It was reported guring 2000 that this agricultural/forestry and seven-seat transport aircraft is included in the development programme of civil aircraft up to 2015. It will be built at the Sokol factory and at Smolensk beginning 2003. The M-500 will be offered with a 316 kW (424 hp) VOKBM M-14NTK piston engine driving a three-blade MT propeller, or a 331 kW (444 hp) Ufa NPP turbocharged diesel driving a Hartzell propeller. Estimated market for 700 to 800 aircraft, with reported orders for 80 by May 2001; unit cost US$160,000 to US$170,000 (2001). No further information forthcoming.