Ivchenko AI-26

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Polish-made AI-26V (LIT-3) used to power SM-1 (Mi-1) helicopter, displayed in Finnish Aviation Museum
Polish-made AI-26V (LIT-3) used to power SM-1 (Mi-1) helicopter, displayed in Finnish Aviation Museum
Polish-made AI-26V (LIT-3) used to power SM-1 (Mi-1) helicopter, displayed in Finnish Aviation Museum
Polish-made AI-26V (LIT-3) used to power SM-1 (Mi-1) helicopter, displayed in Finnish Aviation Museum
Detail of plaque on Polish-made AI-26V (LIT-3) used to power SM-1 (Mi-1 helicopter), displayed in Finnish Aviation Museum
Detail of plaque on Polish-made AI-26V (LIT-3) used to power SM-1 (Mi-1 helicopter), displayed in Finnish Aviation Museum

The Ivchenko AI-26 is a 7-cylinder air cooled radial engine used in early Russian helicopters and later used in light utility aircraft.

The engine was designed by A.G Ivchenko in 1945 with the designation M-26, but the designation was later changed to AI-26. The engine was envisioned as a helicopter engine, but the early test models lacked the necessary equipment to facilitate this role, such as an auxiliary cooling fan, reduction gears and clutch. The GR suffix means "Gelikopter", or helicopter. Engine testing was completed by early 1946 and by 1947 helicopter testing had begun. In late 1947 the decision to mass produce the engine was made and production commenced at factory No.478 located in Zaporozhye. Between 1947 and the 1970's some 1,300 AI-26GR's were produced. The AI-26V model was also produced in Poland during the 1960's as the LiT-3 and later as the PZL-3S.

[edit] Specifications (Ivchenko AI-26GR)

General characteristics

  • Type: 7 cylinder air cooled radial engine
  • Bore: 155.5mm (6.12in)
  • Stroke: 155mm (6.10in)
  • Displacement: 20.6 Liters (1,275 cu in)
  • Dry weight: 395kg (871lb)

Components

  • Cooling system: air

Performance

  • Power output: 500hp

[edit] Applications

[edit] References

  • Kotelnikov, Vladimir (2005). Russian Piston Aero Engines. Crowood Press Ltd., p.197-198.