Letov L-290 Orel

The Letov L‑290 Orel, produced by the historic Czech manufacturer Letov Kbely, emerged in the early 1990s as a modern response to the demand for a reliable, low‑cost trainer after the Cold‑War era. Its maiden flight took place in May 1993 and series production began in 1995, marking Letov’s first completely indigenous design since the company’s founding in 1918. The Orel is a low‑wing, all‑metal monoplane with a tricycle undercarriage and side‑by‑side seating for two occupants, making it ideal for primary flight instruction, sport flying and limited aerobatics. Power is supplied by a Lycoming IO‑360‑D, delivering 200 hp, which provides a cruise speed of about 250 km/h and a respectable service ceiling of 5 800 m. Its simple yet robust airframe incorporates a spacious cockpit, modern avionics options, and a forgiving handling envelope that eases the transition from piston trainers to more advanced jets. The aircraft quickly gained acceptance within the Czech Air Force and several Eastern European flight schools, while export customers in Africa and South America appreciated its low operating costs. As a post‑communist success story, the L‑290 Orel demonstrated Letov’s ability to blend proven engineering with contemporary training needs, securing its place in modern general‑aviation history.