LET L-410FG Turbolet

The Let L-410 Turbolet is a Czech-designed and built twin-engined light transport aircraft that possesses excellent short and unpaved airfield capabilities. The first prototype of the L-410 flew on 16th April 1969 and has since secured orders from a variety of military and civilian operators with over 1,200 aircraft being produced. The L-410UVP is the most numerous version that is still in service today and was originally designed for Aeroflot featuring larger wings and tail areas to increase its short field capability. Let was acquired in 2013 by the Russian UGMK who have now produced a new modernised version, the L-410NG featuring new engines, a modern cockpit, a new wing and an increased cargo cabin.

The Czech Air Force has operated the L410 since 1985, eventually expanding their fleet to a total of 10 aircraft. Used as a utility transport and surveillance aircraft, the fleet has also been modernised with new avionics to keep them relevant into the foreseeable future. This has included the L-410FG variant which is equipped with Leica cameras in the nose and a specialist CCNS-5 flight control system to allow for accurate ground scanning whilst taking part in mapping missions.

In support of our ‘Eyes in the Skies theme’, the Czech Air Force will be sending a Let L-410 for static display this July. This will be an extremely rare reconnaissance L-410FG variant equipped with a glass nose, there are only two of these in service with the Czech Air Force.

Photo Credit: Alan Lebeda