SM 2000
The latest aircraft to come from the fertile brain of Slava Kondratiev (Designer of the Yak-55; Sukhoi 26; Finist utility aircraft etc) is the SM2000.
Originally conceived as a turbine version of the familiar Yak-18T, the SM2000 is an almost totally new aircraft, but considerable cost saving has been achieved by the use of the fuselage, centre section and other main components of the Yak-18T. However, the aircraft is transformed by the substitution of the 360-hp/400-hp Vedeneyev radial for a Walter M601F 760-hp turbine. This makes for very impressive STOL performance, while still maintaining high cruising speeds. The aim has been to produce a very high performance turbine single, at under half the cost of any comparable Western aircraft, and yet retaining the ability to operate from grass and unprepared similar runways.
Although pressurisation was considered, the complexities; extra weight and the resultant price increase were thought to outweigh the advantages.
The wing and tail are totally new, the former being optimised for much higher speeds than envisaged with the original Yak-18T, and incorporating full Fowler flaps to significantly enhance low speed handling. The seating arrangement is for pilot plus four plus luggage.
The aircraft is an absolute delight to fly, with powerful controls and very positive handling. Indeed it is fully aerobatic and can loop and roll if a pilot wishes. Those who might be so inclined, the aerobatic M601 engine could also be fitted, giving sustained inverted capability!
Particularly noteworthy is the docile performance at stall, and the ability to fly the aeroplane at extremely low air-speeds.
The aircraft has now obtained Full International Certification in Hungary, which is now a member of JAR and EASA. This means that the aircraft can be used without any restrictions throughout the world.
It would be hoped that under EASA regulations, this Type-Certification will pass automatically to other EASA countries. However we cannot guarantee this, and for today it would seem that the only drawback is that the aircraft needs to return to Hungary every second year for CofA renewal.
Production will take place in the large Smolensk factory, where all 800 or so Yak-18Ts were manufactured. This is a well equipped and efficient factory with a good record of high quality products from Yak-18Ts up to the Yak-40 airliner.
The aircraft has been designed to use the Walter M601 turbine, which is rugged; extremely reliable and simple to maintain.
The anticipated price is US$620,000 (today Euro 470,000) excluding tax, which will include:
Any extras can be incorporated, but principal ones we feel are likely to be ordered are:
The SM2000 has a substantial panel and a wide range of avionics can be installed according to customer requirements.
SM2000 Principal characteristics