Yekaterinburg, December 24 – A prototype of the light multi-role aircraft LMS-901 Baikal has performed its first flight, equipped with a fully national power unit combining the new turboprop engine VK-800 and the AV-901 propeller.
The test took place at the airfield of the Ural Civil Aviation Factory in Yekaterinburg, as part of the joint flight test program.
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During the first flight with the new engines, the aircraft reached a speed of 210 km/h and a height of 400 meters. Before the flight test authorization, a full cycle of ground tests of the power unit was carried out, including the assessment of engine stability in all intended operating modes, throttle response, operation of the propeller emergency shutdown and emergency reverse systems, as well as fuel supply control.
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According to the test pilots, the flight went normally. The aircraft demonstrated stability and good controllability within established limits for center of gravity, speeds and altitudes. The propulsion system functioned without comments and operated stably throughout the entire flight profile.
According to the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Gennady Abramenkov, the test represents a strategic milestone. According to him, the flight confirmed the feasibility of developing an all-Russian aircraft, equipped with a national power source, which can meet an important state need: increasing connectivity and accessibility of air transport throughout the country, including difficult-to-reach regions. Abramenkov also emphasized that engines in this power class have not been developed or produced in the country for decades, making the progress particularly relevant for Russian aviation.
VK-800 engine an AV-901 propeller
The VK-800 engine, developed by Ural Works of Civil Aviation JSC, is designed to function in harsh climatic conditions, a requirement considered crucial for missions in the Arctic, taiga and mountainous regions. Maximum power varies between 807 hp and 870 hp depending on the application, and the design provides for the possibility of modernization with a further increase in power. This opens the way for use in re-powering programs, including for An-2 aircraft.
In addition to the LMS-901 Baikal, the VK-800 is also intended for other projects such as the UTS-800 training aircraft, the Russian-Belarusian regional aircraft LMS-192 Oswei and the re-powering of L-410 aircraft currently in service.
The AV-901 propeller is a single-acting, reversible propeller with hydraulic control and direct circuit. It can operate at up to 1,900 rpm, supports power up to 877 hp and delivers an estimated maximum thrust of at least 15 kN (approximately 1,400 kgf). The AV-901 is manufactured entirely from national materials and has no direct equivalents in Russia. The limited number of control units contributes to a lower system weight and higher operational reliability. Digital integration with the VK-800’s engine control allows the propeller to operate the powerplant in regimes of maximum efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and improving the aircraft’s controllability.
Airplane for remote regions
The LMS-901 Baikal is a nine-seat light multi-purpose aircraft intended for local airlines. Designed to provide operational flexibility, the model features a spacious cargo cabin, which can be quickly configured to transport passengers, cargo, mail or medical missions. The aim of the program is to ensure reliable air connections for regions of Russia with limited airport infrastructure, especially in the Far East and the High North.
With the first flight carried out with a national engine and propeller, the Baikal program takes another step towards the certification of a fully Russian aviation platform, strengthening the country’s industrial autonomy in the light aircraft segment.
Source and images: minpromtorg.gov.ru. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
