The turboprop was designed for use on the Let L-410 and the M601 first ran in 1967. It was not suitable for the prototype L-410 and the company developed an upgraded version, the M601A, with a slightly wider diameter.
Variants
M601A
Initial production variant for early version of the Let L410.
M601B
Production variant for the Let L410UVP.
M601D
Developed for the Let L410UVP.
M601D-1
Agricultural variant for high-cycle operation, used on the PZL Kruk and Ayres Thrush.
M601D-2
Special variant for paradrop aircraft, used on the Do 28 and some Finist conversions.
M601D-11
Agricultural and paradrop variant with a higher Time Between Overhaul of up to 1800 hours.
M601D-11NZ
Downrated variant for use in the FU-24 Fletcher.
M601E
Developed for the Let L410UVP-E.
M601E-11
General use engine with sub-variants of differing TBO.
M601E-11A
Variant of the 11 for use at higher operating altitudes and modified with a low pressure bleed air system for pressurised aircraft.
M601E-21
Variant for the L410-UVP-E used for hot and high operations.