In Vietnam, the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) of the first six L-39NG training aircraft from Aero Vodochody was completed. During the SAT, the aircraft were fully assembled, checked in all functions and flown by a factory pilot on site. Following its order of order of twelve L-39NG jet trainers in February 2021 the first user of the L-39NG, the aircraft were handed over together with partner Omnipol.
“The final step of the aircraft handover, called SAT, takes place directly at the customer’s site and is managed by a joint team of around ten specialists from Aero and Omnipol,” explained Viktor Sotona, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Aero. He added: “I am very pleased that the final assembly and flight of the six L-39NGs went smoothly and that our aircraft can now fully serve as a training platform for fighter pilots as well as a tactical platform for a wide range of missions for the Vietnamese Air Force.”
The finished L-39NG is delivered to the customer in several phases and steps. First, the so-called FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) checks whether all specified requirements have been met. If this is the case, the aircraft can be delivered to its destination. The SAT then takes place there, during which the aircraft is tested and accepted by the customer. This is to ensure that the aircraft has been properly installed and configured and is ready for use. The deal also includes the corresponding theoretical and practical training. This includes a simulation training system and manuals for pilots and mechanics. The manual for the L-39NG serves as a guide for technicians during repairs, including information on the necessary tools and their use. Pilots also have a manual describing procedures for various flight maneuvers and situations. Two more facts to illustrate the complexity of such aircraft: The assembly of an L-39NG requires about 14,000 parts, 17,500 rivets and 31,000 man-hours, and the manuals for mechanics and pilots run to tens of thousands of pages.
The L-39NG platform currently enables both Western and Eastern configurations and meets the requirements for comprehensive training of future pilots of fourth and fifth generation aircraft such as the F-16 and F-35. In addition to pilot training, the L-39NG is also suitable for light combat and reconnaissance missions. Originally Aero Vodochody with the L-39NG alongside Saab/Boeing (with the T-7) and Leonardo (with the M-346, -> Leonardo gives the M-346 an upgrade) are also hoping to succeed the Saab 105OE in the German Armed Forces but the Italians are likely to win the race in this country.
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