Valmet L-90 Redigo Explained

The Valmet L-90 Redigo is a turboprop-powered military basic trainer aircraft and liaison aircraft, a development of Valmet's earlier training aircraft for the Finnish Air Force. The L-90 was the last military aircraft designed and produced in Finland.[1]

Design and development

The prototype, a modified L-80, first flew on February 12, 1985. A second prototype, powered by a Turbomeca TP319 turboprop, was destroyed in an accident in August 1988.[2] A total of 29 production aircraft plus the 2 prototypes were produced. Aermacchi purchased the manufacturing rights in 1996 but never returned the aircraft to production.

The aircraft is of conventional configuration, with retractable tricycle gear and a low wing. The student and instructor sit side-by-side. As is typical with many military trainers, it can also carry light armament for weapons training, or potentially, for use in a close-support role. The Finnish Air Force only used the L-90 as a liaison aircraft.

Operators

Eritrean Air Force 6 retired
  • Finnish Air Force, 10 units, the whole fleet retired
  • Mexican Navy 7, all of them currently retired
  • References

    Notes

    Further reading

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: From Observation Sorties to Multi-Role Fighters . History of the Finnish Air Force. Finnish Defense Forces .
    2. Web site: Military Aircraft Forecast.