RediGO

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. 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

Eritrea

Eritrean Air Force 6 retired

Finland

Finnish Air Force, 10 units, the whole fleet retired

Mexico

Mexican Navy 7, all of them currently retired

Civil

United States

Blue Air Training : 6 Valmet A-90 Raider

Specifications (M-290 TP)

Data from Brassey's World Aircraft and Systems Directory 1999/2000General characteristics

Crew: 2

Capacity: Can accommodate additional two passengers or stretcher with patient

Length: 8.53 m (28 ft 0 in)

Wingspan: 10.60 m (34 ft 9 in)

Height: 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in)

Wing area: 14.8 m2 (159 sq ft)

Airfoil: root: NACA 63-218 (mod); tip: NACA 63-412 (mod)

Empty weight: 970 kg (2,138 lb)

Max takeoff weight: 1,350 kg (2,976 lb) clean – Acrobatic category

1,470 kg (3,240 lb) clean – Utility category

1,600 kg (3,500 lb) clean – Normal category

1,900 kg (4,200 lb) w/ external stores – Normal category

Powerplant: 1 × Allison 250-B17F turboprop, 340 kW (450 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 354 km/h (220 mph, 191 kn) TAS @ 3,281 m (10,764 ft) & 1,600 kg (3,500 lb), clean

Cruise speed: 326 km/h (203 mph, 176 kn) TAS @ 3,281 m (10,764 ft) & 1,600 kg (3,500 lb), clean

Stall speed: 93 km/h (58 mph, 50 kn)