Moscow Aviation Institute outlines small-aircraft engine ahead of 2027 tests

Moscow Aviation Institute has announced a compact power unit based on the experimental MD-150 engine for small helicopters, light aircraft and air taxis. Testing is scheduled for late 2027.

The institute told RIA Novosti on October 11 that the project is being developed for UEC-Saturn. It substantially reworks the low-power MD-150 turbojet.

The developers report an increase in service life from 50–100 to 3,000 hours. The new unit is intended to deliver 270–300 kW, with short bursts of up to 350 kW. These are specifications stated ahead of the planned tests.

Project leader Dmitry Kholobtsev said the unit would reduce the battery mass carried by an aircraft. He said the resulting payload allowance could be used for additional equipment or fuel, potentially extending flight duration and range.