Let Kunovice

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

Building of an aircraft factory in Kunovice started in 1936, as a part of Škoda Works industrial concern. Before and during the WWII 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.

After the fall of socialism in Czechoslovakia (1989) the company was not able to compete on international markets and its production was radically reduced. In 2001 the company collapsed and was bought by its competitor (Moravan-Aeroplanes) but the new owner collapsed in 2004. Current situation is unclear but outlooks are bleak [link].

Blaník sailplane

The all metal Blaník sailplane was produced in the largest quantities of any sailplane, with over 3000 manufactured since the first one (model designation L13) 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 succes is its reputation as the most forgiving sailplane twoseat trainer. Its stability is such that it is nearly imposible to enter an incipient spin unless done deliberately, and also, its ability to land "wheels up" without sustaining any damage. This is done by having a small fraction of the wheel to be exposed dureing "wheels up", its tail wheel and a small area under its nose that can withstand typicle landing forces.

External link

[Company website]

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