L-90 Redigo

The Valmet L-90 Redigo is a turboprop-powered military basic trainer and liaison aircraft developed from Valmet's earlier training aircraft for the Finnish Air Force. It was the last military aircraft designed and produced in Finland. The prototype, a modified L-80, 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 and two prototypes were produced. Aermacchi purchased the manufacturing rights in 1996 but did not return the aircraft to production.

Design

The L-90 features a conventional configuration with a low wing and retractable tricycle landing gear. The cockpit is configured for side-by-side seating for the student and instructor, and the cabin can accommodate two additional passengers or a stretcher with a patient. The wing design utilizes a modified NACA 63-218 airfoil at the root and a modified NACA 63-412 airfoil at the tip. Under the M-290 TP specification, the aircraft is powered by a single Allison 250-B17F turboprop engine rated at 340 kW (450 hp).

Armament

For weapons training and close-support operations, the L-90 can carry light armament. It is equipped with six hardpoints supporting a maximum external weapons payload of 800 kg (1,800 lb).

Operational History

The Finnish Air Force operated 10 L-90 units exclusively as liaison aircraft; the entire fleet has been retired. Other military operators included the Eritrean Air Force, which operated six retired units, and the Mexican Navy, which retired all seven of its aircraft. In civil operations, Blue Air Training in the United States operates six units designated as the Valmet A-90 Raider.

Variants

• Aermacchi M-290 TP Redigo: A variant powered by an Allison 250-B17F turboprop engine, documented under Aermacchi after the company acquired the manufacturing rights in 1996.
• Valmet A-90 Raider: A designation applied to the six aircraft operated in the United States by Blue Air Training.