ST.PETERSBURG. April 23 (Interfax-AVN) - The local Klimov state-owned unitary plant has launched bench tests of the TV7-117 engine adapted for helicopters, the plant's constructor general Pyotr Izotov said on Tuesday.
The new engine has two modifications - TV7-117VK with rear power output is intended for Kamov helicopters and TV-7-117VM with front power output for Mil helicopters, Izotov told Interfax- Military News Agency.
The Klimov plant has been adjusting the TV-7-117S engine for helicopters since November 2000 in accordance with the state defense order. The original engine is powering IL-114 planes.
The plant built the prototype of the engine for the Kamov company last year and tested it on a bench for about 60 hours. The tests are still in progress. Development of the engine for the Mil company is lagging one year behind the schedule. Mass production of the engine will start in three to four years.
TV-117 has a take-off capacity of 2,800 to 3,000 horsepower and an emergency mode capacity of 3,750 horsepower. Its service life is 20,000 hours.
TV-117S engines are produced in small benches at Omsk and Moscow plants. According to unofficial data, the cost of such an engine amounts to USD700,000.