Air Force Receives Pair Of Domestically Built Trainer Aircraft

The Latvian air force has taken delivery of two basic trainer aircraft produced by a domestic firm, reports Latvian Public Broadcasting (LSM).

The Tarragon trainers were formally handed over to the air force during a ceremony on Dec. 2 at the Adazi airfield, reported the Latvian Defense Ministry. The planes are built by the Pelegrin firm at the airbase.

Following the inspection, air force pilots flew the Tarragons to their permanent home at the Lielvarde air base.

The two-person light aircraft will be used for pilot and crew training, maintaining qualifications and other operational tasks.

The Tarragon has a top speed of 230 mph (370 kph), range of 800 miles (1,300 km) and a ceiling of 11,480 feet (3,500 m). It can operate safely from very small airstrips, according to the manufacturer.