Klimov VK-800 / UZGA VK-800SM

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The new VK 800 SM turboprop engine project is becoming a key power unit for regional aircraft in Russia. However, before reaching this position, VK-800 has had a long and winding history. In the 2000s, Russia initiated the creation of the VK 800 V (where V stands for helicopter) turboshaft version for the Russian helicopters Ansat and K a 2 2 6. In 2008, they started bench tests but later shelved the project and equipped these helicopters with foreign engines.The VK-800V engine project was developed by the St. Petersburg-based enterprise FGUP "Zavod im V. You Klimov." The original concept was created to replace the PW 207 K turboshaft engine, which had been used in Ansat helicopters until 2022.To develop the new engine, Klimov actively worked on the VK 800 V from 2003 to 2007, preparing full documentation, designing a preliminary project, and creating a prototype engine, which successfully passed bench tests.In the 2010s, the VK 800 S (where S stands for aircraft) project emerged for the L 410 passenger aircraft, which was being localized in the Urals (UZGA), and for the heavy UAV "ltius, whose fate remains uncertain. By 2017, Russian engine manufacturers reported ongoing bench tests of the VK 800 S. Then, in 2018, the engine appeared under the designation VK 800 SM, now presented as a deeply modernized version of its predecessor. However, since then, only fragmentary information about its development has been published.The development of the VK 800 SM engine involved improving existing technical characteristics and developing new innovative technologies. One of the main goals was to reduce noise and vibration levels to make turboprop aircraft more comfortable for passengers. Extensive research and testing were conducted, resulting in significant improvements in this area.The VK 800 SM engine officially entered operation in 2022 and became a crucial component for regional turboprop aircraft. Thanks to its superior technical characteristics and innovative features, it has become the preferred choice for airlines aiming to provide maximum comfort and safety for their passengers.The decision to implement the VK 800 S project was a significant milestone for UZGA, made in the spring of 2018. The company initially began work on the power unit in 2008 using its own funds. At first, this project progressed on an initiative basis without much attention, but it later became a priority.Over the next ten years, engine development was almost halted, and in search of an alternative for the Ansat, the VK 650 was considered for adaptation. However, development prospects changed when work on the new version, the VK 800 SM, for the LMS 901 Baikal aircraft began around 2018 to 2019.UZGA, in partnership with LLC "Scientific and Production Center 'Lopatki,'" actively took on the project. Joint efforts by specialists from both companies led to the development of the engine for the LMS 901, incorporating innovative solutions.In September 2019, the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) approved the preliminary design of the VK 800 SM engine as the power unit for the aircraft, recommending the development of both twin-engine and single-engine versions of the LMS 901. UZGA received the technical documentation for adapting the VK 800 SM to the Baikal, a crucial step in the project's implementation.The development of the VK 800 SM engine began with specialists from the St. Petersburg engine division, who had formerly worked at the now-closed branch of Pratt & Whitney Russia. These experienced engineers analyzed the design documentation for the VK-800S and concluded that a complete redesign of the engine was necessary for the Baikal aircraft. They successfully completed this task in a short time, creating the upgraded VK 800 SM version.UTSA developed the preliminary project for using the VK 800S M on the Baikal aircraft and submitted it for review to CIAM. However, additional work on technical documentation was required to adapt this engine fully to the Baikal. This documentation was transferred to UZGA in September 2019, allowing their team to begin the adaptation and integration process.The VK-800SM is designed using advanced technologies. Its structure includes a compressor with a high-efficiency centrifugal stage, a single-stage turbine, and a two-stage free turbine.Future Prospects & Production PlansThe VK-800SM is envisioned for multiple platforms:LMS-901 "Baikal" (single-engine)LMS-192 "Osvey" (twin-engine)UTS-800 trainer (military use)

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