The Latvian Air Force has taken delivery of its first locally-developed Tarragon aircraft that will used for pilot training.
The jet trainers were manufactured by the Latvian company SIA “Pelegrin” and were handed over on December 2, at the Ādaži airfield.
These are the first aircraft at the disposal of the Air Force, which will be used for pilot and crew training, as well as for maintaining qualifications and ensuring operational tasks.
The Tarragon is a two-seater plane that can fly at around 70 kilometers per hour and reach speeds of up to 370 kilometers per hour at altitudes of up to 3.5 kilometers. The landing distance on asphalt surface is 150 meters, and the minimum take-off is 225 meters.
“Thanks to the cooperation between the defense and industries, not only the automobile industry has been revived in Latvia, but also the production of airplanes. We can be proud of what our craftsmen have done, following in the footsteps of the legendary constructor Kārlis Irbīte – many countries around the world are already showing interest in the models produced by the company!” Latvian defense minister Artis Pabriks said.
While this month’s delivery represents the first military variants of the Tarragon airframe, the type is already flying with several commercial operators in Europe and the United States.
