Czech manufacturer Letecke Zavody says it is seeing "strong" interest in its 44-seat L-610 turboprop, which could lead to the project being resurrected.
An unnamed South Korean customer is ready to order a General Electric CT7-9D-powered L-610G version. Kunowice-based Letecke - previously known as Let - says that if the programme is revived it will take 10-12 months to complete the certification programme. It is hoped that an initial sale to South Korea would open the market for the L-610 in the region.
The first L-610 variant to fly, in 1988, was equipped with Czech-built Walter M602 turboprops. The Westernised L-610G version flew in 1992, with GE engines and Rockwell Collins avonics, but the programme was suspended after the abortive takeover of Let by Ayres of the USA. The L-610's only order, from the Czech air force,was never finalised. Letecke has also reported increasing interest in the smaller L-410/420.
Source: Flight International