First Russian helicopter engine designed completely in 3D

All design documentation for the engine demonstrator created at UEC-Klimov has been released in electronic form. The 3D models provide significant advantages: they are easy to read and can be used to create models, with annotations as design documentation and full review of all adjacent nodes.

Deputy Chief Designer of VK-1600 at UEC-Klimov, Anton Kolosov, said: “VK-1600V is the first engine in Russian history that was designed without any paper drawings. All work is carried out in digital format, which allows us to simultaneously observe all necessary contextual design data. Working with 3D models allows us to design the engine directly ‘inside’ the helicopter and easily control the layout of objects both in the power plant itself and in the housing nacelle.”

Up to 70 per cent replaced with 3D printing

When creating the VK-1600V demonstrator, up to 70 per cent of the casting will be replaced with parts created using 3D printing. Additive technology will also be used to manufacture elements in the ‘hot’ part of the power plant. As announced earlier, demonstrator of the VK-1600V engine will be completed during Q3 2021. Initial tests of the demonstrator will concentrate on confirming the characteristics stated in the design requirement specifications. The issue of type certificate is planned in 2023 and launch of mass production in 2024.

The new engine is designed for installation on multipurpose Ka-62 helicopters with 5-8 tons of takeoff weight. The power output of the VK-1600V in takeoff mode is 1,400 hp. The engine will be operated together with a modern automatic regulation and control unit BARK-15V, also developed by JSC UEC-Klimov.