Ivchenko AI-9V / AI-9 — Auxiliary Power Unit Manual Collection
Understanding What These Manuals Are — and Are Not
These are original factory engineering and service publications issued by OKB-478 / Ivchenko-Progress and Motor Sich JSC (Soviet Union / Ukraine) — not simplified guides, not hobbyist references, not simulation aids. They assume professional-level technical reading ability: pneumatic system specifications, compressor clearances, turbine inspection sequences, and fuel control procedures are presented exactly as issued by the original design bureau.
Surviving Soviet APU documentation for the AI-9 series exists in discrete publications issued across different years and editions. This collection consolidates the largest known digital grouping of surviving AI-9V primary-source documents.
If you are looking for a simplified illustrated guide to understand gas turbine principles in general terms, this is not the right product for you.
If you are a helicopter operator, Mi-8 / Mi-24 / Ka-32 maintainer, museum professional, or serious researcher who needs access to the deepest available layer of surviving primary-source Soviet factory documentation for the AI-9V APU — this is it.
Engine Profile: Ivchenko AI-9V (АИ-9В)
The AI-9V is a single-shaft auxiliary gas turbine designed by OKB-478 under Alexander Ivchenko, evolved from the earlier AI-8 APU lineage. Introduced in 1966 and still in continuous production at Motor Sich JSC in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, it is one of the most widely deployed helicopter APUs in the world — standard equipment across the entire Soviet and Russian tactical helicopter fleet from the Cold War to the present day.
The AI-9V supplies compressed bleed air to pneumatic engine start systems and electrical power to onboard networks, and can provide cabin heating at ground level in extreme cold. It operates reliably from −60°C to +60°C at altitudes up to 4,000 metres — a design requirement driven by Arctic and high-altitude operational demands of Soviet military rotary-wing aviation.
Primary Aircraft Applications
- Military / Tactical: Mil Mi-8 (all variants), Mi-14, Mi-24 Hind, Mi-28, Kamov Ka-27, Ka-29, Ka-32, Ka-50, Ka-52
- Civilian / Regional: Yakovlev Yak-40, Antonov An-140
- Commercial Helicopter Operations: Mi-8/17 variants in remote cargo and passenger operations across Eurasia and Africa
Key Variants
- AI-9 (Base): Pneumatic bleed air only — engine air-start systems and ground cabin heating
- AI-9V: Added integrated 3 kW DC generator for onboard electrical power alongside bleed air output
- AI-9V Series 1: Uprated variant with combined power generation and air conditioning feed mode (cabin air conditioning)
- AI-9-3B: Modernised version with optimised air conditioning feed, cabin air, and enhanced electrical power generation
Technical Specifications
- Type: Single-shaft auxiliary gas turbine (APU)
- Configuration: Single-stage centrifugal compressor · annular reverse-flow combustion chamber · single-stage axial turbine
- Rated Rotational Speed: 36,750 ± 475 RPM
- Air Bleed Output: 0.4 kg/s
- Bleed Air Total Pressure: 0.29 – 0.31 MPa
- Bleed Air Temperature: 433 K
- Electrical Output (AI-9V): 3 kW DC / 4.5 kW (Series 1)
- Fuel Consumption: max 75 – 76 kg/h
- Dry Weight: 57 kg (without generator)
- Fuel: TS-1, RT, Jet A-1, JP-4 aviation kerosene
- Operating Envelope: −60°C to +60°C · up to 4,000 m altitude
- Compression Ratio: 2.8:1 – 3.15:1
Manuals Included in This Collection
- Газотурбинный Двигатель АИ-9В — Книга I: Техническое Описание, Редакция II — Book 1: Technical Description, Revision II. Soviet primary source. Russian language. Complete design description of all major assemblies: compressor, accessory drive casing, combustion chamber, turbine, oil system, fuel supply and engine control system, mechanical diagram, air bleed system.
- Газотурбинный Двигатель АИ-9В — Книга II: Инструкция по Эксплуатации и Техническому Обслуживанию — Book 2: Operating and Maintenance Instructions. Soviet primary source. Russian language.
- Газотурбинный Двигатель АИ-9В — Руководство по Эксплуатации и Техническому Обслуживанию — «Машиностроение», 1980. Operating and Maintenance Manual. Soviet primary source. Russian language.
- AI-9V / AI-9V Series 1 — Auxiliary Gas-Turbine Engines: Book of Charts and Diagrams — Motor Sich JSC / Ivchenko-Progress. Bilingual Russian / English edition. Full colour cutaway diagrams with annotated components covering: compressor, accessory drive casing, combustion chamber, turbine, oil and breather systems, fuel supply and engine control system, engine mechanical diagram, air bleed system. 19 pages.
- AI-9V / AI-9V Series 1 — Auxiliary Gas-Turbine Engines: Technical Specifications Brochure — Motor Sich JSC, 2011. Bilingual Russian / English. Side-by-side specifications for AI-9V and AI-9V Series 1 variants. Issued by АО «МОТОР СИЧ», Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
- Двигатель Аи-9В — Продольный Разрез и Техническое Описание — Full longitudinal section diagram with 22 annotated components and complete system description. Russian language. Covers: air intake, accessory drive casing, centrifugal compressor wheel, combustion chamber, turbine wheel, exhaust nozzle, oil tank, bleed valve KP-9V, drain tank, rotor casing, inlet guide vane, fuel-regulator NR-9V, oil aggregate, starter-generator STG-3 2s.
APU Operational Context
The AI-9V is not a propulsion engine — it is the heartbeat of helicopter ground operations across the former Soviet world. Every Mi-8 engine start, every Ka-32 deck start in Arctic conditions, every Yak-40 turnaround on a remote Siberian airstrip begins with the AI-9V firing. Understanding its documentation is essential for any serious operator, maintainer, or restorer working with Soviet rotary-wing or regional jet equipment.
The bilingual Motor Sich publications included in this collection represent the most accessible entry point into AI-9V technical knowledge for Western operators — produced by the current type certificate holder and active manufacturer.
⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
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