Milkor 380

The Milkor 380 is a light twin‑engine turboprop introduced in 1992 by Milkor (Pty) Ltd, a South‑African firm better known for its small‑arms production. Seeking to diversify, Milkor’s engineering team leveraged its experience in high‑precision machining to develop a versatile utility aircraft aimed at regional transport, aerial survey and medevac roles. The 380 seats six passengers in a pressurised cabin, features a low‑wing monocoque fuselage of composite‑reinforced aluminum, and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑27 engines delivering 620 shaft horsepower each. Its fixed tricycle landing gear, advanced digital flight‑control suite, and optional glass‑cockpit avionics provide excellent short‑field performance and a stall speed of just 58 knots. The aircraft’s high‑lift wing incorporates leading‑edge slats and double‑slotted flaps, granting a 1,200‑meter take‑off distance on unpaved runways. Over the past three decades the Milkor 380 has become a staple in remote African airstrips, supporting humanitarian logistics, wildlife‑conservation patrols and oil‑field charters. Its reliability, low operating cost, and rugged design have cemented its reputation as a workhorse that expanded Milkor’s brand beyond firearms into the broader aerospace sector. Today, over 120 units remain in active service worldwide, underscoring its enduring impact.