This unusual looking aircraft is a thoroughly updated version of the Praga Alfa SM-92TE. It’s on track for EASA type certification in 2017, and will be equipped with the latest turboprop engine from GE and a Garmin glass cockpit.
The aircraft made its first flight in August this year. Orbis Avia, the Czech company behind the Praga Alfa, is planning to put the aircraft into production next year with up to 45 aircraft per year being constructed by 2019. The price of the utility aircraft will be $1.56m. Think of it as a slightly smaller, less expensive rival to the Pilatus PC-6 Porter.
The Praga Alfa SM-92TE is based on the SM-92T Finist which first flew in 1993. Forty of the aircraft were built. Praga’s first aircraft, the E-39, dates back to 1931.
The new aircraft will be fitted with GE’s H Series turboprop engine with maximum take-off power of 750 shaft horsepower (shp), it was announced at the annual National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) show earlier this month.
“The H Series delivers superior durability, maintenance simplicity and performance capability to turboprop operators around the world,” said Norman Baker, president of GE’s Business & General Aviation Turboprops. Longer service intervals and no Hot Section Inspection are cited.
New Garmin glass cockpit for the Czech Praga Alfa.
The Garmin glass cockpit fitted to the Praga Alfa SM-92TE will have 10-inch flat-panel LCDs for use as either a primary flight display (PFD) or multi-function display (MFD).
The aircraft’s airframe has also been upgraded with a new tailwheel and landing gear, new brakes and an anti-icing system fitted to the wing leading edges, elevator and rudder.
Orbis Avia says possible uses of the aircraft are:
Passenger transport, up to six seats with luggage
Cargo transport with maximum payload to 900kg (1984lb)
Medevac with two stretchers, four seats and one medical attendant seat
Parachuting – up to 10 per flight
Crop-spraying
Photography
Pilot training
Glider and banner towing
Military
Surveillance
Floats
Forest fire control – patrol and a special version can carry a 900-litre hopper for water drops.
LINKS Orbis Avia Praga Alfa SM-92TE GE H series turboprop
New Garmin glass cockpit for the Czech Praga Alfa.
