Klimov Advances VK-1600S Turboprop to Power Modernised An-2 Aircraft
VK-1600S powerplant to be based on helicopter engine. Russia's United Engine is preparing to build a demonstrator of a new engine for smaller aircraft types including a modernised Antonov An-2. It has completed design documentation for a prototype of the Klimov VK-1600S turboprop. "The next stage is creation of a demonstrator engine and a test rig, which are necessary to validate the design and certify the new product," says the firm. Intended to generate 1,450shp (1.08MW) at take-off, the powerplant is based on the VK-1600V for helicopters. "Existing key components, including the gas generator, are used as the basis, accelerating the development process," says United Engine, adding that the two powerplants will have 60-65% commonality. It says it is aimed at applications including modernised versions of the An-2 – such as the TVS-2DTS. Such modernisation programmes had originally been developed to feature a Honeywell engine. "There are still many of these aircraft in Russia, so there is a need for new engines," says state technology firm Rostec. United Engine says the VK-1600S would be used with the Aerosila AV-17 propeller. "We plan to complete the demonstrator engine soon and prepare a specialised test rig," says Klimov chief designer Anton Kolosov.