Czech manufacturer Aircraft Industries is celebrating the roll out of its prototype L-410 NG as an upgrade to the ‘turboprop commuter’ L-410UVP-E20 aircraft, which is currently in serial production. The NG is equipped with advanced avionics and its first flight has now taken place. Owing to an improved wing structure, including an integral fuel tank and increased fuel capacity, the L-410 NG is predicted to have a maximum range of 1,349 nm and 10-hour endurance with a maximum cruise speed of 225 kts. It can accommodate up to 19 passengers and has a payload of 2,154 kg along with a sizeable front luggage compartment that can house up to 400 kg of cargo. Crew are expected to benefit from the improved technology of the aircraft, with a glass cockpit with Garmin 3000 avionics as standard. In its regular configuration, the L-410 NG is intended for short haul transport from remote and undeveloped areas to major cities. Aircraft Industries plans to produce up to 30 L-410 NG aircraft a year; since 1969 more than 1,200 L-410 series aircraft have been manufactured.