In January 1993 the construction of two prototypes of the SM-92 Finist (a magical bird that was transformed into a Prince) commenced, the first (RA-44482) flying on 28 December 1991. Another (RA-44484) commenced a round-the-world sales flight through Europe, Canada, Alaska and Siberia in August 1995, covering 30,000 km (18,640 miles) in 160 flying hours. A few variants were proposed, including the SM-92P armed version, the first of which (RA-44493) was first flown in August 1995. This model was aimed particularly at the border patrol role, and, fitted with armament, a number were supplied to the Russian Federal Border Service. Consideration was also given to production by Aerostar SA in Romania, and assembly in Canada. A variant fitted with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6 turboprop was also proposed. The first production aircraft (RA-44485) was delivered to an operator in the United Kingdom in 1995. The type was also built in the Czech Republic by Zlin as the Z-400 Rhino and it would appear this was where later production aircraft emanated. The Finist was in the class of the DHC-2 Beaver but had less power and its purchase cost was less than that of a second-hand Beaver. Construction was all-aluminium, stressed skin monocoque, the design being aimed at the market where repairs would be possible under field conditions, and also to replace Beavers. The airframe hds a life of 10,000 hours or 20,000 landings. Undercarriage was non-retractable tailwheel. Four-section, three-position Fowler flaps were installed. Initial production commenced at the facility of the Smolensk Aircraft Factory, the designer being Slava Kondratiev, who was also involved in the design of the Yak 55, and Sukhoi Su-26, Su-29 and Su-31. The type was designed and built to FAR 23 and JAR 23. The basic aircraft was fitted out to take a pilot and six passengers but could quickly be converted to carry six parachutists, or 600 kg (1,323 lb) of freight, or be used as an air-ambulance or crop sprayer. In the latter role it could be fitted with a hopper to carry 600 kg (1,323 lb) of agricultural chemicals. A variant fitted with floats was also proposed. Other roles included forest surveillance, patrolling electric power lines, gas pipeline inspection etc. In 2002 an example of the Finist (the second prototype – RA-44484 – c/n 00 003), arrived in Australia flown by two Russian pilots on a round-the-world tour. The aircraft was placed on display at the Airshows Downunder event at Avalon, VIC and was subsequently seen at many venues around the country, eventually in 2003 being noted as based at Archerfield, QLD where it had “www.flyingfighters.com.au” painted on the side of the fuselage, advertising a local aviation museum. It later remained in Australia and was regularly seen at venues along the east coast. It was noted at Gympie, QLD and was used for sky diving operations. However, it was eventually exported to Spain where it became HA-NAH on 10 February 2007 and commenced operations with Skydive Spain. In more recent times a new variant of the Finist, known as the SMG-92 Turboprop Finist, has been made available. This aircraft is fitted with the Walter M.601D-2 reverse flow free-driving turbine producing 537 kw (721 shp). This Finist was originally built by the Smolensk Aircraft Factory, being initially flown with an M-14P radial engine. A military variant known as the SM-92P was produced with rocket launchers, two machine-guns fitted to the lower fuselage, and another mounted in the doorway. It is believed five development aircraft and 10 production aircraft were built before production was suspended. The prototype was later converted to the Turbo Finist. When the turbine was fitted the aircraft was taken to Aerotech in Slovakia where it became HA-YDF. Initial turbine fitted was the M.601D-2 providing 400 kw (536 shp) and first flew on 7 November 2000. Thereafter six early production aircraft were converted to turbine power and a number were used for parachuting duties. A decision was then made, as mentioned, to build the type in the Czech Republic as the Zlin Z-410 Rhino with a 360 kw (485 shp) Orenda OE600 V-8 diesel engine but only one aircraft was fitted with this engine by Moravan Otrokovice in the Czech Republic. Other engines have been fitted at various times, including the Pratt & Whitney PT-6A and Allison 250. The type has also been operated on wheeled undercarriages, floats, amphibious floats and skis. It has been used for military and civil air survey, scientific work, air-sea rescue, air-taxi, medevac, glider towing and crop spraying. No further examples are known to have visited this region. Variants SM92 Finist Basic version, powered by 270 kW (360 hp) Vedeneyev M14P radial engine. SM92P Finist Armed version for Border guard duties. Two fixed forward firing PK machine guns and one inside cabin firing through open cabin doors and two rocket launchers. SM-92T Turbo Finist Version powered by Walter M601 turboprop engine. One prototype converted. SMG-92 Turbine Finist Walter M601 powered version built in Slovakia by Aerotech Slovakia for use in skydiving. At least six converted. Zlin Z400 Version powered by Orenda OE600 V-8 engine, planned to be built by Moravan Otrokovice in the Czech Republic. One built. Orbis Avia SM-92T SM-92T built by Czech aircraft manufacturer Orbis Avia. One built 2015, fitted with 560 kW (750 hp) GE H75 turboprop in 2017.
