Russia Confident VK-650V Engine Will Resolve Previous Supply Issues of Ka-226T Helicopter, Seeks Renewed Trials for India's LUH Program

At Aero India 2025, Russia's Rostec announced a significant development in the Ka-226T helicopter program. The Ka-226T, previously reliant on French Safran Arrius 2G1 engines, will now be powered by the domestically produced VK-650V engine. This transition aims to address past supply chain challenges and bolster India's self-reliance in defence technology.

The switch to the VK-650V engine comes after years of collaborative efforts and negotiations between India and Russia, with a focus on localizing production within India. Earlier reliance on the French-made Arrius 2G1 engines had led to delays and complications, largely due to geopolitical factors and sanctions impacting engine supply.

Developed by Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), the VK-650V engine boasts a power output comparable to its French predecessor, ranging from 650 to 750 horsepower. This makes it well-suited to meet the Ka-226T’s operational requirements across diverse terrains and climatic conditions. The move aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of import substitution, enhancing the autonomy of its aviation sectors.

India, having selected the Ka-226T for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program, is now poised to benefit from this technological shift. A senior Rostec official at Aero India 2025 underscored the importance of India conducting comprehensive trials with the Ka-226T equipped with the new engine.

"We are very keen for India to carry out extensive trials with the Ka-226T equipped with the VK-650V," the official stated. "This engine not only resolves previous supply issues but also opens up new possibilities for local manufacturing and technological collaboration.”

These trials will be essential in evaluating the VK-650V engine's performance in Indian operational environments, particularly high-altitude and hot weather conditions where the Ka-226T is expected to be deployed.

Successful trials could lead to the revival of the joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian Helicopters for Ka-226T production in India. This would significantly boost India's domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports for critical defence equipment.

This development highlights the evolving nature of India-Russia defence cooperation, with a growing emphasis on joint production and technology transfer. The Ka-226T program, with its new engine, is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing India's helicopter fleet and strengthening its defence capabilities.

 

[Phantom]

KA-226T used to fly with either Rolls Royce or Safran engines while they were tested, but the VK650V engine is much better than the French Arius 2G1 engine in terms of power and even service intervals. The Arius has 400-hour service intervals versus the VK650V’s 600 hours.

 

[Olef hitler]

LUH is the best best here.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

This saga is continuing since many years. By now India should have inducted desi helicopters.

 

[Phantom]

LUH is the best best here.

It doesn’t have the payload and versatility of a transport helicopter that Army requires to use in Mountainous areas.

 

[Dredd]

It doesn’t have the payload and versatility of a transport helicopter that Army requires to use in Mountainous areas.

It does; the flight ceiling of the LUH is more than the Ka226. But the Ka226 is much more versatile and safe due to its dual-engine configuration and dual rotors. It also has a modular payload area. My only wish is that the Ka226 be manufactured by a private entity in collaboration with a Russian firm. There should not be any collaboration with HAL.

 

[Surfer]

It does; the flight ceiling of the LUH is more than the Ka226. But the Ka226 is much more versatile and safe due to its dual-engine configuration and dual rotors. It also has a modular payload area. My only wish is that the Ka226 be manufactured by a private entity in collaboration with a Russian firm. There should not be any collaboration with HAL.

In the KA-226, we can replace the cabin with four different interchangeable pods for different duties, which is its main advantage. It is compact like the LUH but has twin engines, and its coaxial rotors make them much quieter compared to conventional rotors that are too loud in the LUH to use for special ops. Also, the LUH can only carry 500 kg, while the KA-226T can carry 1500 kg. They are simply not comparable unless HAL makes a transport version of the Dhruv, but it will be even bigger and much more louder than the KA-226T.

 

[Dredd]

In the KA-226, we can replace the cabin with four different interchangeable pods for different duties, which is its main advantage. It is compact like the LUH but has twin engines, and its coaxial rotors make them much quieter compared to conventional rotors that are too loud in the LUH to use for special ops. Also, the LUH can only carry 500 kg, while the KA-226T can carry 1500 kg. They are simply not comparable unless HAL makes a transport version of the Dhruv, but it will be even bigger and much more louder than the KA-226T.

Coaxial rotors also allow it to load helicopter from backside like strechers etc.

 

[Akshat]

KA-226T used to fly with either Rolls Royce or Safran engines while they were tested, but the VK650V engine is much better than the French Arius 2G1 engine in terms of power and even service intervals. The Arius has 400-hour service intervals versus the VK650V’s 600 hours.

But as usual, it's a Russian engine and hence performance numbers are fake (if history is anything to go by). Also, as per Indian DPP, you can't change engines like this. If Russia is offering these engines, then the entire tender will be cancelled. They will then have to issue a fresh tender, which will most likely see participation from HAL.

 

[Akshat]

It does; the flight ceiling of the LUH is more than the Ka226. But the Ka226 is much more versatile and safe due to its dual-engine configuration and dual rotors. It also has a modular payload area. My only wish is that the Ka226 be manufactured by a private entity in collaboration with a Russian firm. There should not be any collaboration with HAL.

Dual rotors are overblown bro. Most western nations discarded them due to complexity, and even Russia has inducted few such helicopters. Ka226T itself was rejected by Russian military. As for dual engine, again, the engines used in LUH are reliable enough to be certified for single engine operations. So there is little incremental return.

 

[Akshat]

In the KA-226, we can replace the cabin with four different interchangeable pods for different duties, which is its main advantage. It is compact like the LUH but has twin engines, and its coaxial rotors make them much quieter compared to conventional rotors that are too loud in the LUH to use for special ops. Also, the LUH can only carry 500 kg, while the KA-226T can carry 1500 kg. They are simply not comparable unless HAL makes a transport version of the Dhruv, but it will be even bigger and much more louder than the KA-226T.

Yes, but it's Russian, which is it's main disadvantage. Russia is not ready to share any main technology. As for dual rotors, even Russia refused to induct them into it's military. So no thanks.

 

[Akshat]

HAL is not making a transport, helicopter that army wants, KA-226t fits their need perfectly, but GOI has been dragging endlessly as usual..

Because Russia outright refused to share the technology. Not even 35% ToT was acceptable to them as Xi scolded Putin and ordered him not to dare give anything meaningful to Modi.

 

[Surfer]

This saga is continuing since many years. By now India should have inducted desi helicopters.

HAL is not making a transport, helicopter that army wants, KA-226t fits their need perfectly, but GOI has been dragging endlessly as usual..

 

[Dredd]

Dual rotors are overblown bro. Most western nations discarded them due to complexity, and even Russia has inducted few such helicopters. Ka226T itself was rejected by Russian military. As for dual engine, again, the engines used in LUH are reliable enough to be certified for single engine operations. So there is little incremental return.

may be engine is reliable, but there is very little confidence in HAl expertise after ALH fiasco.

 

[मित्र]

Because Russia outright refused to share the technology. Not even 35% ToT was acceptable to them as Xi scolded Putin and ordered him not to dare give anything meaningful to Modi.

LoL brown sepoy. Safran engine was blocked by France for local assembly in India and gave the Ukraine war as an excuse, resulting in this delay.

 

[P.K Senapati]

With VK650 engine available to India for local manufacturing Kh 226 is best for light Utility purpose spcially for high altitude Himalyan condition and deck operation.

 

[beencensured]

In the KA-226, we can replace the cabin with four different interchangeable pods for different duties, which is its main advantage. It is compact like the LUH but has twin engines, and its coaxial rotors make them much quieter compared to conventional rotors that are too loud in the LUH to use for special ops. Also, the LUH can only carry 500 kg, while the KA-226T can carry 1500 kg. They are simply not comparable unless HAL makes a transport version of the Dhruv, but it will be even bigger and much more louder than the KA-226T.

I am sure 1500kg is a completely bare bones helicopter with a sling and crew cabin without passengers, as Wikipedia says 1050kg payload. But then, the engine power of the VK650V is listed as greater than the French engine. Wikipedia also says HAL's LUH has a 1000kg payload under sling. Do not worry, we have the Dhruv too. So, no need for extra helicopters.

 

[beencensured]

HAL is not making a transport, helicopter that army wants, KA-226t fits their need perfectly, but GOI has been dragging endlessly as usual..

If not for French engine perhaps earlier would have been introduced, but now the need is grey as LUH is significantly capable. Dhruv and other helicopters exist for transportation.

 

[Surfer]

Because Russia outright refused to share the technology. Not even 35% ToT was acceptable to them as Xi scolded Putin and ordered him not to dare give anything meaningful to Modi.

Then why didn't French share tech for Rafale, it's been 8 years since GOI signed the contract to buy 36 Rafales, why didn't they honor even one obligation.

 

[Surfer]

Coaxial rotors also allow it to load helicopter from backside like strechers etc.

Absolutely, as there is no tail rotor, HAL tried this with ALH dhruv, but only with a opening for a fat cat to enter, the army instantly didn't like it.