The Baranov Central Institute of Aviation Motor Development has completed research work on the Adaptation project, which involves the remodelling of an automobile engine for the Aurus family of cars into an aircraft. According to RIA Novosti, the tests of the aircraft version of the air propeller power plant have already taken place and have been recognized as successful.

The Aurus family’s cars have been developed by NAMI as part of the Cortege project since 2013. This project originally involved the creation of cars for the President of Russia, members of the government and their escort. It was later announced that the Aurus family would include representative cars, which will go on free sale.

The Aurus family includes four types of cars built on a single platform: Limousine, sedan, crossover and minibus. The power plants for these vehicles were developed by NAMI in conjunction with Porsche Engineering. Four types of engines were created for the cars: petrol V4, V8 and V12 and diesel V6. These engines also have their own versions.

The most powerful is the V12 petrol engine, equipped with four turbines. This engine is capable of producing up to 850 horsepower and torque up to 1,320-newton meters. The engine is 6.6 litres.

It is not specified which version of the engine was chosen for the Adaptation project. Work on the project has been carried out since 2018. As part of the project, TsIAM experts evaluated the possibility of using the aircraft version of the engine on a twin-engine, nine-seater and single-engine six-seater planes for regional transport.

Specialists have adapted the fuel system, ignition and car engine control system under aviation regulations. In addition, as part of the tests, the specialists received the characteristics of the engine in the idle mode and in take-off mode. In the near future, it is planned to test the installation in a thermal chamber. Later, the engine will be tested on an experimental aircraft.