General AviationSuccessor to An-2 flies with Russian engine for the first time
Russia’s LMS-901 Baikal light utility aircraft has flown powered by a domestically built engine for the first time, marking a key step in efforts to replace Western-supplied propulsion systems blocked by sanctions.
The third flying prototype of the aircraft, developed by Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA), completed a 10-minute flight on February 23 from the company’s airfield. The aircraft, serial number 0005, is equipped with the Russian-made VK-800SP turboprop engine and AV-901 propeller.
During the flight, the crew performed a standard traffic pattern at about 1,000 ft and reached a speed of roughly 118 mph before landing normally. Prior to the sortie, the prototype underwent a full ground test campaign covering major systems and assemblies.
The LMS-901 was originally designed to use the H80 turboprop engine supplied by General Electric. However, following Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, GE halted deliveries. Russian authorities then tasked the industry with integrating a domestic engine, selecting the VK-800 series developed from a turboshaft used in helicopters.
According to UZGA, engineers introduced several modifications after testing earlier prototypes. These include changes to wing incidence to address premature liftoff in gusty conditions, upgrades to the main landing gear and a redesigned forward fuselage to improve ergonomics and crashworthiness. Onboard systems such as engine accessories, the fuel system and flight controls were also updated.
The aircraft will now undergo additional ground tests, including wiring network checks and vibration assessments, before entering preliminary and certification flight trials.
The LMS-901 is intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-2 biplane, which has long served remote regions across Russia. The single-engine, high-wing aircraft is designed to carry up to nine passengers or around 3,300 lb of payload.
UZGA lists a maximum range of about 930 miles and a cruise speed of up to 155 mph, targeting regional and special-mission operations in areas with limited airport infrastructure.
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