The Czech manufacturer Aero-Vodochody announced on March 27 that the first prototype of the new L-39NG trainer version has significantly expanded its previously flown range as part of the type certification process.
Mach 0.8 or 490 KCAS was achieved, as was an altitude of 11,580 meters. The development of the aircraft took ten years and cost over one billion Czech crowns (just under 40 million euros). The manufacturer wants to make the aircraft as iconic as the L-39 Albatros, which is rightly regarded as the most successful jet trainer in the world. Since the end of the 1960s, Aero in Odolena Vody has produced over 3,000 Albatros aircraft, of which around 650 are still flying worldwide. The aircraft served at its peak in sixty countries and is also used by a number of aerobatic teams. The new airplane has a longer range, better aerodynamic characteristics and is equipped with modern technology. The subsonic aircraft is designed as an entry-level trainer for the role of a light combat aircraft. The “new edition” is based on the original aerodynamic concept, but is equipped with modern instruments and a new western engine. This consumes half the fuel and is lighter than the Ukrainian engine of the original L-39. Part of the airframe is made of composite materials. The main difference is a greater “slope” of the cockpit level, which gives the rear pilot a better view. Another new feature is the so-called wet wing, which means that the fuel is located directly in the wing and the tanks at the wingtips are no longer required.
According to Deputy Minister Thomas Kopecny, in addition to the offer to Austria, the sale of four fighter trainer versions to Senegal achieved by the previous management of Aero is to be contractually countersigned at the beginning of April – before the coronavirus restrictions. In addition, the company is competing to replace the twelve Tunisian L-59Ts that will be retired from 2024 and expects to deliver a further four aircraft to the domestic training center LOM-Pardubice.
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