Russians Are Testing the AN-2 With an Engine From an Mi-8 Helicopter

Flight tests of a modified AN-2 airplane have started near Yeysk, Krasnodar Territory, Russia. It was equipped with a turboprop engine based on the TV2-117 helicopter engine.

The first flight of the new version – TR-301/117 – took place on October 1 and lasted 10 minutes, as Telegram channel VZLET reported.

Technoregion has long been experimenting with engine modernization of the AN-2. This time, the engineers used the TV2-117 engine, which is usually installed on Mi-8T helicopters.

To adapt it, the unit was converted into a single-shaft turboprop engine. The free turbine was removed, and the gearbox was connected directly to the compressor.

After the modification, the power output decreased by 40%, from 1500 to 900 hp. Technoregion believes that even with these losses, the TR-301/117 will outperform the previous version with the Czech M601 (720 hp).

AN-2 airplane of the Russian Aerospace Forces. 2021, Russia. Photo credits: Russian media

The basic TR-301 is a lightweight AN-2 without a lower wing. The upper wing is reinforced with tubular struts. According to Rosaviatsia, nine of these machines have airworthiness certificates, and there are 16 units in the register.

Previously, Technoregion tested other options: Czech M601, helicopter GTD-350, automobile ZMZ-409, and even a diesel engine from KAMAZ. The TV2-117 was recognized as the most promising direction.