Vietnamese helicopters use VK-2500 engines and have a Richag-AV system?
Russia and Vietnam will sign a contract for the repair of helicopter engines. Accordingly, Vietnamese helicopters may be equipped with the latest VK-2500 engine.
Vietnam signs contract with Russia for helicopter engine repair.
According to Russian media, the Russian engine manufacturing consortium and the Vietnamese company Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNHS) are expected to sign a framework agreement on the repair of engines for Russian-made helicopters currently operating in Vietnam.
The press department of the Russian consortium told reporters on April 13 that, within the framework of the Vietnam Expo 2018 held in Hanoi, the Russian consortium and Vietnam's VNHS airline had agreed on a long-term cooperation, to be confirmed by a formal contract, for the repair of helicopter engines.
"The framework contract between the consortium and VNHS includes provisions for the repair of TV3-117VM/WMA engines and other aircraft components, along with the supply of spare parts," the Russian press release stated.
According to this document, currently in Vietnam, there are approximately 100 Soviet- and Russian-made helicopters (Mi-8/17, Ka-32, and others) equipped with TV3-117 turbine engines (manufactured by the Saint-Peterburg plant of the "Klimov Corporation").
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the Vietnam People's Air Force is currently operating 67 Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters, along with approximately 69 Mi-8s, making Vietnam the country with the largest Mil Mi helicopter fleet in Southeast Asia.
However, Vietnam's helicopters are largely outdated and need upgrading and modernization to improve their transport and combat capabilities, as well as extend their lifespan. This indicates a significant need for upgrades in the near future, something that Russia cannot ignore.
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Vietnam currently possesses over 100 Mil and Ka series helicopters. |
Vietnamese helicopters
Furthermore, according to this announcement, the Russian engine manufacturing consortium has also proposed to Vietnam that the older TV3-117 engines on these helicopters be replaced with the more powerful, modern VK-2500 engines. This is Russia's latest generation of engines.
The Klimov VK-2500 is a high-power turboshaft aircraft engine developed by the Kirill Klimov Design and Experimental Bureau as a derivative of the TV7-117VMA engine. It was designed as a replacement for the aging TV3-117VMA-SB3 engine.
The development of the VK-2500 began in Klimov in December 1994, after military-technical cooperation with Ukraine became strained due to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of civil war in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.
The VK-2500 was designed to create a high-power engine capable of operating for extended periods in high-temperature conditions for use in helicopters such as the Ka-50, Ka-52, and Mi-28.
Although this engine is similar to the VK-1500 in size and weight, its power output has increased significantly. The VK-2500 is equipped with a new air compressor turbine system that allows it to increase air pressure and power output compared to the old engine.
The VK-2500 has a takeoff power of 1,790 kW (2,400 shp) and can reach 2,013 kW (2,700 shp) in emergencies. It can operate effectively in hot and thin air environments such as high mountains or places with extremely hot weather and temperatures.
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Klimov VK-2500 turboshaft engine for Ka-52 at HeliRussia International Helicopter Show 2011. |
Klimov also developed electronic control systems to optimize the performance of the engines as well as the helicopters they were equipped with.
If equipped with new engines, the operational efficiency of Vietnam's Mil and Ka series helicopters would be greatly enhanced, extending their service life and reducing the frequency of repairs and overhauls.
Vietnamese helicopters may be equipped with Richag-AV.
Furthermore, there is information indicating that Vietnam is also considering the helicopter upgrade package that Russia is offering to Latin American countries. The upgrade package would include impressive modernization features, including the installation of electro-optical protection systems against missiles and anti-aircraft artillery.
In the proposed transport/combat helicopter variant, Russia suggests adding a digitally integrated electronics system, new engines, improved rotor blades and upgraded gearbox, electro-optical protection systems against missiles and anti-aircraft artillery, as well as other modern equipment.
According to Russian defense industry sources, as part of this major upgrade package for Latin American and Caribbean countries, Moscow will export Richag-AV electronic warfare systems to countries currently using Russian helicopters.
With Vietnam alone possessing a number of aircraft equivalent to one-third of all the countries in the Americas, experts assert that Vietnam is one of Russia's most promising markets. Therefore, not only VK-2500 engines, but also Richag-AVs would be readily available for purchase by Russia if Vietnam wanted to buy them.
