Aircraft Industries has completed the first flight test of the L410-UVP-E20 powered by two of GE’s H80 turboprop engines. The 40-minute flight occurred in Kunovice in the
Czech Republic on November 16. The flight test is part of the certification program for the H80-powered L410 aircraft, which is expected to be complete in third quarter of 2012. Upon certification of the aircraft engine combination, Aircraft Industries will offer GE’s H80 engine on all new L410 aircraft as well as an engine upgrade program to existing customers that operate M601-powered L410s.
The L410 aircraft first entered service in 1969. More than 1,100 units have been produced, with more than 450 aircraft still in service today. In February, Aircraft Industries signed a five-year sales agreement with GE Aviation for the purchase of M601 and H80 engines.
