Aircraft
Updated L-410 Turboprop Rolls Out in Czech Republic
Latest version of the 19-seat commuter airplane features new avionics, more powerful engines
Aircraft Industries expects the newest version of the Let L-410 to gain certification in 2017. (Photo: Aircraft Industries)
Aircraft Industries expects the newest version of the Let L-410 to gain certification in 2017. (Photo: Aircraft Industries)

A new version of the Let L-410 turboprop rolled out of its factory on Wednesday in the Czech city of Kunovice, marking the latest chapter in the storied history of the country’s most successful commercial aircraft program. Built using modern production techniques by the Czech Republic’s Aircraft Industries Company and featuring new Garmin G3000 avionics, the 19-seat L410NG prototype inherits what the company calls the best of the currently serial-produced L-410UVP-E20. Aircraft Industries said it expects the airplane to fly for the first time “shortly” and win certification in time to begin deliveries in 2017.