The Aermacchi AL-60 Turbine Grizzly (ICAO type LA6T) is a turboprop variant of the AL-60 utility aircraft family. While formally recognized in ICAO Doc 8643 as a single-engine turboprop landplane, there is no documented evidence of the Turbine Grizzly entering serial production as a distinct factory-built model. Instead, the LA6T designation likely describes a class of turboprop conversions based on existing AL-60 airframes.
The foundational design of the aircraft was the Lockheed CL-402 (also known as the Lockheed 60), developed by designers Al and Art Mooney. The prototype first flew on September 15, 1959. Although designed in the United States by Lockheed, the aircraft was primarily produced under license by other manufacturers: LASA in Mexico, Aermacchi in Italy, and Atlas Aircraft Corporation in South Africa, where it was known as the C4M Kudu. Approximately 180 aircraft across all variants were produced in total, including over 40 C4M Kudus built between 1974 and 1991 for the South African Air Force.
Technically, the Turbine Grizzly retains the basic dimensions of the AL-60 family, with ICAO documenting a wingspan of 14.1 meters and a length of 8.8 meters. The original piston-powered AL-60B2 utilized a 260 hp Continental TSIO-470-B-A1A engine, but the Turbine Grizzly replaces this with a turboprop powerplant. While specific engine models for the LA6T are not listed in available records, similar turbine conversions of the C4M Kudu—known as the Atlas Angel or Turbine Kudu—have been utilized extensively in civilian roles, particularly as skydive release aircraft.
The AL-60 family is noted for its rugged high-wing configuration and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, with the piston versions capable of operating from strips just over 600 feet long. This made them ideal for utility and liaison roles in the air forces of Mexico, Italy, Mauritania, the Central African Republic, Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe. Today, the legacy of the type continues through a small number of surviving airframes and active turbine-converted utility aircraft operating privately.