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 The MOTOR SICH joint stock company in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, carries on upgrade the world’s most popular turboshaft engine, the TV3-117VMA, which production it runs. New versions of the MOTOR SICH-developed TV3-117VMA-SBM1V family are designed to re-engine the existing helicopters of various types. The new engines resulted from a heavy upgrade of the TV3-117VMA with the use of design solutions tried previously on the TV3-117VMA-SBM1 turboprop that powers the An-140 regional passenger plane.
The TV3-117VMA-SBM1V engine designed to power the Mi-8MTV (Mi-17, Mi-171) and Mi-24 (Mi-35) was certificated by the IAC Aircraft Registry in September 2007. It also passed its official bench tests in Russia in June 2011, proving its compliance with the requirements specification of the Russian Defence Ministry.
Of special interest is the TV3-117VMA-SBM1V Series 4E derivative with the electrical starting system designed for re-engining the earlier-built Mil Mi-8T helicopters still powered by the TV2-117, which production has long been discontinued. The version’s takeoff power equals 1,500 hp and is maintained until ambient temperature reaches +55°C. The 1,700-hp emergency rating has been added.
The flight trials of the engine onboard a MOTOR SICH-modified Mi-8T, dubbed Mi-8MSB, began in November 2010 and have demonstrated a considerable improvement in the machine’s flight performance, especially when operated under high and hot conditions. Based on the tests, the TV3-117VMA-SBM1V Series 4 and 4E engines were certificated by the IAC Aircraft Registry last year and issued Supplemental Type Certificate No. ST267-AMD/D04.
Having tested the TV3-117VMA-SBM1V Series 4E on board two Mi-8MSB prototypes, MOTOR SICH launched the re-engining of the first MI-8Ts for commercial customers. One of the machines fitted with the new powerplant was unveiled at the HeliRussia 2012 air show in Moscow in May. |
