Russia’s UEC Sets up Massive Helicopter Engine Plant

Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) a division of Rostec has opened a new plant for the production of up to 350 helicopter engine assemblies per year.

This is the first specialized production plant of this scale in Russia; 8.7 billion rubles ($121 Million) have been invested in its creation. It is located in the city of Ufa, capital of Bashkortostan republic, western Russia.

The new industrial site is focused on the production of helicopter engines in a power class of up to 5 thousand hp. – VK-2500, TV3-117, VK-650V, VK-1600V for civilian and combat helicopters, including Mi-8/17, Mi-28 and Ka-52 attack aircraft, as well as multi-purpose Ka -226T and Ka-62, a Rostec release said Friday.

“This is a modern high-tech center, which was created as part of the import substitution program and the expansion of serial production of helicopter engines in Russia. The latest equipment has been installed here, modern production technologies have been introduced, which reduce labor costs by 25% and increase labor productivity. Investments in the project amounted to 8.7 billion rubles,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec State Corporation.

In the first section, free turbines, stage III nozzles and compressor turbine nozzles for the VK-2500 engine are manufactured and assembled. The second section is focused on the manufacture of parts, assembly units and assemblies of combustion chambers. The third specializes in medium and small parts made of steel and titanium alloys. The fourth will produce gearboxes made of aluminum and magnesium alloys.

The center is equipped with CNC machines, high-tech machining centers and unique equipment for welding and brazing. There are robotic systems for welding parts and assemblies in a controlled atmosphere besides a unique control and testing facility for determining the flow characteristics of engines.

“The Center also has the necessary capacities to participate in international cooperation projects – both in the development of engines and in the joint manufacture of components, ”said Alexander Artyukhov, Director General of UEC.

To augment human resources, a “Center for Professional Education of the Aviation Cluster of Rostec State Corporation” is being created – a separate building with an area of ​​14.5 thousand square meters which will house 150 units of training equipment. About 2 thousand people are planned to be trained here annually.