Even though LET is not so visible with its L-410, Thousands have been built and many are still flying in Russia, Africa and Latin America. Many versions from civil to research and military. Of course the plane is old school but a work horse. Unfortunately many African and South American operators are lax with safety and a high number of crashes is visible when checking this type. Some might quickly judge the machine... At the moment, the current modernized version is selling quite well.
LET has been working hard on the "update" of its L-410. The new version is dubbed the L-410-NG. The prototype has a completely redesigned set of wings. We will see modern avionics, a modified fuselage and new engines. 66% of the new machine design and "looks" will be derived from the latest/current version produced: The L-410UVP-E20.
New generation M601 engines will replace the current General Electric H80. The engine power is about 10% higher with 5% less fuel consumption. Newly designed five-blade propellers will be used.
LET cooperated with EVEKTOR in the design and testing of the new wings (designed for app 20,000 flight hours). The re-designed wings will be significantly larger and will include fuel tanks. The option of adding wing tip tanks is available. As a result, the tank capacity increases from 990 kg to 2050 kg and 2,450 kg. The range upped from 1,430 km to 2,500 km+ and maximum flight duration doubled from 4.5 to 9 hours.
Note. Evektor is a major name in the US when it comes to small private sports planes and gliders. Now they're finalizing tests on their beautiful brand new Evektor EV-55-Outback. A 9 pax seat commuter. Seems that Malaysia decided to invest a large amount in the company only several months back.
www.evektor.cz
The L-410-NG's nose was lengthened and the plane's chassis was reinforced so that the maximum take-off weight increased to 7 tons. The passenger capacity is unchanged (19 people). The rear cargo hold area will be noticeably bigger. This was done in cooperation with Aero Vodochody, the Czech manufacturer of the L-159-ALCA light combat and training jet fighter (already working on their own all new L-169 jet fighter). An impressive small company that manufactures parts and helps with design and research as well. It currently manufactures for the CSeries, Sikorsky helicopters, Embraer 170/190, an important partner for Embraer's KC390 military plane. Furtheron the A-320, F-18s, Black hawk helicopters, JAS 39 Gripen and C27 Spartan...
www.aero.cz
The prototype is ready and should start flight testing in Q 2015. Both LET and Evektor are eyes Asia, Australia and territories they were not able to serve due to the older generation L-410s...
www.let.cz[Edited 2014-11-14 17:19:09]
