Development of the NK-6 started in 1955 at the Kuznetsov Design Bureau.[2] It was the first afterburning by-pass engine made in the Soviet Union.[1] With a maximum thrust of 216 kN (49,000 lbf), it was the most powerful jet engine in the world in the early 1960s.[2] Despite this fact, development of the NK-6 was halted in July 1963.[2] The accumulated experience of the NK-6 project was subsequently used in the development of the NK-144.[2]
A modified version of this engine, the NK-7, was intended for the Soviet Navy[1] and had a takeoff thrust of 216 kN (49,000 lbf).