Engine aimed across Russian helicopter market (270 words)

Published: 1/26/2001

Klimov have received certification of their new engine, the VM-2500, an upgrade of the plant's existing engine, the TV3-117VMA turboshaft. The VM-2500 will replace the TV3-117 on the production lines, at both Motor Sich and Klimov, and is intended for use across a wide range of helicopters. The older TV3-117 may also be upgraded to VM-2500 standards, thus allowing a substantial increase in engine lives. Klimov say that the new engine has the potential to increase the current 7,500 hours life of the TV3-117, two- or three-fold. The new engine has been supplied to the helicopter producers, who are reported to be considering fitting the engine on a number of their products, including the Kamov Ka-50/52, the Ka-32 and the Mil-28. The engine has already been fitted to the Mi-24VM, with apparent rave reviews from the two plant's test pilots; with particular mention of the improvement in take-off power over the TV3-117VMA - due to the engine's ability to operate at a higher temperature, as a result of the use of new material for the turbine vanes. In addition to the new engine, Klimov is planning to complete the VK-1500 in the next twelve months, in cooperation with Motor Sich. Once again, this will be based on the TV3-117. Despite recent official denials from Beriev, Klimov say that they have agreements, for the engine to be fitted on the Be-32K, as rumoured. The engine is also being offered to ANTK Antonov for the An-2 upgrade (named the An-3), although the most recent An-2 upgrade has been offered the substantially larger engine, the OMKB TVD-20 (1529 shp), by Polyot.

Article ID: 2328