Rostec Reveals New Helicopter and UAV Engines at Dubai Airshow 2025

Rostec’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) unveiled its VK-650V engine for light helicopters and a new line of small-size powerplants for unmanned aerial vehicles at the Dubai Airshow 2025.

The VK-650V, a fully Russian-made engine, received national type certification in December 2024. UEC said flight tests began on the Ansat helicopter in September, with the powerplants supporting takeoff on the import-substituting version developed by Russian Helicopters.

“VK-650V engines are in demand in the most high-volume market segment—for light single- and twin-engine helicopters in the 2–4-ton class. The VK-650V was developed quickly and is ready for serial production. The engines have already proven their reliability in the Ansat helicopter. I am confident that in the future, our new power plant will replace foreign equivalents in all helicopters for which they are designed. Furthermore, the VK-650V is being considered as a power plant for future helicopters and UAVs, including foreign ones,” UEC CEO Alexander Grachev said.

According to UEC, the engine features low fuel consumption, long service life for key components, and a digital automatic control system. It delivers 650 hp at takeoff and up to 750 hp in emergency mode.

UEC also presented a hybrid power plant (HPP) and a turbogenerator derived from the VK-650V. The 500 kW HPP combines a gas turbine and electric motor for use on transport drones, air taxis, and short-takeoff aircraft, while the 400 kW turbogenerator is planned for hybrid aircraft.

Small-size turbojet engines in the 40–150 kgf class and the RH50 turbogenerator were shown publicly for the first time. UEC said the engines offer low weight, fuel efficiency, and a simple lubrication system. The RH50, which runs on kerosene, converts combustion energy into turbine rotation that powers the generator. These systems are already installed on various Russian UAVs and may be used on future platforms.

The Dubai Airshow 2025, held from November 17 to 21, features a unified Russian exhibit covering more than 1,000 square meters. Rosoboronexport organized the pavilion, which includes displays from United Aircraft Corporation, Russian Helicopters, UEC, High Precision Systems, KRET, and other companies.