Russia's Baikal Aircraft Flies with VK-800 Engine: A Key Import Substitution Milestone

The Baikal LMS-901 aircraft has achieved a major milestone. It completed its first flight using a fully domestic powerplant. This flight occurred on December 24, 2025. The aircraft used the Russian-made VK-800 turboprop engine. It was also paired with the new AV-901 propeller.

Import Substitution Success

The flight took place at the Ural Civil Aviation Plant airfield. This event marks a critical step for Russian import substitution. The Baikal LMS-901 aircraft is a light multipurpose aircraft. It is designed to replace the aging Antonov An-2 fleet. The aircraft previously flew with a foreign-made engine. The new domestic powerplant integration ensures full control over the aircraft's lifecycle. This includes component supply and maintenance.

The VK-800 turboprop engine is a key component. It is designed for harsh climatic conditions. This is essential for operations in Siberia and the Arctic. The engine delivers 877 horsepower for takeoff. Test pilots confirmed stable flight performance. The aircraft reached 210 kilometers per hour speed.

Regional Aviation Impact

The Baikal LMS-901 aircraft is vital for regional aviation Russia. It is built to serve remote areas. These regions often have limited aviation infrastructure. The aircraft can carry 9 to 12 passengers. It can also transport up to 2,000 kg of cargo. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability is crucial. This allows use on short, unpaved airstrips. This is important for An-2 replacement aircraft operations.

Certification and Future Outlook

The program now enters a joint flight testing phase. Aircraft type certification 2026 is the goal for the Baikal. Certification for the VK-800 turboprop engine is also planned for 2026. This timeline aligns with the Ural Civil Aviation Plant's public schedule. The successful first flight domestic engine test confirms the technology's readiness. The overall push for domestic components is challenging. However, the Baikal program shows significant progress. Major manufacturers like Airbus and organizations like IATA track such developments. The goal is to establish a fully independent civil aircraft fleet. This progress is closely watched by global aviation news observers. The Ural Civil Aviation Plant is central to this effort.

• The successful first flight domestic engine test confirms the technology's readiness.
• The aircraft is a direct replacement for the Soviet-era An-2.
• It strengthens the country's industrial autonomy in the light aircraft segment.
• The light multipurpose aircraft will improve connectivity in remote regions.