Russian Defense Ministry completes official tests of Motor Sich engine

The Russian Defense Ministry has completed its official tests for Motor Sich’s (MSICH UK) latest TV3-117VMA-SBM1V helicopter engine, Interfax reported on July 18. The new engines are designed to power the overhauled Mi-8s for the Russian and Ukrainian defense ministries. Official tests in Ukraine were completed in April. Compared to previous modifications, the SBM1V is designed for operations in extreme temperatures and altitudes and has a 30% longer lifespan compared to older versions of the TV3-117 family engines (that also includes the Russian VK-2500).

Roman Dmytrenko: The successful tests of the engine modification clearly indicates Motor Sich will remain the dominant engine supplier for Russian-made helicopters. Recall, the SBM1V engines have been chosen to power the Russian-made Mi-17s (an export version of Mi-8) for Afghanistan under a contract with U.S. government, which indicates the engine meets top global standards.