Aero L-39NG

L-39NG
L-39NG concept drawing
Role Military trainer aircraft
Manufacturer Aero Vodochody
First flight 14 September 2015
Number built 1
Developed from Aero L-39 Albatros

The Aero L-39NG (Next Generation) is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft currently under development by Aero Vodochody. It is a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros. The L-39NG project is divided into two phases. First, L-39NG upgrade program contains an installation of FJ44-4M engine and optionally the L-39NG avionics to existing L-39 Albatros.[1] The second phase represents newly built L-39NG aircraft with the possible use of components from the previous upgrade.[2]

Design and development

Aero Vodochody presented the L-39NG project at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014.[3] As of April 21, 2015, Draken International is offering the L-39NG upgrade program in a partnership with Aero Vodochody and Williams International[1] and is responsible for the L-39NG upgrade for the American market. Other aircraft will be modernised by Aero in the Czech Republic.[4]

The prototype first flew from Vodochody airport on 14 September 2015.[5]

Operational history

L-39 of the Flight Training Center

Testing

Prototype of the re-engined L-39 with FJ44-4M engine will be introduced in the Czech Republic in summer 2015[6] or in the end of 2015.[2] The newly built L-39NG prototype is scheduled to be unveiled in 2016 with deliveries expected to begin in 2018.[3]

Export orders

The first customer for L-39NG upgrade was announced at the Paris Air Show in June 2015. LOM Praha, a state-owned enterprise, will use the L-39NG at its Flight Training Center at Pardubice Airport in the Czech Republic.[2][7] Aero Vodochody has also signed an agreement with Draken International for up to six of the L-39s of Draken's display team to receive the L-39NG upgrade. Breitling Jet Team is another L-39NG upgrade customer.[4]

Potential operators

In June 2015, Aero Vodochody announced "advanced talks" with two potential governmental operators. Another opportunity is the French Air Force program of Dassault Alpha Jet replacement.[6] Reportedly, Vietnam People's Air Force is seeking to replace its obsolete L-39s by new jet trainers with L-39NG being one of the possible candidates. However, Vietnam has also expressed interest in Yakovlev Yak-130.[8][9]

Variants

L-39NG upgrade program (Phase 1)

Re-engined L-39 Albatros to be powered by Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan. Optionally includes an installation of the L-39NG avionics.[2]

L-39NG (Phase 2)

Newly built L-39NG jet trainer aircraft with new avionics and glass cockpit, new airframe with five hardpoints, and FJ44-4M engine.

Specifications (L-39NG)

Data from L-39 Next Generation web page[10][11]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 "Draken International to Offer Next Generation Upgrades for Aero L-39 Aircraft". reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 23 June 2015. External link in |website= (help)
  2. 1 2 3 4 "L-39NG has announced first customers". L-39 Next Generation. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  3. 1 2 "L-39NG Multi-Role Jet Trainer, Czech Republic". airforce-technology.com. Kable, a trading division of Kable Intelligence Limited. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  4. 1 2 de Larrinaga, Nicholas. "Paris Air Show 2015: Aero Vodochody announces three L-39NG launch customers". IHS Jane's 360. IHS Inc. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "Enhanced L-39NG trainer makes maiden sortie". Flight International: 17. 22 September 2015.
  6. 1 2 Kington, Tom. "L-39NG Upgrade Captures Customers' Attention". Defense News. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  7. ↑ van Hest, Elmer. "AERO VODOCHODY HAPPY WITH FIRST L-39NG CUSTOMER". AIRheads↑FLY. AHF Media Group. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  8. ↑ Nguyen, Binh. "Việt Nam sẽ mua máy bay huấn luyện chiến đấu thế hệ mới L-39NG?". SOHA NEWS. Công ty Cổ phần VCCorp. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  9. ↑ Sáu, Thứ. "L-39NG hay Yak-130, máy bay nào Việt Nam sẽ mua?". BÁO ĐẤT VIỆT. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  10. ↑ "L-39NG vs L-39 Comparison". L-39 Next Generation. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  11. ↑ "L-39NG Brochure". L-39 Next Generation. AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. Retrieved 16 June 2015.

External links

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