Czech general aviation manufacturer Moravan Otrokovice is facing serious problems due to lack of financing. The company has scaled back efforts to develop new products, and is instead promoting the Zlin Z-400 agricultural aircraft.
The SM-92 Finist utility aircraft, powered by a Czech-made Walter M-601 engine, appears to have been put on hold. Other programmes including derivatives of the Zlin 242/143 two/four seaters powered by Lycoming engines, which were to be equipped with retractable undercarriage, have also slowed down.
Progress on the L-410/420 Turbolet manufactured by Letecke Zavody, formerly Let Kunovice, which was purchased from the Czech government three years ago, has also been disappointing.
Moravan has six divisions encompassing production of light trainers, commercial aircraft, aviation containers, safety belts and automotive components, as well as aviation operations.
Source: Flight International
