Let L-410 Turbolet

The Let L-410 Turbolet twin-engined light transport was designed for use on local service and feeder operations, including those from grass airfields. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 16 April 1969, powered by two 533kW United (later Pratt & Whitney) Aircraft of Canada PT6A-27 turboprops driving three-bladed propellers. Excessive airframe vibration and cabin noise levels were overcome with the third prototype (of four) which introduced four-bladed propellers. The Canadian engine was retained for the 27 L-410A aircraft built during 1971-74, and for the L-410AF, an aerial survey version with a glazed nose, one example of which was supplied to Hungary during 1974. The prototype L-410M, powered by 548kW Walter M 601A turboprops, was flown during 1973 and the first of 109 production aircraft was delivered in 1976.

The improved L-410UVP first flew in November 1977. This featured a stretched fuselage, longer span wings, increased area fin and rudder, and a larger door. Powered by M-601B engines, and able to carry 15 passengers, production ended in 1985 after 495 had been built, and it was replaced on the production lines by the further improved and current L-410UVP-E. With a revised interior capable of accommodating 19 passengers and two crew, deliveries began in 1986 and around 370 had been built by mid-1991. Customers include Aeroflot, together with the air forces of Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and former East Germany, and civil sales have been claimed in Sweden and Denmark. The Walter M-601E-powered L-410UVP-E has a strengthened wing fitted with 200-litre tiptanks giving increased range. Total production of the L-410 series reached 1,000 by the end of 1990, of which 300 were for military use.

3-View

A three-view drawing (688 x 874)