On Monday (1st), the Russian aerospace sector marked a historic milestone: the nationalized Ansat helicopter successfully completed its first flight in Kazan, equipped with fully Russian-made VK-650V engines.
During the test, the crew evaluated the stability, controllability, and performance of the aircraft’s main systems, confirming the positive results of the upgraded model.
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“The first flight is a very important step. The upgraded Ansat is distinguished not only by its engine – all the main systems have been modernized, including avionics and the autopilot. We took into account operational experience and achieved not only independence from foreign suppliers but also improvements in the helicopter’s characteristics,” said Nikolai Kolesov, CEO of Russian Helicopters holding.
The model was developed based on the Ansat-M, certified in 2022. It has a flight range of up to 660 km without refueling and up to 800 km with an additional fuel tank.
The helicopter also stands out for its high maneuverability and versatility, being able to operate in extreme temperatures, from –45 °C to +50 °C, as well as in high-altitude regions. This makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, including operations in densely populated urban areas.
New generation Russian engine
The VK-650V engine was developed by ODK-Klimov over a period of 5 years and already has an airworthiness certificate. Equipped with a digital FADEC control system, certified at the end of 2024, the powerplant was designed to match the dimensions and connections of imported engines, enabling the re-engining of existing helicopters such as the Ansat, the Ka-226T, and the Mi-34.
Source and images: ODK | Вертолеты России, Telegram @rhc_aero | ОДК Telegram @uecrus_official. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
