The Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody announced the successful maiden flight of its first series-produced L-39NG advanced jet trainer. During the approximately 40-minute flight, the pilots tested all functions of the engine, aircraft systems, avionics and the controllability and behavior of the aircraft in all phases of flight – from take-off to aerobatics and landing, according to Aero. The aircraft was flown at altitudes between 0 and 8,500 meters and at speeds of up to Mach 0.8 (900 km/h).
“The maiden flight of the first production aircraft has confirmed the maturity of the L-39NG,” said Viktor Sotona, President and CEO of the company, in a press release. “The aircraft is the absolute world leader in its class. In terms of design, flight characteristics, safety, avionics and modern equipment, it is an excellent platform for training fourth and fifth generation fighter pilots.”
“The aircraft is the absolute world leader in its class.
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Aero-Präsident & CEO Viktor Sotona
Sotona continues: “The aircraft is also ideally suited as a light combat aircraft for ground-to-air support. In addition, the L-39NG could significantly reduce the costs of fighter pilot training. In contrast to twin-engine training jets, the L-39NG costs around 50 percent less to procure and operate. With an estimated service life of more than 40 years, such a difference is naturally very significant. However, one of the most important decision criteria in favor of the L-39NG is that only a single platform is required for training and not several – a requirement that modern air forces are increasingly focusing on for reasons of efficiency.”
Aero Vodochody still believes that its L-39NG has a good chance of becoming a potential successor to the Saab 105 in Austria. As Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner recently announced, in addition to new transport aircraft training jets are also to be procured. “The L-39NG and its training and combat systems would enable Austrian pilots to be trained at the highest level,” reads the latest Aero statement. It continues: “However, the L-39NG was also developed as a light combat aircraft that could secure Austrian airspace together with the Eurofighter. The L-39NG represents the most cost-effective and modern solution in its class and is therefore the ideal platform for training future Austrian fighter pilots and for light combat missions.” https://militaeraktuell.at/lockheed-oder-embraer-was-kommt-nach-der-hercules/ As Aero Vodochody emphasizes, the procurement of the L-39NG by the Austrian Armed Forces could also boost the aircraft manufacturer’s strategic cooperation with Austrian companies. “Austrian industrial and high-tech companies are already involved in the development, production and supply chain of the L-39NG program,” says Filip Kulštrunk, Executive Vice President and CCO at Aero. “For example, last year Aero signed a cooperation agreement with Airborne Technologies last year. Further negotiations on cooperation with Austrian partners are underway.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acOSM7pUko4 Aero currently reports full order books with a total of 34 L-39NGs already ordered. Future customers include, for example, the Czech Republic and HungaryThe first series aircraft was produced for a customer in Southeast Asia. Aero has commissioned a new production line exclusively for the L-39NG in order to be able to process the orders on time. Production capacity is to be increased to 24 units per year over the next two years.
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