SMOLENSKY AVIATSIONNYI ZAVOD OAO (Smolensk Aircraft Plant PLC)

Smolensk Aircraft Plant (SmAZ) was established in 1926 as an aviation repair facility. In 1934, Bureau Osobikh Konstruktsii, OKB for experimental aircraft, relocated from Moscow to Smolensk GAZ-35, specialising in manufacture of prototype and experimental aircraft, including BOK series of stratospheric and ultra-long-range vehicles. Evacuated 1941-1943 and later overhauled Il-2 attack fighter. After Second World War, built Myasishchev M-17/M-55, wings for Yak-40 transports, and more than 500 Yak-18Ts from 1973. Built small number of early production Yak-42s alongside main series at Saratov (SAZ). Constructed Buran space shuttle. Government share was 25.5 per cent.
Production of Yak-18T was resumed 1993, five years after entire original fleet had been scrapped; more than 60 built up to 1996, when 15 placed in storage due to financial problems; production resumed in 1998; deliveries have included three to Ulyanovsk Aviation School in June 2001. Built three Yak-112 lightplanes before project transferred entirely to IAPO in Irkutsk. Other work included manufacture of RPVs and cruise missiles; wings for the Yak-42, upgrading of Yak-40s for business use (including additional fuel capacity), and development and production (from 1993) of Technoavia SM-92 Finist seven-seat STOL aircraft. By 2002, was marketing former Technoavia products in its own right.
Has built wing and empennage for first three Sukhoi Su-38L agricultural aircraft and will be responsible for series production. Currently producing one further M-55. Also participated in Yak-130 programme, building prototype. Overhauls some 10 to 15 Yak-18Ts per year. Non-aerospace activities include manufacture of cloth processing machines and medical equipment.