Aero L-39NG
| L-39NG | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| L-39NG technology demonstrator | |
| 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.
L-39NG upgrade program contains an installation of FJ44-4M engine and optionally the L-39NG avionics to existing L-39 Albatros. The first phase of L-39NG program was completed in September 2015 with a maiden flight on the 14th of that month.
The second phase represents newly built L-39NG aircraft with the possible use of components from the previous upgrade. Flight testing of this L-39NG variant is scheduled for the middle of 2017 with deliveries to start in 2019-20.
Aero Vodochody presented the L-39NG project at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014. As of April 2015, Draken International is offering the L-39NG upgrade program in a partnership with Aero Vodochody and Williams International and is responsible for the L-39NG upgrade for the American market. Other aircraft will be modernised by Aero in the Czech Republic.
Prototype of the re-engined L-39 with FJ44-4M engine first flew from Vodochody airport on 14 September 2015. The newly built L-39NG prototype is scheduled to be unveiled in 2016 with deliveries expected to begin in 2018.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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