The United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, has achieved a significant milestone in the revival of civil aviation in Russia by finalizing the preparations for the serial production and delivery of the TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines. These engines are specifically engineered for the Il-114-300, a new-generation regional aircraft that is being introduced to the international aviation community for the first time at the Wings India 2026 aerospace exhibition.
In addition to production capability, UEC has completed the establishment of a comprehensive service and maintenance framework in Russia, which will guarantee airlines and operators long-term operational support. This measure verifies that the engine program has transitioned from the development and certification phases to the phase of sustained industrial output and real-world service.
A New Stage for Russia’s Regional Aviation
The Il-114-300 program is a critical component of Russia’s strategy to reestablish its domestic regional aviation sector through the use of completely indigenous technology. The aircraft is designed to serve as a contemporary alternative to foreign regional aircraft and to replace obsolete Soviet-era turboprops. The TV7-117ST-01 engine is the most advanced evolution of the long-standing TV7-117 engine family and is central to this concept.
The TV7-117ST-01, which was created at the St. Petersburg design bureau of UEC-Klimov, is not just a refined legacy engine; it is a powerplant that has been significantly modernized. It integrates digital control systems, advanced aerodynamics, contemporary materials, and enhanced thermal efficiency. The combined objective of these features is to achieve superior environmental performance, lower operating costs, and increased reliability in comparison to previous generations.
Certification and Expansion of Operational Capabilities
In 2022, the TV7-117ST-01 was granted a type certificate, which verified its adherence to civil aviation safety and airworthiness standards. UEC-Klimov has systematically expanded the engine’s authorized operating envelope through planned certification activities since that time.
As part of this process, approvals were obtained to extend the designated service life and component lifetimes, thereby increasing the engine’s economic appeal to operators. These updates also demonstrate the confidence that was acquired through extensive bench testing and the flight experience that was accrued during the Il-114-300 test campaign.
The final operational limitations were eliminated in 2025, which was a particularly significant milestone. Among these were restrictions on the use of reverse thrust, as well as restrictions on the load factors and aircraft maneuvers during flight. The TV7-117ST-01 is now completely certified for operation across the entire flight envelope of the Il-114-300, as these restrictions have been lifted.
The updated certification confirms that the engine operates safely in a variety of conditions, including dynamic flight conditions, elevated aerodynamic loads, and intensive maneuvers, in addition to standard cruise and takeoff regimes. The certification also authorizes the use of the thrust reverser during landing, which is a critical feature for operations at shorter or less-prepared runways.
Transition to Serial Production
With the engine now included in the valid production organization approval, UEC has received formal authorization to begin serial deliveries of the TV7-117ST-01. This signifies the transition from prototype and pre-series products to full industrial production.
The engine is completely compliant with all technical specifications established by the Il-114-300’s developer, as per UEC-Klimov’s leadership. Supply chains have been aligned, quality control systems have been validated, and production lines have been prepared to guarantee consistent output volumes.
Also of equal significance, UEC has finalized the necessary arrangements for technical support and after-sales service in Russia. This covers engineering support, spare parts logistics, repair capabilities, and maintenance infrastructure, which enables operators to depend on domestic resources for the duration of the engine’s lifecycle.
Performance and Technical Characteristics
A high-power turboprop engine that is specifically designed for regional aircraft operations is the TV7-117ST-01. The Il-114-300 boasts robust performance, even in hot and humid conditions, due to its ability to generate up to 3,100 horsepower upon departure.
The modern AV112-114 low-noise propeller, which boasts an increased thrust capability of up to four tons and improved aerodynamic efficiency, functions in conjunction with the engine. This propeller-engine combination significantly improves climb performance while simultaneously reducing cabin and external noise levels.
The development of the engine has been focused mainly on fuel efficiency. In critical operating modes, the TV7-117ST-01 shows reduced fuel consumption, which results in extended range and lower direct operating costs. These characteristics are especially significant for regional routes that have high fuel sensitivity and narrow margins.
The engine’s capacity to operate within a broad temperature range, spanning from minus sixty to plus forty-five degrees Celsius, is another distinguishing characteristic. This enables consistent operation in arid environments, tropical climates, continental winters, and Arctic regions without any performance degradation.
Digital Control and Integrated Powerplant Management
The BARK-65SM digital control system is the driving force behind the modern architecture of the TV7-117ST-01. This sophisticated electronic device coordinates the operation of the engine and propeller as a singular, integrated system.
Throughout all flight phases, the digital control system assures stable operation by perpetually optimizing engine parameters and enhancing throttle response. By synchronizing engine output with propeller behavior, it improves the overall efficiency of the aircraft, reduces the burden of the pilot, and contributes to smoother handling conditions.
This degree of integration further improves diagnostic capabilities, enabling maintenance personnel to more accurately monitor engine health and predict service requirements prior to the occurrence of faults.
Flight Testing and Accumulated Experience
The Il-114-300 underwent a rigorous flight certification program in 2025, during which the TV7-117ST-01 engines were instrumental in the test campaign. The engines accumulated nearly 3,000 flight hours over the course of more than 400 flights.
Engine performance was verified under a diverse array of operating conditions, such as varying payload configurations, weather scenarios, and flight profiles, during these flights. The engine’s reliability, stability, and consistency were confirmed by the accumulated experience, which instilled confidence prior to its induction into serial production.
The test program also enabled engineers to optimize control algorithms and operational procedures, thereby guaranteeing that the final production configuration corresponds to real-world operational requirements.
International debut at Wings India 2026
The Il-114-300’s inaugural international presentation will take place at Wings India 2026. The exhibition provides UEC with a platform to present the TV7-117ST-01 to foreign partners, airlines, and aviation authorities.
After a long ferry flight across ten countries, the aircraft arrived in India, showcasing the reliability of its propulsion system in addition to its range and endurance. The Il-114-300 is showcased at the exhibition as a regional aircraft that is entirely indigenous, underscoring Russia’s ability to independently design, produce, and support contemporary civil aviation technology.
During a demonstration flight for Indian partners, representatives from UEC-Klimov were aboard the aircraft, providing firsthand confirmation of engine performance in operational conditions. The TV7-117ST-01 engines exhibited stable power delivery, reduced noise, low vibration levels, and seamless operation throughout the flight.
Market Prospects and Strategic Significance
The significance of the serial readiness of the TV7-117ST-01 extends beyond a specific aircraft program. It is a testament to the evolution of Russia’s domestic engine industry and its capacity to provide competitive, certified powerplants for civil aviation.
The long-term opportunity is represented by markets like India, which are experiencing an increase in demand for cost-effective turboprop aircraft and an expansion of regional aviation connectivity. The Il-114-300, which is equipped with TV7-117ST-01 engines, is designed to provide a cost-effective and durable solution for routes that connect secondary cities, remote regions, and difficult environments.
UEC’s successful transition of the TV7-117ST-01 into serial production also establishes a technological foundation for future turboprop and hybrid propulsion initiatives. The engine’s modular design, digital architecture, and proven certification pathway can be utilized in the development of next-generation products.
In conclusion,
The TV7-117ST-01 engine’s readiness for serial production is a critical juncture for the civil aviation sector of Russia and UEC. With the completion of certification, expanded operational approvals, accumulated flight experience, and a prepared service infrastructure, the engine has evolved from a developmental concept to a mature industrial product.
Its debut at Wings India 2026, integrated into the Il-114-300 regional aircraft, demonstrates confidence in its performance and signals Russia’s intent to compete in the global regional aviation market. The TV7-117ST-01 is poised to become a symbol of Russia’s resurgent capabilities in aircraft engine development and a cornerstone of the country’s contemporary turboprop fleet as deliveries commence and operational service expands.
