Baikal LMS-901 Aircraft Completes First Flight with Russian-Made VK-800 Engine

The fifth prototype of the LMS-901 Baikal light multi-purpose aircraft has successfully completed its first test flight powered by the domestically produced VK-800 engine, according to the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade reported on February 23, 2026.

Key Flight Details

The flight, which took place at the UZGA facility in Ekaterinburg, lasted ten minutes. During the test, the aircraft reached an altitude of 300 meters and a speed of 190 kilometers per hour. The Baikal completed a full circuit of the airfield before landing successfully .

Engine and Aircraft Modifications

Prior to the flight tests, UZGA made several modifications to the aircraft. These included adjustments to the nose of the cockpit to improve ergonomics and safety during emergency landings, upgrades to the main landing gear supports, and a change to the wing angle to prevent premature detachment from the runway during takeoff in windy conditions .

VK-800 Engine Development and Testing

The VK-800 engine was initially tested on a Yakovlev Yak-40 aircraft to assess its performance characteristics . According to the Russian trade and industry ministry, the engine and its propeller underwent rigorous testing in various modes to evaluate stability, throttle control, and feathering capabilities. The powerplant demonstrated reliable operation during these tests .

Baikal Aircraft and Future Plans

The LMS-901 Baikal is designed as a nine-seat utility aircraft intended to replace the aging An-2 aircraft, commonly known as the “corncob” . It has a cruising speed of up to 300 km/h and a maximum flight distance of 3,000 km with a payload of 2 tons, or 1,500 km with a 2-ton payload.

UZGA also plans to utilize the VK-800 engine on the LMS-192 Osvey twin-turboprop regional aircraft and the UTS-800 trainer .

Contract and Development Timeline

In April 2025, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade awarded UZGA a contract for experimental design work on the LMS-901 Baikal with a domestic powerplant, with a maximum value of 10.4 billion rubles and an expected completion date of December 17, 2027 .

The Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasizes the importance of the Baikal aircraft in improving transport accessibility in remote regions of Russia .