Aero L-39NG

L-39NG
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[1]
Developed from Aero L-39 Albatros

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.

The L-39NG project has been divided into two distinct stages, or versions. The Stage 1 programme is an upgrade that is available to existing L-39 operators; the original airframes are retrofitted with a new engine and (optionally) modern avionics. The Stage 2 programme involves the production of new-build aircraft; these benefit from several design improvements, such as the use of a wet wing, eliminating the original L-39's distinctive wingtip fuel tanks.[2] During September 2020, the Czech defence ministry certificated the L39NG in accordance with supranational military standards.[3] Numerous civil and military customers have placed orders for the L-39NG, including a dedicated reconnaissance variant.

  1. ^ "Aero Vodochody představilo první sériový L-39NG a nabírá zaměstnance". Aeroweb.cz (in Czech). 1 December 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Osborne was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference fligglob39ng certificate was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

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