Let Kunovice

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Let Kunovice (Kunovice is a location) is a Czech (formerly Czechoslovak) civil aircraft manufacturer. Its most successful design was the L-410 Turbolet, of which more than 1000 units were built.

Let L-410UVP-E of the Slovenian Armed Forces

Building of an aircraft factory in Kunovice started in 1936, as a part of Škoda Works industrial concern. Before and during the World War II the unfinished plant served only as a repair shop. After the end of war the factory was nationalized and in 1950-53 a new plant was built.

In 1957 the company begun to develop the famous L 200 Morava and four years later the Z 37 Bumble Bee, which both brought a huge commercial success. For a period of time LET also produced a light training aircraft L 29.

Over the years LET developed and produced a number of different gliders – Zlin Z 22, Z 124 Galanka, LF 109 Pioneer, Z 425 Sohaj. However the most popular gliders produced in LET are the famous Blaniks – L 13, L 23 and L 33.

During the 60s LET’s engineers developed a 19 seat commuter turboprop – the L 410, of which more than 1,000 were produced since then. This popular aircraft has gone through a number of improvements and modernisations and the current types, the L 410 UVP-E20 and L 420 are EASA and FAA certified respectively. [1].

[edit] Blaník sailplane

The all metal Blaník sailplane was produced in the largest quantities of any sailplane, with over 3000 manufactured since the first rolled off the production line in 1958. In 2005 it is still in production as the L23 Super Blaník variant. Because of its metal skin, a common joke amongst the soaring fraternity was to affectionately refer to the Blaník as 6000 rivets flying in close formation.

Perhaps the main contributing factor towards the Blaniks success is its reputation as the most forgiving sailplane two-seat trainer. Its stability is such that it is nearly impossible to enter a spin unless done deliberately.

It can be landed "wheels up" without sustaining any damage. A small part of the wheel is exposed during "wheels up", and its tail wheel and a small area under its nose can withstand landing forces.