LET Aircraft Industries

L-410 Turbolet

The Let L‑410 Turbolet, produced by Czech manufacturer LET Aircraft Industries, entered service in 1970 as a rugged, twin‑engine turboprop designed for short‑haul operations from unimproved fields. Developed from the earlier Let Z‑37 agricultural aircraft, the L‑410 was conceived to meet the Soviet bloc’s demand for a versatile regional transport capable of carrying up to 19 passengers or equivalent cargo. Its high‑wing layout, fixed tricycle landing gear and robust airframe allow operations at altitudes up to 7,000 m and runway lengths as short as 300 m, making it popular in remote mountainous and island regions.

Key features include two Walter/Maintal (now GE) turboprop engines delivering 1,050 shp, a spacious cabin with large doors for easy loading, and optional ski or float kits for Arctic and maritime missions. Modernized variants such as the L‑410UVP‑E and the L‑410NG update avionics, improve fuel efficiency and meet contemporary noise standards while retaining the original’s simplicity of maintenance.

The L‑410’s significance lies in its longevity—over 2,500 airframes have been built—and its role in connecting isolated communities, supporting humanitarian aid, and serving as a training platform worldwide. Its adaptability continues to secure contracts across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Dimensions

Length
13.61 metre

Performance

Service Ceiling
7000 metre

Production & History

Units Produced
1,138
First Flight
1969
Service Entry
1971

Design & Classification

Country of Origin
Manufacturer
LET Aircraft Industries
Developer
LET Aircraft Industries
Operator
Interflug Czechoslovakia German Democratic Republic Soviet Union Libya Honduras Czech Republic Russia
Wikidata ID
Q157925

External References