Let L-410

Summary

Category Military Transport Aircraft
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
ManufacturerLet
First flight16 April 1969
Year introduced1970
Number produced1200 units

Technical specifications

Version: L-410UVP
Operational range1,500 km (932 mi)
Maximum speed 365 km/h (227 mph)
Wing area35.2 m² (378.9 sqft)
Wingspan19.5 m (63.9 ft)
Height5.8 m (19.1 ft)
Length14.5 m (47.5 ft)
Service ceiling7,000 m (22,966 ft)
Empty weight3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Powerplant2 x turboprops Walter M601B delivering 575 kW each

Current operating countries

Country Units
Russia Russia 53 (+2)
Czech Republic Czech Republic 6
Slovakia Slovakia 6
Tunisia Tunisia 5
Bangladesh Bangladesh 3
Bulgaria Bulgaria 2
🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea 2
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan 2
Lithuania Lithuania 2
🇸🇸 South Sudan 2
Mozambique Mozambique 1
Slovenia Slovenia 1

All operators

🇧🇩 Bangladesh • 🇧🇬 Bulgaria • 🇨🇿 Czech Republic • 🇩🇪 Ex-East Germany • 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea • 🇭🇺 Hungary • 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan • 🇱🇾 Libya • 🇱🇹 Lithuania • 🇱🇻 Latvia • 🇲🇿 Mozambique • 🇵🇪 Peru • 🇷🇺 Russia • 🇸🇸 South Sudan • 🇸🇰 Slovakia • 🇸🇮 Slovenia • 🇨🇿 Ex-Czechoslovakia • 🇹🇳 Tunisia • 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Photo of L-410
Profile drawing of Let L-410

Description

Development of the L-410 began in the mid-1960s by the Czech aircraft manufacturer Let Kunovice, who recognized an opportunity in Aeroflot's search for a turboprop-powered replacement for the Antonov An-2 biplane. Initial studies focused on the L-400 design, with attention given to both airliner and cargo aircraft roles. Following revisions, the L-410 Turbolet emerged, and the first prototype, XL-410, conducted its maiden flight on April 16, 1969. Due to delays in the development of a suitable Czech engine, the Walter M601, both the prototype and early production models were powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-27 engines and Hartzell three-blade propellers imported from North America.

The Let L-410 Turbolet is an unpressurized all-metal high-wing commuter aircraft. It is equipped with a retractable undercarriage, and the L-410 UVP-E model incorporates two hydraulic circuits, one primary and one for emergencies, with a 28V DC main electrical system. Its de-icing system uses leading-edge pneumatic deicers and electrical heating for propellers, cockpit windshields, and pitot-static system heads. The maximum take-off weight of the L-410 UVP-E is 6400 kg, potentially increased to 6,600 kg for the E9 and E20 variants, accommodating between 17 and 19 passengers, and utilizes Avia V 510 five-blade propellers. The design is adaptable featuring special interchangeable configurations.

Large numbers of L-410s were delivered to the Soviet Union; by 1985, 500 aircraft had reportedly been obtained by various operators within the USSR alone. Accordingly, the type has been heavily operated by various ex-Soviet states, in particular Russia. Furthermore, numerous L-410s have been sold to airlines across Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America. Forty aircraft are in use throughout Europe for commercial operations.

Main Variants:

  • L-410: The initial prototype of the aircraft, of which only three units were constructed.

  • L-410A: The first production series, equipped with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 turboprop engines and three-blade Hartzell propellers, with a total of 25 units built.

  • L-410M: The second series, featuring Walter M601A engines and three-blade Avia V508 propellers.

  • L-410UVP: A modified third series designed for short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, with an extended wingspan and a higher horizontal stabilizer.

  • L 410 NG: A substantially redesigned and expanded version, powered by GE H85 engines and incorporating a glass cockpit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the L-410?
The Let L-410 is a military transport aircraft aircraft developed by Let and entered service in 1970.
What is the maximum speed of the L-410?
The Let L-410 has a maximum speed of 365 km/h (226 mph).
What is the range of the L-410?
The Let L-410 has an operational range of 1,500 km (932 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the L-410 first fly?
The Let L-410 made its first flight on April 16, 1969. It entered operational service in 1970.
How many L-410 have been built?
Approximately 1,200 units of the Let L-410 have been produced since it entered service in 1970.
Which countries operate the L-410?
The Let L-410 is operated by 12 countries with approximately 85 aircraft in active service. The largest operators include Russia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
What is the service ceiling of the L-410?
The Let L-410 has a service ceiling of 7,000 meters (22,965 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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