LET Aircraft Industries
Let L-610
The Let L‑610 is a twin‑engine turboprop regional airliner developed by Czechoslovak‑based LET Aircraft Industries in the early 1980s. Conceived as a modern replacement for older Soviet‑type transports, the L‑610 first flew on 25 June 1985 and was certificated in 1990. Its design incorporates a low‑wing configuration, pressurised cabin, and a capacity of 32‑40 passengers, making it suitable for short‑haul routes in Europe, the former Soviet bloc and remote regions. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 engines, the aircraft offers a cruise speed of roughly 540 km/h and a range of about 2,000 km, while its robust landing gear enables operation from unpaved airstrips. Although production was limited—only a handful of prototypes and a few pre‑series aircraft were completed—the L‑610 demonstrated advanced aerodynamics, efficient fuel consumption and low operating costs for its class. Its development marked a significant step for LET Aircraft Industries, showcasing the company’s ability to design Western‑standard jetliners despite operating behind the Iron Curtain. A few examples still fly in Central Europe, highlighting its robustness. The L‑610 remains a symbol of East‑European innovation in regional aviation during the late Cold War era.
