As part of the report at the International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia-2021, UEC-Klimov JSC (part of the United Engine Corporation Rostec) presented the concept of servicing the new VK-650V helicopter engine using mobile units.

The VK-650V engine has a take-off power of 650 hp 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 implementation of the project, special attention was paid to the after-sales service of the engine. The specialists of JSC UEC-Klimov have developed the concept of a mobile service unit (MSB), which is a mobile service center that allows you to quickly deploy production facilities for any form of maintenance and repair of engines at the point of operation within 7-10 days. The basis of the SMB design is a 40-foot container, which will house a warehouse and production facility with the possibility of transportation by any means of transport.

“The service block provides for the availability of all the necessary equipment, tools and equipment. With the help of SMEs, we will ensure the fastest possible engine repair, which is an obvious competitive advantage. In addition, we will offer the lowest cost of service compared to foreign counterparts, ” said Anastasia Solovyova, Director of the PDV Program – Chief Designer.

When creating VK-650V, digital twin technology is used, which is designed to predict and increase the resource, to ensure engine reliability.

Recall that the first VK-650V demonstrator engine was assembled in December 2020. At the beginning of 2021, the first successful start-up was carried out with ignition of the combustion chamber. Testing of the demonstrator engine is now underway. In 2021, JSC UEC-Klimov plans to manufacture three prototypes of VK-650V and conduct their engineering tests. Engine certification is scheduled for 2023.