Russia Drops P & W Engine for Mi-38 Chopper, Local Powerplant Certified

Russian Helicopters has dropped plans to equip its Mi-38 helicopter with the Pratt&Whitney 127 TS engine in favor of the locally made Klimov TV7-117V turboshaft engine.

United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Russia received AR IAC type certificate for TV7-117V turboshaft engine developed by Klimov Company. A certificate presentation ceremony was held at UEC’s stand at MAKS-2015 last week.

As Russian defense entities are under Western sanctions, getting the P&W engine was considered difficult of not impossible till the sanctions are in place.

Several years ago an engine developed by Pratt&Whitney Canada was considered as the only option for the new Mi-38 helicopter. Today, thanks to work of Klimov Company supported by Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mi-38-2 production helicopters will be powered by the indigenous engine, company press release said.

TV7-117V turbo-shaft engine is the version of certified TV7-117SM turboprop engine developed by Klimov Company for Il-114 regional aircraft. The basic engine is one of the world’s best in its class in terms of fuel efficiency, service life and reliability.

Distinctive feature of TV7-11V engine is the addition of emergency ratings with a power of 3000-3750 h.p., which help increase the flight safety. The engine is fitted with a new FADEC control system, developed on the basis of BARK-6V automatic control unit.

“We are pleased to receive the type certificate issued by AR IAC for the new TV7-117V engine developed by our specialists,”UEC CEO Alexander Artyukhov said.

This is the important milestone in terms of development of this program, because the document confirms that the engine may be installed on a real aircraft. It is also important for timely deliveries of production engines for Mi-38 helicopters under a contract with Russian Helicopters Holding Company.

UEC is preparing for the start of mass production of TV7-117V engines scheduled for mid-2016.

The Mi-38 is considered a unique and revolutionary helicopter, with five records set for speed and altitude. According to Wikipedia Its prototypes have set an altitude record by reaching 8,620 meters (28,280 feet) without a payload. The second and third records were for climbing speed; the Mi-38 reached a height of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in six minutes, then followed this to reach 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) in 10 minutes and 52 seconds. Two further records were altitude records: the first was set at 7,895 meters (25,902 feet) with a 1,000-kg (2,205-lb) payload, the second at 7,020 meters (23,031 feet) with a 2,000-kg (4,409-lb) payload.