AERMACCHI IS TO buy the abandoned L-90TP Redigo turboprop military-trainer programme from Valmet Aviation Industries of Finland, and transfer production to Italy.
The Redigo, a basic trainer, will be re-designated the M-290TP and offered to potential customers alongside Aermacchi's MB.339FD advanced lead-in trainer as a package, says commercial director Cesare Cozzi.
Cozzi says that technical modifications to the Redigo are unlikely, although "...something could be done from the avionics point of view". The transfer of tooling will begin "within the next six months", and production will be under way by "March or April 1997", he adds.
Valmet halted production of the loss-making Redigo a year ago, following poor sales since its first flight in 1986. About 30 aircraft are in service with the air forces of Eritrea, Finland and Mexico.
Source: Flight International