Russia's Smolensk aircraft plant plans to build up to 40 Yakovlev Yak-18T light aircraft this year as demand for the four-seat piston engine aircraft grows. The plant, which delivered 13 new aircraft and two upgraded types last year, has reached production rates of two aircraft a month and was recently awarded a contract from the Russian ministry of transport to supply 60 new and 11 upgraded Yak-18Ts for civilian training. More than a thousand 18Ts have been manufactured, mainly for customers in eastern Europe, since the aircraft entered service in the early 1970s.
Source: Flight International
