the power plant, will be manufactured using additive technologies.

Earlier it was reported that it is planned to present the VK-1600V demonstrator engine in the third quarter of this year. The assembled demonstrator will go to the first tests, where its main characteristics, stated in the terms of reference, must be confirmed. The type certificate is planned to be obtained in 2023, and in 2024 to start mass production.

The new engine is designed for installation on Ka-62 helicopters, multipurpose and special helicopters with a takeoff weight of 5-8 tons. The power of the VK-1600V in takeoff mode is 1400 hp. A modern automatic regulation and control unit BARK-15V, which was also developed by JSC UEC-Klimov, will work together with the engine.