VK-800 engine begins 150-hour endurance tests for Russia's LMS-901 Baikal and other light aircraft
Variants of engine will be used on LMS-192 Osvey and LMS-901 Baikal as well as light trainer. Endurance testing of Russian aerospace firm UZGA's VK-800 engine has commenced, with the powerplant set to run for 150h on a dedicated ground rig. The engine is intended to power at least three aircraft models. These comprise the LMS-901 Baikal utility aircraft, the twin-engined LMS-192 Osvey regional transport — being developed jointly with Belarus — and the UTS-800 light trainer. The engine variants for these models are respectively the VK-800SM, the -800S1 and the -800SP. UZGA says the endurance test commenced "on the eve" of the Innoprom industrial exhibition in Ekaterinburg which opened on 6 July. The company presented the VK-800, which has an output of 806-877hp, as part of its display at the show. UZGA says the engine is being tested at "maximum operating conditions", allowing assessment of stability and reliability. The company adds that flight tests of the UTS-800 will "soon begin". The single-engined aircraft features composite structure, a 'glass cockpit', and lightweight ejection seats. Development prospects for light aviation was discussed during a forum at the Innoprom event. Federal air transport regulator Rosaviatsia's chief, Dmitry Yadrov, stated that the Baikal aircraft is expected to secure certification next year with the Osvey following at the end of 2029. He says domestic operators are requesting 127 such aircraft by 2035. The Baikal is intended to replace the Soviet-era Antonov An-2, but Yadrov highlighted the need to preserve the An-2 fleet "until a fully-fledged production replacement becomes available". He says a new type certificate for the An-2 was recently signed, enabling assignment of responsibility for the type's support and modernisation — including engine upgrades — to the Siberian aviation research institute SibNIA. The An-2 remains a "vital element of transport accessibility", adds Yadrov. United Aircraft chief Vadim Badekha, during the forum, stated that the aerospace firm was ready to establish partnerships for projects in the light aviation sector, and offer production sites such as its Sokol plant in Nizhny Novgorod. "We understand perfectly well that entering a large, serious, and extensive production requires significant investment," he said. "We have established the necessary capacity. And we are ready to provide this capacity, including for the launch of a major series of light aircraft."