It does not appear to be. Here is a site with some info about the Firefly. It had an IO-540. And was intended to replace the military version of the 172 becuase of it's aerobatic capability. I believe the AF Academy is now using DA-20 Katanas with the instrument panel reversed so the trainee has his right hand on the stick, and left on the throttles like you would in a fighter.

http://www.military.cz/usa/air/in_se...t3A/t3a_en.htm