TV7-117 Engine Family Powering Russian Regional Planes and Helicopters

The TV7-117ST-01, a member of the Klimov TV7-117 turboprop and turboshaft engine series, has proven its reliability during flight tests for the Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional aircraft. Developed by JSC Klimov in Russia, the TV7-117 family traces its origins to the modernization of Soviet-era engines, with a focus on improving fuel efficiency, service life, and operational dependability. Certified in 1997, the engine features a modular design with nine replaceable sections, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Its electronic-hydromechanical control system (later upgraded to Full Authority Digital Engine Control, or FADEC) ensures precise and efficient operation.

The TV7-117S variant was initially designed for the Il-114 before being adapted for newer aircraft like the Il-112 and Il-114-300. Meanwhile, the TV7-117V turboshaft variant powers helicopters such as the Mil Mi-38, while the TV7-117VK supports military helicopters like the Mi-28 and Ka-50/52. Additionally, marine and industrial applications utilize modified versions of these engines. Production is carried out across multiple Russian facilities, including Klimov JSC (St. Petersburg), Chernyshev JSC (Moscow), and Baranov JSC (Omsk).

The TV7-117ST-01, certified in December 2022, is a next-generation turboprop optimized for the Il-114-300, featuring FADEC (BARK-65SM), an upgraded AB112-114 propeller, and improved fuel efficiency. Flight tests have been approved for altitudes up to 7,600 meters, with pre-production engines already allocated for further development. Another variant, the TV7-117ST-02, is being tested for the TVRS-44 Ladoga regional aircraft.

In helicopter applications, the TV7-117V has demonstrated exceptional performance, notably in the Mi-38, which completed a 6,500 km flight from Kazan to Magadan in -40°C conditions. The TV7-117VK, tailored for combat helicopters, enhances the capabilities of the Mi-28 and Ka-52.

Comparison with Western Counterparts

The TV7-117 series competes with Western engines such as Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW100 (used in the ATR 42/72 and Bombardier Dash 8) and Honeywell’s TPE331 (found in the Dornier 228 and Beechcraft King Air). For helicopters, the Safran Ardiden 3G (powering the HAL Dhruv and Airbus H175) and General Electric’s T700 (used in the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache) serve as direct counterparts to the TV7-117V/VK.

While Russian and Western engines share modular construction, FADEC systems, and high power-to-weight ratios, Western engines benefit from broader global certification and market integration, whereas the TV7-117 family primarily serves Russian-made aircraft and helicopters. Nevertheless, the TV7-117’s proven reliability, adaptability, and ongoing upgrades ensure its continued role in both civilian and military aviation.

#TV7117 #KlimovEngine  #russianaviation


Be a Member for exclusive privileges -    / @altitudeaddicts  
Twitter : https://x.com/AltitudeAddicts
Website: https://www.altitudeaddicts.com