L-410 (photos below) is one of the passenger aircraft models developed by the Czechoslovak company Let. The airliner is designed to transport people, cargo and mail over short distances. In its category, this model surpasses many analogues in a number of indicators and is considered one of the best.
A Brief History
Work on the design of an aircraft called L-410 was started in 1966 in the Czechoslovak city of Kunovice. Three years after that, an experimental model of the model rose into the sky. Then it was equipped with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines. Over the next few years, the designers significantly modified and improved the aircraft. The key innovation was the new Czech W alter M601 engines, which were developed specifically for him at the airline's factory in 1973. Later, the company's engineers created a number of modifications of the L-410 aircraft. The model quickly became popular, and some of its copies appeared on all continents.
In the early nineties of the last century, a real crisis began for the enterprise:there were practically no orders for new liners. 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 the rest). 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 dozen copies of airliners from the line were built and sold to various customers from Ukraine, Brazil, Bulgaria and Slovakia. A significant share of them went to domestic consumers.
Now there are just over 400 aircraft of this line of various modifications in the world. According to experts' estimates, the demand for these airliners for the Russian market alone today is about a hundred copies. Work on the modernization of the model does not end at the present time. As for the cost of the L-410, the price of the aircraft starts at 2.4 million euros.
General description and characteristics
The aircraft was based on the aerodynamic design of a cantilever high-wing aircraft. The model has a semi-monocoque round fuselage and an all-metal construction. The aircraft is equipped with a tricycle retractable landing gear with a nose strut. As for the wings, they are straight and trapezoidal in plan. The model is assembled by a Czech company on a full cycle. In other words, there are lines for the production and assembly of all elements and assemblies, from surface treatment of materials toand ending with tests at our own airport.
The production version of the airliner, which is very popular in our time, is equipped with two GE H80-200 turboprop power plants. The maximum flight range of the model is just over 1.5 thousand kilometers, while the longest flight duration is about five hours. The aircraft is capable of simultaneously carrying 19 passengers on board, excluding crew members.
Key Benefits
Now a few words about the main advantages that the Let L-410 airliner boasts. Feedback from experts in this field indicates that the lowest operating costs in the entire category can be called the main one. In addition, the aircraft is reliable and durable even in extreme conditions. The engines of the model are distinguished by unique traction characteristics, which 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 you to provide passengers with a high level of comfort. It should also be noted that the equipment used here is very variable for installing additional options. Thanks to its unique undercarriage, the craft is capable of taking off and landing even on short, grassy and wet runways.
Operation
Currently, the L-410 model has been successfully operated in the territory of more thanfifty states located on five continents. For the entire period of production of the aircraft, a total of about 1100 of its copies were assembled. It is most popular 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 also be noted that the manufacturing plant always provides its customers with all the necessary service support in a timely manner. The aircraft is also available in landing, ambulatory, medical, cargo and executive versions.
The L-410 has 632 cubic feet of cabin space. Thanks to this, even in its standard version, passengers are provided with a fairly high level of comfort. Along with this, one cannot fail to note the fact that often its interior is being finalized and additionally equipped for the purpose of further use in the form of a corporate or private aircraft, where there is everything necessary for rest and work.
Flying in extreme conditions
As noted above, the L-410 aircraft can be operated quite successfully and safely even in difficult weather conditions. According to the technical data sheet, this airliner is designed to operate at temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees. Thus, thanks to the unique design andheavy-duty fuselage, the model is actively used both in the hot heat of the African and Latin American deserts, and in the coldest corners of the planet.
Certification
The L-410 aircraft has been certified and received appropriate type certificates in many countries, including the Czech Republic, Russia, Germany, Argentina, the Philippines, Australia, Brazil and others. After the establishment of the European Aviation Safety Agency, the model received an EASA certificate, which applies to all EU countries. In addition, the operation of this aircraft is allowed in many other countries of the world.
