Aero Vodochody
Aero L-39NG Albatros
Next Generation
Aero Vodochody
Aero L-39NG Albatros
 |
|
| Role | Advanced jet trainer Light attack aircraft |
|---|---|
| National origin | Czech Republic |
| Manufacturer | Aero Vodochody |
| First flight | 14 September 2015 (L-39CW)22 December 2018 (L-39NG) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Vietnam People's Air Force Hungarian Air Force Czech Air Force Draken International |
| Produced | 2015-present |
| Number built | Serial production since 2022 |
| Developed from | Aero L-39 Albatros |
.
History Aero Vodochody
Aero L-39NG Albatros Next Generation
The Aero L-39NG ("Next Generation") is a turbofan-powered military trainer and light combat aircraft developed and produced by the Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody. It is a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros.
During July 2014, Aero Vodochody announced the launch of the L-39NG programme. By April 2015, the company revealed a partnership between itself, Draken International and Williams International to jointly work on the project - the latter provides its FJ44-4M turbofan engine for the aircraft, while Draken shall be responsible to the type on the North American market, as well as operate its own fleet. On 14 September 2015, the maiden flight of the L-39NG technology demonstrator (L-39CW) was performed. On 14 March 2018, type certification of the L-39CW was received. On 22 December 2018, the first L-39NG prototype conducted its first flight. In September 2020, the Czech defence ministry certificated the L-39NG using supranational military standards.
Design
On 16 July 2014, while attending the Farnborough Airshow, Aero Vodochody presented its L-39NG project as a follow-on to its popular Aero L-39 Albatros trainer aircraft. By April 2015, Aero Vodochody had formed a partnership with the American defence services provider Draken International and engine manufacturer Williams International to collaborate on the L-39NG programme; under this agreement, Draken International assumed responsibility for the type in the North American market. For other regions of the world, Aero remains responsible for the modernisation of existing aircraft at their facilities in the Czech Republic.
.jpg)
The L-39NG aircraft is being developed and marketed in two stages. The L-39NG upgrade program (Stage 1) involves an installation of FJ44-4M turbofan engine and optionally the Stage 2 avionics to existing L-39 Albatros. The FJ44-4M engine generated almost identical thrust output to the Soviet-era Ivchenko AI-25 engine that powered the original L-39 series, but at a considerably lower fuel consumption as well as possessing more favourable operating characteristics. On 14 September 2015, the maiden flight of the L-39NG technology demonstrator (L-39CW) was performed, the first stage of development was declared to be complete that same month. On 20 November 2017, Aero Vodochody announced they have completed the development of the L-39CW. On 14 March 2018, the company announced that the L-39CW had received type certification, signifying its airworthiness and readiness for serial manufacture
The aircraft is fitted with a hydraulically-actuated retractable nosewheel undercarriage which is designed to allow operation from grass airfields. The main landing gear legs retract inward into wing bays while the nose gear retracts forward. The basic L-39C trainer has provision for two underwing pylons for drop tanks or practice weapons, but these are not usually fitted.0
KmCeiling
0
KmCombat RANGE
0
Km/hAircraft Speed
0
Max Crew
Photo Gallery
Aero Vodochody
Aero L-39NG Albatros
Next Generation
Aero Vodochody
Aero L-39NG Albatros Next Generation
General Info
-
- Crew: 2
- Length: 12.03 m (39 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 9.56 m (31 ft 4 in)
Powerplant
-
Max takeoff weight: 5,800 kg
Rear view of a L-39NG and its Williams FJ44 engine - Powerplant: 1 × Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine, 16.89 kN (3,800 lbf) thrust
-
Performance
- Maximum speed: 900 km/h (560 mph, 490 kn) TAS at 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
- Range: 2,590 km (1,610 mi, 1,400 nmi) (internal fuel)
- Endurance: four hours and 30 minutes (internal fuel)
- Service ceiling: 11,500 m (37,700 ft)
Armament
- Up to 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) of stores on five external hardpoints
- Up to 570 kg (1,250 lb) of external fuel on two "wet" hardpoints
.
Links to Youtube & Others
The technology demonstrator L-39CW, a conventional airframe outfitted with the FJ44-4M engine and other retrofitted elements, performed its first flight from Vodochody airport on 14 September 2015. In September 2016, Aero Vodochody announced that it had completed the first phase of testing with the L-39CW, and was now ready to proceed with the development of the more comprehensive new-build L-39NG
Aero L-39NG Albatros
2015: The first customer for the L-39NG Stage 1 was announced at the Paris Air Show in June 2015. LOM Praha, a Czech state-owned enterprise, has ordered the L-39NG for use at its Flight Training Center at Pardubice Airport.
Read more in Aero Vodochody
.
