Passenger plane Let L-410: specifications, photos and reviews

L-410 (photos are located below) - this is one of the passenger models of aircraft developed by the Czech company Let. The airliner is designed for transportation of people, cargo and mail for short distances. In its category, this model surpasses in a number of indicators a lot of analogs and is considered one of the best.

Short story

Work on the design of an aircraft called L-410 was started in 1966 in the Czechoslovak town of Kunovice. Already three years after this, the experimental model of the model rose to the sky. Then it was equipped with engines Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27. Over the next several years the designers have substantially improved and improved the aircraft. The key innovation was the new Czech Walter M601 engines, which were developed specifically for him at the factory of the airline in 1973. Later, the engineers of the company created a number of modifications of the L-410 aircraft. The model quickly became popular, and some of its copies were sung on all continents.

In the early nineties of the last century, the enterprise started a real crisis: there were practically no orders for new airliners. The situation changed dramatically only in 2008, when 51 percent of its shares were acquired by the Russian company "UMMC" (five years later it bought back the remainder). The new owners of the plant managed to significantly expand the portfolio of orders and make the model really in demand on the market. As a result, during this time, several dozens of airliners from the line were built and sold to various customers from Ukraine, Brazil, Bulgaria and Slovakia. A significant proportion of them went to domestic consumers.

Now in the world there are just over 400 aircraft of this line of various modifications. According to experts, only for the Russian market the need for these airliners today is about one hundred copies. The work on the modernization of the model does not end now. As for the cost of the L-410, the price of the aircraft starts from the level of 2.4 million euros.

General description and characteristics

The airplane was based on the aerodynamic scheme of the free-carrying high-wing. The model has a fuselage of circular cross-section type "semi-monocoque" and all-metal construction. The airplane is equipped with a three-axial retractable landing gear with a nose post. As for the wings, they are straight and trapezoid in plan. The model is assembled by the Czech company for a full cycle. In other words, there are lines for the production and assembly of all elements and assemblies, from surface treatment of materials to testing at our own airport.

The serial version of the airliner, which is very popular nowadays, is equipped with two turboprop engines GE H80-200. The maximum flight range of the model is just over 1.5 thousand kilometers, while the maximum flight duration is about five hours. The aircraft is able to simultaneously carry on board 19 passengers, without taking into account the crew members.

Key Benefits

Now a few words about the main advantages that the L-410 airliner can boast of. The feedback from specialists in this field shows that the main one is the lowest operating costs in the whole category. In addition, the aircraft is reliable and durable even under extreme conditions. The engines of the model feature unique traction characteristics that are maintained at a fairly low pressure and high temperature. Among other things, this aircraft has the most spacious cabin in its category, a spacious luggage compartment and excellent safety parameters, which allows passengers to have a high level of comfort. One can not but note the fact that the equipment used here is very variable for the installation of additional options. Due to its unique chassis, the ship is capable of taking off and landing even on short, grassy and moisture-impregnated strips.

Exploitation

Currently, the L-410 is successfully operated on the territory of more than fifty states located on five continents. During the entire production of the aircraft, a total of about 1,100 of its specimens were collected. The most popular is in the countries of the former Soviet Union. As of today, the Czech aircraft factory produces a modification of the UVP E20, which is considered the most modern and advanced in the line.

Often, Let L-410 aircraft are operated by airlines that provide air taxi services. In addition, the model is very popular in many world government agencies. It should be noted and the fact that the manufacturer always provides its customers with all the necessary service support in a timely manner. The aircraft is also produced in amphibious, ambulatory, medical, cargo and representative versions.

The interior of the L-410 is 632 cubic feet. Thanks to this, even in its standard version, passengers are provided with a rather high level of comfort. At the same time, we can not fail to note the fact that often its interior is being finalized and additionally equipped for the purpose of further application in the form of a corporate or private aircraft, where everything is necessary for rest and work.

Flights in extreme conditions

As already noted above, the L-410 can operate quite successfully and safely even in difficult weather conditions. According to the technical passport, this airliner is designed for operation at temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees. Thus, thanks to the unique design and heavy-duty fuselage, the model is actively used both in the hot heat of African and Latin American deserts, and in the coldest corners of the planet.

Certification

The L-410 aircraft has been certified and has received the relevant model certificates in many countries, including the Czech Republic, Russia, Germany, Argentina, the Philippines, Australia, Brazil and others. After the European Aviation Safety Agency was established, the model received an EASA certificate, which applies to all EU countries. In addition, the operation of this aircraft is permitted in many other countries of the planet.