Image: Julian Herzog ( Website ) · CC BY 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Klimov Advances VK-1600S Turboprop to Power Modernised An-2 Aircraft
United Engine is developing the VK-1600S turboprop demonstrator based on a helicopter engine to support modernisation of An-2 planes with 1,450shp power output.
The gist
Klimov’s VK-1600S turboprop demonstrator aims to replace aging An-2 engines with a modern 1,450shp powerplant derived from a helicopter engine.
Russia’s United Engine is preparing to build a demonstrator for a new turboprop engine designed to power smaller aircraft, notably modernised variants of the Antonov An-2, a stalwart biplane still widely operated in the region. The VK-1600S turboprop prototype has reached the completion of its design documentation stage, marking a key step toward fabrication and testing. This development reflects ongoing efforts to modernise aging Soviet-era aircraft with updated powerplants to improve performance and extend operational lives.
The VK-1600S is engineered to produce 1,450 shaft horsepower (1.08 megawatts) at take-off and is adapted from the Klimov VK-1600V turboshaft engine originally developed for helicopters. United Engine has highlighted that this turboprop shares significant parts commonality—approximately 60-65%—with its helicopter counterpart, particularly the gas generator component, which shortens development time by leveraging existing technologies.
The turboprop engine is seen as a key component in projects such as the TVS-2DTS, a modernised version of the Antonov An-2. Previous plans for An-2 modernisation considered integrating Honeywell powerplants, but the new VK-1600S aims to provide a domestically produced alternative to meet ongoing needs. This is especially relevant given the large existing fleet of An-2 aircraft still active in Russia, which require updated engines to maintain viability and improve efficiency.
Rostec, the state-owned technology corporation, underscored the continuing demand for replacement engines for these older aircraft models. By developing a new turboprop specifically tailored for this category, United Engine is poised to support the regional aviation sector’s efforts to upgrade legacy aircraft rather than retire them prematurely. This approach aligns with broader goals of sustaining utility aviation in Russia and nearby markets.
In addition to the engine itself, the VK-1600S will be paired with the Aerosila AV-17 propeller, a combination intended to optimize performance for the expected missions of the modernised An-2 variants. The integration of such a propeller indicates a focus on balancing power output with propulsive efficiency, supporting utility roles that include agricultural, cargo, and passenger transport in challenging environments.
Klimov’s chief designer, Anton Kolosov, confirmed that work is underway to complete the engine demonstrator and to create a dedicated test rig essential for validating the design and supporting the certification process. The demonstrator stage is critical for assessing the prototype’s capabilities under simulated operational conditions, ensuring reliability before serial production.
Modernising the venerable An-2 with a new powerplant is a strategic move responding to practical challenges facing operators who rely on this aircraft in remote and rugged regions. The VK-1600S represents not only an engineering update but a commitment to sustaining the operational heritage of a unique aircraft that remains ubiquitous in Russia’s utility fleet.
The decision to base the turboprop on an existing helicopter engine platform reduces risk and development costs, accelerating availability. This strategy allows United Engine to leverage proven technology foundations while tailoring the output and design for fixed-wing needs. The 60-65% parts commonality helps maintain economies of scale and simplifies maintenance across platforms sharing engine components.
As the VK-1600S project advances to prototype testing, its success will be a significant milestone for Russian engine manufacturers aiming to support indigenous aircraft modernisation programs. This development sets a precedent for repowering legacy aircraft with contemporary engines tailored to local aviation requirements, reinforcing the sustainability of utility aviation operations in the region.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Klimov VK-1600S engine designed for?
- The VK-1600S turboprop engine is designed to power smaller aircraft, including modernised versions of the Antonov An-2, with an output of 1,450 shaft horsepower at take-off.
- How does the VK-1600S relate to existing engines?
- The VK-1600S is based on the Klimov VK-1600V helicopter engine and shares 60-65% of components, using key parts like the gas generator to speed development.
- Why is a new engine needed for the An-2 aircraft?
- Many An-2 aircraft remain in service in Russia and require new engines for modernisation to maintain operational capability and meet current performance standards.
Read more
All Regulatory →
FAA Opposes Cleveland's Plan to Close Burke Lakefront Airport; Congressional Override Lacks Support
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on Friday publicly opposed Cleveland's effort to close Burke Lakefront Airport, while Ohio Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted indicated they would not support using Congress to bypass the FAA's traditional review process. FAA Opposes Closure "We need to talk about how to reopen new facilities, not how do we close existing valuable real estate," Bedford told News 5 Cleveland. The administrator said the FAA generally opposes airport closures and cited anticipated growth in air traffic, including drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, as part of the agency's reasoning for retaining capacity. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's administration has been pursuing the possible closure of Burke as part of a broader redevelopment of the city's lakefront. The city says the airport is underused and has operated at a multimillion-dollar deficit over the past two decades. Burke primarily serves business and general aviation aircraft, flight schools and medical helicopters. Cleveland has studied possible replacement uses for the property that include parks, trails, recreation facilities and other development. Congressional Path Loses Support The city has identified two potential routes for closing Burke , either through the FAA's standard process or through congressional action. Moreno said Friday that he would not support overriding the FAA, while Husted's office said any proposed change should proceed through the traditional FAA review process. Existing federal and state grant obligations could otherwise require the city to maintain Burke until 2039. Cleveland would also have to avoid taking additional grants that could extend those obligations. "Congress was the shortcut that Mayor Bibb was counting on to close the airport," AOPA Great Lakes Regional Manager Kyle Lewis said. "We have worked behind the scenes for months and had many productive conversations with local and federal officials on this important issue. We've said from the beginning that the city should work with the FAA to develop an airport master plan to provide an unbiased path forward for the airport that takes the needs and concerns of all parties into consideration."
FAA and Ohio Senators Firmly Oppose Closure of Burke Lakefront Airport
Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org Washington, DC, Aug. 15, 2026 –  The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) applauds the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Ohio's U.S. senators for … Continued
Pilatus inaugurates $123M Schwarzhorn composite manufacturing center in Nidwalden
Pilatus has opened a new CHF 100 million ($123 million) composite manufacturing center in Switzerland as it prepares to expand the use of the lighter-weight materials in future aircraft. The new "Schwarzhorn" building in the Swiss canton of Nidwalden brings Pilatus' composite development and production operations together under one roof for the first time. The facility provides workspaces for about 300 employees. Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher said the project represents the company's largest investment in a single new facility to date. Pilatus has used fiber-reinforced composite materials for more than 40 years, although their use was traditionally limited to non-load-bearing parts such as covers and cowlings. That changed with the PC-24 twinjet, which uses composites in primary structures including load-bearing control surfaces. The lighter structures help reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption, and Pilatus said it plans to increase its use of composites in the future. The Schwarzhorn facility handles the full production process, starting with delivery and storage of raw materials and continuing through component manufacturing, subassembly and surface treatment. Finished component kits can then be sent directly to final assembly. Pilatus said the manufacturing areas were also designed to accommodate new production and inspection technologies and greater automation in the future. Bringing engineering and manufacturing teams into the same facility is intended to improve cooperation between the two groups. "With this building, Pilatus is once again reaffirming its commitment to Switzerland as a place of innovation, manufacturing, and training," Bucher said. The facility also incorporates photovoltaic panels on its roof and facades, while waste heat from production processes and groundwater are used for heating and cooling. Pilatus is seeking LEED Platinum certification for the building, which would be a first for the company. The Schwarzhorn name refers both to a Swiss mountain and to the dark color of the composite components produced there.
Italy Seizes Multiple Foreign-Registered GA Aircraft Amid Intensified Customs Enforcement
Italian authorities have seized several foreign-registered general aviation aircraft in recent months as the country's financial police increase customs and tax enforcement at airports. One case involves an N-registered Mooney M20K that was seized at Trento Airport April 9 and had not been released when German aviation publication Aerokurier reported on the case in late June. The aircraft's owner said his attorney was handling eight seizure cases and knew of roughly 30 similar cases across Italy. The Mooney was imported into Europe in 1988, initially carried German registration and was transferred to the FAA registry after an ownership change in 2006, according to Aerokurier . The aircraft subsequently remained based in Europe for approximately two decades. “Italian customs demanded documents relating to the aircraft’s import, including customs clearance, that were no more than six months old—which, naturally, cannot be provided, as the aircraft has been based in Europe for decades,” the owner told Aerokurier in a statement translated from German. The publication also reported that an N-registered Cirrus owned by a French pilot was seized after a weather diversion to Pescara. Foreign Registrations Under Scrutiny AOPA Germany issued a warning on July 9, stating that the Guardia di Finanza has increased inspections involving foreign-registered aircraft, particularly those carrying U.S. N-numbers, San Marino T7 registrations and Swiss HB registrations. Authorities are reportedly examining ownership, tax and customs status and aircraft use. Company-owned aircraft can receive additional scrutiny over whether flights are private or constitute commercial transportation. AOPA Germany said increased enforcement has been particularly noticeable in northeastern Italy. The dispute also involves aircraft that have already been imported into the European Union . In the Mooney case, the owner says Italian authorities are questioning whether the aircraft retained its EU customs status after it moved from a German registration to the FAA registry. The owner disputes that interpretation and has filed complaints with the European Commission. AOPA Germany says AOPA Italy and European IAOPA are also challenging the enforcement and that several legal proceedings are pending. Pilots Urged To Prepare The cases do not mean every foreign or U.S.-registered aircraft entering Italy will face seizure. Even so, AOPA Germany advises caution. “Extreme caution is currently advised when flying to Italy,” AOPA Germany said in its July warning. “If the aircraft is not registered to a private individual as owner and operator in an EU member state, you should check the current regulations and, if in doubt, choose a different destination.”
The Daily Touch & Go
The day's best aviation news in your inbox. Free, no spam.