OREANDA-NEWS. In early November 2007, a special commission of the Aviation Register at the Interstate Aviation Committee (AR, IAC) composed of representatives of the AR at the IAC, Kachestvo Certification Center, Aviation Certification Center of the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation, the CIAM and Kazan Helicopters JSC, concluded the first stage of certification of the up-to-date VK-800 helicopter engine developed by Klimov JSC, Klimov's press service announces. The commission of the AR of the IAC confirmed the validity of the principal design decisions applied for designing of the VK-800 and its conformity to AP-33 airworthiness requirements at the mockup stage.

During the week, specialists of the AR of the IAC jointly with a group of Klimov's designers analyzed calculations and design of the new engine parts and units using 3D model of the VK-800 which accelerated the evaluation process and demonstrated the high level of Klimov's specialists designing. The meeting of the mockup commission ended up by signing of the final protocol.

In the opening speech at the ceremonial signing of the protocol the General Director of Klimov JSC Alexander Vatagin said: "During the last three years we passed TV7-117ST turboshaft engine for military aviation and now VK-800 engine through the mock up commission. Such commissions have gathered not often in Russia in the past years, especially when it is a commission on a new engine and not the next upgrading. Success at the first stage of the certification means that we are on the correct way and can continue the VK-800 tests to begin the serial production on the scheduled time." Answering to the speech of the General Director the Chairman of the mockup commission Alexander Bozhlov thanked the team of Klimov JSC, which took part in the commission work, for cooperation and professionalism and also wished success in the further work on the VK800 project up to delivery of the type certificate.

VK-800V turboshaft engine of the fifth generation in the power range 600-800 hp is developed for the one-engine and two-engine modifications of helicopters of small and medium load-carrying capacity. In June 2007, it was presented at the Air Show in Le Bourget, which generated considerable interest among representatives of the foreign helicopter companies.

VK-800 can power both foreign and Russian helicopters at any climatic conditions.

Development cost makes up 40 million Euros and the serial production of the engine cost is 210 thousand Euros. According to evaluation of Klimov's analytical section, not less than 2500 engines will be demanded up to 2016. At present, the engine is under testing procedures. The finishing of certification and serial production start are scheduled for 2009.