LET L-410 Turbolet

LET L-410 Turbolet AIRCRAFT GUIDE

The LET L-410 Turbolet is a twin-engine short-range transport aircraft. Versions of this aircraft support cargo and passenger configurations. Cargo pallets require a forklift or baggage belt to access its main deck.

development of the L-410 was started in the 1960s by the Czechoslovak aircraft manufacturer Let Kunovice. The Soviet airline Aeroflot was looking for a turboprop-powered replacement for the Antonov An-2 aircraft, initiating the design development by Let. After preliminary studies of an aircraft called the L-400, a new version was introduced called the L-410 Turbolet. The first prototype, designated XL-410, flew on April 16, 1969.

A further version for Aeroflot was the L-410 UVP. This has improved performance in take-off and landing due to increased wing and tail area – STOL. However, due to an increased empty weight and a shift in the center of gravity, the aircraft had a decreased seating capacity: 15 passengers.

Aircraft of similar role, configuration and era are: Antonov An-28/PZL M28 Skytruck, Beriev Be-30, Britten-Norman Trislander, CASA C-212 Aviocar, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, Dornier Do 228, Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante, Evektor EV-55 Outback, Harbin Y-12, IAI Arava, Shorts SC.7 Skyvan.