Czech aviation industry at the service of the Luftwaffe: Aero. Czech aviation industry at the service of the Luftwaffe: Aero Light sport aircraft made in the Czech Republic
L-410 UVP-E20 is a universal twin-engine aircraft of Czech production for local airlines, accommodating 19 passengers. Designed for operation on unprepared dirt, grass, snow areas, as well as on airfields with short runways (about 600-700 meters), which, in fact, makes it an aircraft in the “off-road” category. The first flight of the L-410 was made on April 16, 1969. The main customer of the aircraft was the Soviet Union. In addition, the L-410 was also supplied to Bulgaria, Brazil, Hungary, East Germany, Libya, and Poland. Despite the fact that the plant is located in the Czech Republic, it considers itself part of the Russian aviation industry: the foundations for this were laid during its development and during its long history of operation. As of 2012, more than 400 L-410 aircraft are in operation around the world.
Production site of Aircraft Industries in Kunovice, Czech Republic.
The Aircraft Industries plant, better known under the Let Kunovice brand, is located 300 km from Prague. The plant employs 920 people.
The company produces aircraft through a full production cycle - it has its own lines for surface treatment of materials, paint and varnish production, a machine shop, assembly shops, a design bureau and an airport.
L-410 fuselage parts production workshop. The enterprise is expanding and modernizing production - light green equipment is intended for the production of a new generation of the L-410 NG (New Generation) aircraft.
The plant's production capacity is 16-18 new aircraft per year.
About 80% of aircraft are supplied to Russia. Over the past four years, 35 aircraft have been delivered to Russia.
Production of parts on a CNC milling center from the French company Creneau.
Cleaning parts before molding
Forming a part on a press
Punching press
Design documentation - interceptor drawing
Manufacturing of the wing spar on a 5-axis CNC milling center.
The production uses Russian duralumin produced by OJSC Kamensk-Ural Metallurgical Plant. The total share of components from Russia in the L-410 aircraft is about 15% - this is a legacy of the fact that the aircraft was developed by order of the USSR and with the participation of Soviet designers.
Wing panel production
Assembly of the front wing
Checking the quality of riveting on an airplane wing
One L-410 aircraft uses about 185,000 rivets of different types and sizes
Riveting work in the middle part of the fuselage
Installation of floor panels
Production of the rear fuselage
Production of engine air intake parts
Production of air intake parts for the CASA CN-235 aircraft within the framework of industrial cooperation.
The plant also cooperates with Boeing for the Boeing 787 aircraft.
Assembly conveyor for L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft. Located in one of the newest buildings of the plant, originally designed for the production of L-610.
In one half of the building there are two production lines for new L-410 aircraft, in the second half there is a service workshop for aircraft coming out of service.
There are about 10 aircraft in the assembly shop at the same time. The fuselage, wing, end tanks and tail unit come to the beginning of the line from the paint shop.
At the end of the line are aircraft undergoing flight tests and preparing for delivery to customers.
Over the entire history of its existence, the plant has produced over 1,150 aircraft of the L-410 family.
More than 850 of them were delivered to operators in the USSR.
The process of finishing the luggage compartment of an aircraft in the nose after completing the installation of electrical equipment
Emergency exit door assembly
The nose of the aircraft with serial number 2915. The weather radar antenna is visible.
The forward luggage compartment doors are open.
Installation of avionics in the cockpit. Avionics traditionally include devices from Russian manufacturers
Installation of electrical equipment in the aircraft cabin
Installing Wiring Harnesses
Installation of electrical wires on an aircraft wing in the area of the engine nacelle
Five-blade AV-725 propellers (Avia Propeller) together with a GE H80-200 engine make up the new power plant for the L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft. It has been installed on all new aircraft since January 2013 and is certified by EASA and the Russian AR MAK.
Young people in production are not uncommon, also due to the presence of its own vocational technical school on the territory of the plant.
Average age The company's employees are 44 years old.
Work on the GE H-80 engine, carried out by a representative of GE Aviation Czech, Prague (former Walter plant).
The final installation stage takes about 5 months - this is the most expensive part of production, as within its framework, engines, landing gear and all avionics are installed on the aircraft, where each individual unit can cost 100-250 thousand Euros.
The total duration of the aircraft production cycle from the production of the first fuselage components to the end of flight testing takes just under a year.
Cockpit of the L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft.
The aircraft is fully equipped for instrument flight and has an advanced Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and TCAS II. The L 410 is designed in the metric system (rather than inches), which is an exception in Western aviation.
This type of aircraft has been used for many years as a graduation aircraft for training pilots at the Sasovo Flight School civil aviation(Ryazan region).
Pre-flight preparation. Stanislav Sklenarz is the chief test pilot of the plant.
Under the wing of an airplane, a view of the river. Morava and the town of Uhersky Ostrog
Aircraft L-410 UVP-E20 for French Guiana.
Airplanes for exotic countries often have bright, memorable colors.
Leaving with a turn
Practical ceiling - 8000 meters
Approaching the runway.
The L-410 aircraft can land both on a paved runway and on grass, soil and snow. UVP in the name of the aircraft means the Russian abbreviation “Shortened Takeoff and Landing,” which also recalls the Russian roots of the aircraft.
Castle Novy Svetlov (1480), Bojkowice.
Medieval gothic castle Buchlov (XIII century) is located 10 km from Kunowice.
Buchlov Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in South Moravia – the south-eastern region of the Czech Republic.
Velegrad Monastery (XIII century) is one of the main pilgrimage churches in Czech Republic.
In 863 - 866 Christian saints Cyril and Methodius lived and preached in the city of Velegrad.
A prototype of the L-610M aircraft in Staroe Mesto, installed for viewing at the entrance to the city.
Small in geographical size, the Czech Republic is one of the most developed European countries in the field of small aviation. Interesting facts: in total, there are over 80 take-off sites in the country, there are airfields with developed infrastructure, which are located on an area twice the size of the entire Moscow region.
To fly on a private jet in the Czech Republic, you should contact AVIAV TM (Cofrance SARL).
Small aviation in the Czech Republic
Many future pilots prefer to study flight skills in the Czech Republic. Specialists work here educational establishments two types - this summer school(FTO) or flight school (ATO). Here you can obtain a private airline pilot certificate according to EASA standards - the agency that standardizes both training and flights in the EU. Accordingly, having received a license in the Czech Republic, you can easily move around Europe.
Another advantage of this country is that it is very good climate, allowing flights throughout the year. Thus, you can order a plane in the Czech Republic even in winter, when the air temperature here is from minus 5 to plus 5 degrees Celsius.
The landscape of this country is also curious: in central Bohemia there are mainly plains, and in the north there are mountains. Accordingly, flights here can be very interesting and varied.
Order a plane in the Czech Republic
Small aviation services in the Czech Republic are provided by the broker AVIAV TM (Cofrance SARL).
Many years of experience, a wide base of aircraft and helicopters, excellent knowledge of Europe - this is why you should choose cooperation with Cofrance SARL.
How to book a plane in the Czech Republic? Without leaving your home or office! You simply call the broker or place an order on the website, then in a conversation with a personal Russian-speaking manager of the company, discuss what kind of plane or helicopter you need, the travel route, the date of the flight, as well as the need additional services. If you have doubts about the aircraft model, the broker's consultant will definitely help you.
The Cofrance SARL base includes long-haul and short-haul aircraft, as well as helicopters. All cars undergo regular technical inspection and are ready for departure immediately after placing an order.
After you make your choice, the broker's employee will make sure that the selected aircraft is not occupied - and you can go on your way.
Business aviation in the Czech Republic
Many aircraft business aircraft are manufactured in the Czech Republic.
For example, a very popular aircraft is the Sonata, which is produced by Airsport. The company produces motor gliders that are perfect for novice pilots. The company's most advanced model is the Airsport Song.
Let has an excellent business jet on its account. This is a Let L-410 car. It is interesting that in the 80s of the twentieth century the company developed the Let L-610 airliner, but as a result, it is the L-410 aircraft that is produced to this day.
Finally, it makes sense to mention a machine from AirLony - Airlony Skylane UL. This jet is a licensed copy of the Cessna 182 compact aircraft.
As for prices for business aviation services, they vary between 1,500 - 3,000 USD. per flight hour.
Business aviation in the Czech Republic is an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of travel. Fly with pleasure!
L-410 UVP-E20 is a universal twin-engine aircraft of Czech production for local airlines, accommodating 19 passengers. Designed for operation on unprepared dirt, grass, snow areas, as well as on airfields with short runways (about 600-700 meters), which, in fact, makes it an aircraft in the “off-road” category. The first flight of the L-410 was made on April 16, 1969. The main customer of the aircraft was the Soviet Union. In addition, the L-410 was also supplied to Bulgaria, Brazil, Hungary, East Germany, Libya, and Poland. Despite the fact that the plant is located in the Czech Republic, it considers itself part of the Russian aviation industry: the foundations for this were laid during its development and during its long history of operation. As of 2012, more than 400 L-410 aircraft are in operation around the world.
Production site of Aircraft Industries in Kunovice, Czech Republic.
The Aircraft Industries plant, better known under the Let Kunovice brand, is located 300 km from Prague. The plant employs 920 people.
The company produces aircraft through a full production cycle - it has its own lines for surface treatment of materials, paint and varnish production, a machine shop, assembly shops, a design bureau and an airport.
L-410 fuselage parts production workshop. The enterprise is expanding and modernizing production - light green equipment is intended for the production of a new generation of the L-410 NG (New Generation) aircraft.
The plant's production capacity is 16-18 new aircraft per year.
About 80% of aircraft are supplied to Russia. Over the past four years, 35 aircraft have been delivered to Russia.
Production of parts on a CNC milling center from the French company Creneau.
Cleaning parts before molding
Forming a part on a press
Punching press
Design documentation - interceptor drawing
Manufacturing of the wing spar on a 5-axis CNC milling center.
The production uses Russian duralumin produced by OJSC Kamensk-Ural Metallurgical Plant. The total share of components from Russia in the L-410 aircraft is about 15% - this is a legacy of the fact that the aircraft was developed by order of the USSR and with the participation of Soviet designers.
Wing panel production
Assembly of the front wing
Checking the quality of riveting on an airplane wing
One L-410 aircraft uses about 185,000 rivets of different types and sizes
Riveting work in the middle part of the fuselage
Installation of floor panels
Production of the rear fuselage
Production of engine air intake parts
Production of air intake parts for the CASA CN-235 aircraft within the framework of industrial cooperation.
The plant also cooperates with Boeing for the Boeing 787 aircraft.
Assembly conveyor for L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft. Located in one of the newest buildings of the plant, originally designed for the production of L-610.
In one half of the building there are two production lines for new L-410 aircraft, in the second half there is a service workshop for aircraft coming out of service.
There are about 10 aircraft in the assembly shop at the same time. The fuselage, wing, end tanks and tail unit come to the beginning of the line from the paint shop.
At the end of the line are aircraft undergoing flight tests and preparing for delivery to customers.
Over the entire history of its existence, the plant has produced over 1,150 aircraft of the L-410 family.
More than 850 of them were delivered to operators in the USSR.
The process of finishing the luggage compartment of an aircraft in the nose after completing the installation of electrical equipment
Emergency exit door assembly
The nose of the aircraft with serial number 2915. The weather radar antenna is visible.
The forward luggage compartment doors are open.
Installation of avionics in the cockpit. Avionics traditionally include devices from Russian manufacturers
Installation of electrical equipment in the aircraft cabin
Installing Wiring Harnesses
Installation of electrical wires on an aircraft wing in the area of the engine nacelle
Five-blade AV-725 propellers (Avia Propeller) together with a GE H80-200 engine make up the new power plant for the L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft. It has been installed on all new aircraft since January 2013 and is certified by EASA and the Russian AR MAK.
Young people in production are not uncommon, also due to the presence of its own vocational technical school on the territory of the plant.
The average age of the company's employees is 44 years.
Work on the GE H-80 engine, carried out by a representative of GE Aviation Czech, Prague (former Walter plant).
The final installation stage takes about 5 months - this is the most expensive part of production, as within its framework, engines, landing gear and all avionics are installed on the aircraft, where each individual unit can cost 100-250 thousand Euros.
The total duration of the aircraft production cycle from the production of the first fuselage components to the end of flight testing takes just under a year.
Cockpit of the L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft.
The aircraft is fully equipped for instrument flights and has an advanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) and TCAS II. The L 410 is designed in the metric system (rather than inches), which is an exception in Western aviation.
This type of aircraft has been used for many years as a graduation aircraft for training pilots at the Sasovo Flight School of Civil Aviation (Ryazan region).
Pre-flight preparation. Stanislav Sklenarz is the chief test pilot of the plant.
Under the wing of an airplane, a view of the river. Morava and the town of Uhersky Ostrog
Aircraft L-410 UVP-E20 for French Guiana.
Airplanes for exotic countries often have bright, memorable colors.
Leaving with a turn
Practical ceiling - 8000 meters
Approaching the runway.
The L-410 aircraft can land both on a paved runway and on grass, soil and snow. UVP in the name of the aircraft means the Russian abbreviation “Shortened Takeoff and Landing,” which also recalls the Russian roots of the aircraft.
Castle Novy Svetlov (1480), Bojkowice.
The medieval Gothic castle Buchlov (13th century) is located 10 km from Kunowice.
Buchlov Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in South Moravia – the south-eastern region of the Czech Republic.
Velehrad Monastery (XIII century) is one of the main pilgrimage churches in the Czech Republic.
In 863 - 866 Christian saints Cyril and Methodius lived and preached in the city of Velegrad.
A prototype of the L-610M aircraft in Staroe Mesto, installed for viewing at the entrance to the city.
For any questions regarding the use of photographs, please email.
I’ll share with you information that’s a little off-topic on the blog. We are talking about Czechoslovak aircraft production during the Second World War. More specifically, about the aviation company Aero. This company was created in 1919 and initially serviced aircraft transferred to the young Czechoslovak Republic by the Entente (SPAD, Salmson, Voisin). Well, that is, the Czechs write that it all started in 1919, but in fact these were the former facilities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, namely the Hansa-Brandenburg Werke plant of the notorious Ernst Heinkel. The young company took off and after 12 months they were able to start producing aircraft of their own design. By the end of the 30s, Aero became a fairly serious manufacturer, capable of mastering and mass-producing aircraft such as the MV-200 or SB-2. Our own projects were also quite up to par. Unfortunately, in March 1939, the Nazis came to the country.
At first they were not interested in the Aero company, and the Czechs calmly completed the last 4 MB-200s and 14 Aero A-304s, which were transferred to the German side. Soon, the Air Force attache arrived at the enterprise from Berlin and German types of aircraft began to be put into production. We started small - in the Aero workshops they began to assemble Bucker Bu-131 training two-seat biplanes intended for flight schools. They were produced until 1940 and only 200 were produced. In addition, from May 1940 to November 1940, the Czech company also produced 45 B-71 air target towing aircraft and 10 B-71B glider towing aircraft for the Luftwaffe. Let me remind you that this car was actually a Soviet high-speed bomber SB-2, which the Czechs produced under license.
Having assessed the performance of the Czech side, the Luftwaffe ordered another extremely useful vehicle - the recently launched tactical reconnaissance aircraft Focke Wulf Fw.189. They were produced for almost twelve months, delivering 337 Rams to the customer by the end of 1942. Starting next year, Aero was given new tasks - to put into production the auxiliary twin-engine Siebel Si.204D. The work was carried out at an accelerated pace and before the end of the war they managed to transfer 553 of these machines to the German Air Force. At the same time, a total of 1007 Siebels were produced in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia at the Aero, ČKD-Prague and Walter factories, and the fuselages for all of them were assembled in the Aero workshops (before the end of the war, 1023 fuselages were produced). To this must be added 49 overhauled Bucker Bu-131 aircraft and 15 modernized Aero A-304.
In total, during the war years, the number of Aero employees grew from 1,200 to 8,000. Since mid-1943, the Czechs have been talking about “forced” labor, and since 1944, the Germans have introduced a 12-hour working day for them with one “sliding” day off per week. However, the Czechs themselves note the positive aspects of working for the Germans: improved organization of work and technical equipment of production, the introduction of some new technologies. I will add that in addition to this, the Czechs “inherited” a couple of fairly good aircraft models (Bucker Bu-131, Siebel Si.204D), which they produced after the war for their own needs. Aero's fruitful work for the German Luftwaffe ended only on March 25, 1945 (!), when 50 Allied heavy bombers destroyed the company's assembly shops, destroying 50 almost finished Siebels on the stocks.