Fletcher FL-23

The Fletcher FL‑23, produced by the American firm Fletcher Aviation, entered service in 1964 as the company’s first all‑metal, twin‑engine trainer. Designed during the Cold War to replace aging piston‑powered trainers in both civilian flight schools and military auxiliary units, the FL‑23 combined a low‑wing monoplane layout with retractable tricycle landing gear and a semi‑monocoque aluminum fuselage. Powered by two 210‑hp Lycoming TIO‑540‑D5A turboprop engines, the aircraft delivered a maximum speed of 315 km/h, a service ceiling of 8,500 m, and a range of 1,400 km, giving student pilots endurance comparable to early jet trainers while retaining forgiving handling characteristics. Key features included a fully glazed cockpit with dual flight‑deck controls, a woven‑glass avionics suite that was among the first to integrate VHF navigation, and removable wingtip fuel tanks that extended endurance for cross‑country training missions. Over 250 units were built, serving the United States Air Force Reserve, NATO partner air forces, and civilian academies worldwide. The FL‑23’s blend of turboprop performance, modern avionics, and cost‑effective operation helped bridge the gap between basic propeller trainers and frontline jets, influencing subsequent trainer designs such as the Beechcraft T‑6 Texan II.