GLOBAL DEFENCE NEWS – Dec.24
Italian Flying Legend TP150 Set to Become the Vietnamese Air Force’s Next Trainer Aircraft.
The Flying Legend TP-150 is currently being showcased by the Italian company Flying Legend at the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024, held from December 15 to 18, 2024, in Hanoi. This event, which brings together key players in the international defense industry, provides an opportunity for the Italian company to highlight the advanced capabilities of this military training aircraft. Designed to meet the needs of air forces for cost-effective pilot training, the TP-150 could very well become the next training aircraft for the Vietnamese military, thereby strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations and supporting Vietnam’s ambitions in the military aviation sector.
The Flying Legend TP-150 is a military aircraft designed for both pilot training and patrol missions. Fully constructed from aluminum and equipped with reinforced landing gear, this aircraft is ideal for training new pilots on grass or asphalt runways. With a load factor of +6/-3G, it enables basic aerobatic maneuvers and formation flying, making it an advanced training aircraft.
The Flying Legend TP-150 is produced by the Italian company Flying Legend, which specializes in manufacturing aluminum aircraft, including replicas of military planes like the Tucano-R. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Italy, with operational facilities in the United States and a new production plant in Vietnam. The TP-150 is a basic military trainer designed to provide low acquisition and maintenance costs while enabling basic aerobatic maneuvers and formation flying. The Flying Legend Vietnam company was established in November 2023.
The collaboration between the Italian company Flying Legend and Vietnam is part of a strategy of industrial diversification and expansion. In 2022, Flying Legend announced the opening of a production plant in Vietnam, marking a key milestone in its international development. This partnership aims to reduce production costs and meet the growing demand for cost-effective military training aircraft while leveraging the technical expertise and workforce available locally. This initiative also aligns with Vietnam’s goal of developing its aeronautical industry and enhancing its defense capabilities through partnerships with European players renowned for their expertise.
The TP-150 is primarily designed as a basic military training aircraft with low acquisition and maintenance costs and can also be used for patrol and surveillance missions. However, without official confirmation, it remains speculative whether this aircraft will be adopted by the Vietnamese military and for what specific purpose.
Powered by a 150-horsepower Rotax 915iS fuel-injected engine, the TP-150 offers reduced fuel consumption and high performance, particularly for long-range missions. Additionally, it features a ballistic recovery system and can be optionally equipped with underwing fuel tanks or a surveillance system.
In terms of performance, the aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 160 KTAS at an altitude of 9,000 feet, a climb rate of 1,300 feet per minute up to 10,000 feet, and an operational ceiling of 21,000 feet. Its maximum speed (Vne) is 178 KTAS.
Regarding weight and payload, the Flying Legend TP-150 has a maximum takeoff weight of 750 kg (+6/-3G), an empty weight of 430 kg, and a baggage capacity of 34 kg, shared between two pilots.
Finally, its architecture includes an aluminum airframe, retractable landing gear, a hydraulic constant-speed propeller, and dual controls for IFR configurations. These features make it a versatile, robust, and efficient aircraft for armed forces and flight schools.
If needed, additional options can be added to customize the aircraft according to the specific requirements of operators.
