United Engine Corporation’s Klimov division in St Petersburg has completed the design phase of the VK-1600S turboprop and approved the engine layout for small aircraft, including the An-2 and TVS-2DTS. The next step is a demonstrator engine and a dedicated test stand for the 1,450-hp powerplant, which Russia wants to use as a domestic replacement option for ageing light aircraft engines.
The VK-1600S is being developed from the VK-1600V helicopter engine, with changes to the free turbine, gearbox and accessory gearbox for fixed-wing use. FADEC control is planned, and the engine is intended to operate across a wide altitude and temperature range for regional and utility aircraft. The An-2 received a type certificate in July 2026, opening a route for modernisation work that could extend to other small aircraft types. Development work was contracted in May 2025 and is now moving into bench testing and demonstrator build-up before later certification steps.